Our staff

Noah Stallworth studied Film, Television, and Media at the University of Michigan, where he also ran track and field. Previously, Noah has worked as a tutor, a paraprofessional, and a coach. For Noah, fostering relationships and promoting the success for our youth is a lifelong goal.

Monica Zavala has more than 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector.

Gabriela Gual is currently attending Davenport University to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Gabriela has a passion for supporting the success of youth and young adults, and enjoys working with the community and advocating for students. 

Jackee Thompson has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and has worked with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and as a Crisis Interventionist with the 17th Circuit Family Court. 

DaJuan Thomas is a graduate of Concordia University. He is passionate about helping youth and families, and also serves as the varsity football coach for Godwin Heights. 

José Rodriguez has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and has worked as a Youth Advocate Specialist. He is a community advocate who is passionate about intersectional justice. 

Carolina Diaz has a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Communications. She has worked in special education and Spanish immersion, and has also worked as an event planner.  

Marisol Garcia has spent several years working as a community interpreter and working at a local non-profit where she developed a deep passion for supporting families and serving the community. A proud graduate of Harry S. Truman College in Chicago, Marisol is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others.  

Vanessa Cervantes is bilingual in English and Spanish and is a proud GRPS alumnus. She has experience working in the non-profit sector at Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, and is passionate about building relationships, working with youth and families, and planning community events.

Aliyah Rivera has been working with youth and families for a majority of her career. She enjoys building relationships with people in order to create safe spaces and strong bonds. 

Dulce Reyes-Loredo is thrilled to be part of Burton Middle School, as she grew up in the Grandville Avenue and Roosevelt neighborhoods. A first-generation college student currently attending Grand Rapids Community College, Dulce is obtaining a BBA in Business and a minor in non-profits. Her professional background spans non-profits, healthcare, and corporate auditing. Dulce is dedicated to giving back to her community and empowering families, students and my community.  

Earnestine Mays has worked in domestic violence, adoption, and mental health, and has been a crisis counselor, case manager, and Child and Family Therapist.  

Cyle Blitstein is a graduate of Northern Michigan University. With over 20 years of diverse professional experiences, Cyle found his home in Grand Rapids, engaging with the community, and igniting his passions for equity, helping kids find themselves, making connections, and making dad jokes! 

Stephanie Suero is a bilingual professional with extensive experience in nonprofits. Her educational background is in International Business with a concentration in Languages, Cultures and World Trade. As a transplant to Grand Rapids, Stephanie is continuously learning about the community and is looking forward to being an impactful change agent.

Lynnae Edmond has worked for Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative as a preschool teacher, and loves being part of the Gerald R. Ford community!  

Alicia Heintz has worked at Harrison Park Academy for the past 20 years, first as the Department of Health and Human Services worker, and now as the KSSN Community School Coordinator. Alicia is excited to continue to support and advocate for the families and students of Harrison Park, and is looking forward to connecting with community partners on the West side and bringing in them in to the school.

Mark Wright has spent much of his career mentoring youth and supporting families. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships that empower students to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Ashley Phillips has an M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences and is a Certified Family Life Educator. She has experience working with preschool and elementary families, and has a passion for helping to ensure they need to be successful and to break down whatever barriers they may face.  

Ahmari Jobe is a recent graduate of Florida A&M University, Ahmari hopes to attend law school to become a defense and civil rights attorney. 

Gregory Mason was born and raised in Detroit, and has lived in Grand Rapids since 2005. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work, and has experience working in foster care case management, substance abuse counseling, LGBT supports, mental health, and housing.

Sara Scott has served in the Cherry Health AmeriCorps program, and has brought Total Trek Quest, a successful after-school program, to Kent County.  

Teresa Cruz-Vega is the Community School Coordinator at Southwest Elementary School – Academia Bilingüe in Grand Rapids Public Schools.  

Doris Penn is a bilingual higher education professional, language services coordinator, and community advocate with over two decades of experience. She recently served as the Language Resources Coordinator at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan  and spent a decade at Grand Valley State University in various leadership roles. A native Spanish speaker, she holds an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Leadership and a B.B.A. in Human Resources Management from Grand Valley State University, along with a finance certification from IPAE in Peru.

Morgan Bills has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, with a background in Mental Health, Juvenile Justice, and Youth Homelessness. She is passionate about building strong relationships, advocating for youth, and empowering families. Morgan speaks both English and Spanish.  

Damion Gregory is a proud Union High School graduate and student athlete. At the University of Olivet, he obtained his Bachelor's in Sports Recreation Management and lettered in football. He is part of Alpha Phi Kappa and served on the Black Student Union. Damion has worked with children and youth since 2005. 

Kim Poplaski has previous experience in child welfare and was previously a behavior interventionist for Kenowa Hills Public Schools. Kim's passion lies in empowering youth through support and advocacy for the family as a whole. 

Stacey Carson has a Bachelor's Degree in English Teaching and has extensive experience teaching all ages, from preschool to adult education, both in the United States and in Ecuador.  

