Community School Coordinators & Administrative Staff

Michelle Beals is the Community School Coordinator at Discovery Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools.  She 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.   

Morgan Bills is the Community School Coordinator at Union High School in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Morgan 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.  

Cinda Birely is the Community School Coordinator at Appleview Elementary and the KSSN Dstrict Team Lead for Sparta Area Schools. Previously, Cinda worked as a Behavior Interventionist with elementary-aged students, and has experience working in foster care and as an adult mental health case manager.  

Cheyenne Buelterman-Fernandez is the Community School Coordinator at Explorer Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. She 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).  

Stacey Carson is the Community School Coordinator at Bowen Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. She 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.  

Vanessa Cervantes is the Community School Coordinator at Buchanan Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools. She is bilingual in Spanish and is a proud GRPS alumnus. Vanessa 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.

Sarah Cline is the Community School Coordinator at Sparta Middle School in Sparta Area Schools. Sarah has a BSW from Grand Valley, and has previously worked as a residential crisis counselor providing direct care. 

Christy Collins is the Community School Coordinator at Dickinson Academy in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Christy has a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership and 15 years of case management experience in child welfare. 

Allie Corfixsen is the Community School Coordinator at Brookwood Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. Allie has a Bachelor's of Social Work and received her Master's in Clinical Social Work and Trauma Across the Lifespan.

Cheryl Costello, PHR, is the Human Resource Specialist for KSSN. Cheryl 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. 

Gabi Coty is the Community School Coordinator at Endeavor Elementary in the Kentwood Public Schools district. Gabi has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and has taught PreK-5th grade. She has also coached for all age levels.  

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

Melissa Dean is the Community School Coordinator at Crestwood Middle School in Kentwood Public Schools. Melissa has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Spanish, and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. 

Carolina Diaz is the Community School Coordinator at North Godwin Elementary in Godwin Heights Public Schools. Carolina has a Bachelor's in Spanish and Communications, and has worked in special education and Spanish immersion, and has also worked as an event planner.  

Lynnae Edmond is the Community School Coordinator at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Lynnae has worked for Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative as a preschool teacher, and now loves being part of the Gerald R. Ford community!  

CaSaundra C. Flagg (also known as "CC") is the Community School Coordinator at Challenger Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. 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 served as the sorority's Youth Advisor. She previously worked as a Multilingual Learner Interventionist at Challenger Elementary.

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

Noemi Gonzalez is the Community School Coordinator at César E. Chávez Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Throughout almost every stage of their life, Noemi has been a part of the César E. Chávez Avenue community; the relationships and sense of community that were built growing up within the avenue are what keep Noemi passionate as a Community School Coordinator. They love getting to know the amazing people that live and keep the avenue vibrant. Having the opportunity to listen, learn, and find new opportunities for the families to continue their growth as people is very meaningful for Noemi.  

Damion Gregory is the Community School Coordinator at Westwood Middle in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Damion  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. 

Kelsey Gruber is the Community School Coordinator at Godwin Heights High School in Godwin Heights Public Schools. Kelsey has experience in non-profit and community development, and speaks both English and Spanish to empower and advocate for communities.  

Gabriela Gual is the Community School Coordinator at Lee High School and East Lee Campus in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. She 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. 

Ahmari Jobe is the Community School Coordinator at Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy in Grand Rapids Public Schools. A recent graduate of Florida A&M University, Ahmari hopes to attend law school to become a defense and civil rights attorney. 

Lynne Jones is the Community School Coordinator at Ridgeview Elementary in Sparta Area Schools. Lynne 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.

Robin Jordan is the Community School Coordinator at Valleywood Middle in Kentwood Public Schools. Robin has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and worked for five years at Gerald R. Ford Job Corps as Records Supervisor/Career Team Manager.  

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

Shay Kraley is the Director of Operations for KSSN. Shay has been a teacher at the middle and high school levels, and has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. 

Earnestine Mays is the Community School Coordinator at Campus Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Earnestine has worked in domestic violence, adoption, and mental health, and has been a crisis counselor, case manager, and Child and Family Therapist.  

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

Ashley Phillips is the Community School Coordinator at Kent Hills Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Ashley 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.  

Kim Poplaski is the Community School Coordinator at Alpine Elementary in Kenowa Hills Public Schools. Kim 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. 