Allie Corfixsen has a Bachelor's of Social Work and received her Master's in Clinical Social Work and Trauma Across the Lifespan.

CaSaundra C. Flagg (also known as "CC") holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Performance Theater from Western Michigan University, along with an M.A. in English Literature in Creative Writing/Playwriting with a specialty in 19th Century African American Literature. CaSaundra is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and has previously worked as a Multilingual Learner Interventionist at Challenger Elementary.

Melissa Dean has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Spanish, and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. 

Michelle Beals has her Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, and comes to KSSN with over 15 years of experience working with individuals in mental health and substance use disorders. She is currently earning her Master's Degree in Urban Education, along with a teaching certification for English as a Second Language through Davenport University. Michelle is passionate about advocating for both students and families and ensuring that their voices are heard.   

Julia Raap has previously worked in violence prevention and youth empowerment, and is passionate about intergenerational leadership and social justice. 

Scott Troyer has a B.A. in Music Education and Performance and an M.M. in Music History. He comes to KSSN with experience in K-12 schools; higher education; after-school programing; substance use, risky sexual behavior, and violence prevention; and restorative justice. Scott is passionate about social justice and empowering youth.

Gabi Coty has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught PreK-5th grade. She has also coached for all age levels.  

Cheyenne Buelterman-Fernández has a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature, and over 10 years advocating for youth and families. She is also a Returned Peace Corps volunteer (Peru).  

Patricia McKenzie has a Bachelor’s Degree from GVSU in Behavioral Sciences and has worked with the Department of Human Services for 23 years. For the last 13 of those years, she served as a Pathways to Potential worker in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Patricia enjoys working with community partners, families, and students. 

Monica Hall is dedicated to building stronger communities throughout Kent County. With a passion for supporting local businesses, celebrating the arts, and fostering collaboration, she works to create spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive. Monica believes that thriving communities are built through creativity, care, and the collective energy of the people who call them home.

Prior to joining KSSN in 2012, Brianna Vasquez de Pereira was a middle and high school teacher in the U.S. and Guatemala.  

Kate Veldman has over 10 years' experience advocating for youth in spaces such as the Brooks Range of Alaska. She has also spent six years working as a Manager in an AFC Home in Michigan. Kate is passionate about networking with local nonprofits and building connections to improve the lives of those living in Kent County. 

Meghan Swayne has a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science, a minor in Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Public Health (health promotion) from Grand Valley State University.

Mikaila Hancock has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Central Michigan University and is currently working on an M.S.A. in Leadership from Central Michigan University. Her previous experiences include after-school programming and working as a foster care case manager. Mikaila is a proud graduate of Kentwood Public Schools. 

Robin Jordan has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and worked for five years at Gerald R. Ford Job Corps as Records Supervisor/Career Team Manager.  

Courtney DeLongchamp has her Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a focus on integrated health, mental health, and substance use. She has previously worked within community mental health and with 2-SLGBTQ+ members. 

Lynne Jones has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University, with a background in mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, and elementary education. Lynne is passionate about helping families gain a sense of empowerment and equality.

Kevin VanderMeer has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and has worked with at-risk youth and families as a residential crisis counselor.  

Dr. Keenan King has previously been Director of System Building for KConnect and was the Director of Upward Bound at Western Michigan University. Dr. King brings strong educational leadership skills and a fierce commitment to equity and inclusion.  

Marissa Roberts has an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from Grand Rapids Community College, and has previous experience as a school secretary, volunteer grant writer, and academic tutor. She loves organizing, efficiency, problem solving, and streamlining processes, and is passionate about educational equity, literacy, mental health issues, and the environment.

KJ Tucker has a Bachelor's Degree in Public & Nonprofit Administration and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. She comes to KSSN with over 10 years of experience in managing cross-functional teams, developing strategic partnerships, and leading community-wide initiatives, and has a passion for community involvement and supporting the success of youth and young adults.  

Cindy Redding has extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit work, and is passionate about teaching the whole child and lifting community voices.  

Cheryl Costello holds a Professional in Human Resources Certification, along with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management from the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. 

Shay Kraley holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and has been a teacher at the middle and high school levels. She has extensive experience in the Grand Rapids nonprofit sector. 

Caroline Geist was previously a Community School Coordinator in Grand Rapids Public Schools. She has a Master's in Social Work and has extensive experience with the community school model, having served five years as the Executive Director of Ottawa Community Schools Network. 

Amanda Witte was previously a Community School Coordinator for Cedar Springs Public Schools. Amanda has a Master's of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and over six years' experience in child welfare as a foster home licensing specialist.  

Kelsey Gruber was previously a Community School Coordinator in Godwin Heights Public Schools. She has experience in non-profit and community development, and speaks both English and Spanish to empower and advocate for communities.  

Kristen Moss was previously a Community School Coordinator in Kentwood Public Schools. She has a passion for youth development, diversity issues, and family and community engagement.  

Farris Withers was previously a Community School Coordinator in Kentwood Public Schools. She has a Master's Degree in Family Consumer Science and has extensive experience as an educator throughout her career.