Julia Raap is the Community School Coordinator at East Kentwood High School in Kentwood Public Schools. Julia has previously worked in violence prevention and youth empowerment, and is passionate about intergenerational leadership and social justice. 

Marissa Ramsundar is the Community School Coordinator at Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Marissa has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Ministry and is obtaining a Master's in Education. She loves working with kids and families.  

Cindy Redding is the Community School Coordinator for Coit Creative Arts Academy in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Cindy has extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit work, and is passionate about teaching the whole child and lifting community voices.  

Dulce Reyes-Loredo is the Community School Coordinator at Burton Middle School in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Dulce 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.  

Maddie Rhoades is the Community School Coordinator at Glenwood Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools.
Maddie has a Bachelor's of Public & Non-Profit Administration, and has worked with domestic violence and substance abuse organizations.  

Marissa Roberts is the KSSN Administrative Assistant. Marissa 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.

José Rodriguez is the Community School Coordinator at Godwin Heights Middle School in Godwin Heights Public Schools. José 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. 

Rocio Rodriguez is the Community School Coordinator at Southwest Middle High - Academia Bilingüe in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Rocio is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has a degree in Criminal Justice. She has an extensive background supporting community advocacy and engagement efforts and has worked at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association.  

Debra Salguero is the Community School Coordinator at Townline Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. Debra has a Master's Degree in Family Care from Calvin Theological Seminary and has a passion for supporting school staff, empowering families, and connecting them to community resources. Debra speaks both English and Spanish.

Sarah Schantz is the Community School Coordinator at West Godwin Elementary and the KSSN District Team Lead for Godwin Heights Public Schools. Sarah has worked in various social work and educational capacities, including after-school programming and teaching ESL.  

Sara Scott is the Community School Coordinator at Sibley Elementary in Grand Rapids Public Schools. In addition to serving in the Cherry Health AmeriCorps program, Sara has brought Total Trek Quest, a successful after-school program, to Kent County.  

Hayley Strickland is the Community School Coordinator at KPS Early Childhood Main Campus in Kentwood Public Schools. Hayley graduated from Cornerstone University in 2019 and completed a yearlong fellowship in Urban Ministry after obtaining her degree. Hayley has a passion for community development and serving youth and families, and also works as a cheerleading coach for Comstock Park High School.

Adam Swenson is the Community School Coordinator at Southwood Elementary in Kentwood Public Schools. Adam attended Shippensburg University has a Master's in Urban Education. Adam has been a camp director and teacher at Lighthouse Academy.  

DaJuan Thomas is the Community School Coordinator at Alger Middle in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district. A graduate of Concordia University, DaJuan is passionate about helping youth and families, and also serves as the varsity football coach for Godwin Heights. 

Jackee Thompson is the Community School Coordinator at Lee Middle School in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools. Jackee has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and has worked with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and as a Crisis Interventionist with the 17th Circuit Family Court. 

Scott Troyer is the Community School Coordinator at East Kentwood High School in Kentwood Public Schools. Scott 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.

KJ Tucker is the KSSN Director of People and Strategy. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's Degree in Public & Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University. KJ 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.  

Kevin VanderMeer is the Community School Coordinator at Sparta High School in the Sparta Area Schools district. Kevin has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and has worked with at-risk youth and families as a residential crisis counselor.  

Brianna Vasquez de Pereira is the Community School Coordinator at Meadowlawn Elementary School and one of two KSSN District Team Leads for Kentwood Public Schools. Prior to joining KSSN in 2012, Brianna was a middle and high school teacher in the US and Guatemala.  

Kate Veldman is the Community School Coordinator at Pinewood Middle School in Kentwood Public Schools. Kate 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. 

Farris Withers is the Community School Coordinator at East Kentwood Freshman Campus and one of two KSSN District Team Leads for Kentwood Public Schools. Farris has a Master's Degree in Family Consumer Science and has extensive experience as an educator throughout her career.  

Amanda Witte is a KSSN Team Lead and 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 6 years' experience in child welfare as a foster home licensing specialist.  

Monica Zavala is the Community School Coordinator at Burton Elementary in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district. Monica has more than 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, and is eager to make an impact on the Burton community.