Year I joined FSK:

2015

What I do at FSK:

Smile, cheer on and coach.

I do this work because:

It brings satisfaction and excitement to link arms with others in this vibrant community to move the needle in a positive way for our youngest children and their families.

When the day is done I:

Play Jazz.

My favorite local coffee shop is:

Corridor Coffee & the Sovengard

My favorite thing about my job is:

Nothing is ever routine.

My favorite childhood memory is:

My sister taking me to visit the United Nations when I was 7 years old.

Year I joined FSK:

2014

What I do at FSK:

Overseeing the day-to-day operations of First Steps Kent in areas including data projects, finances and community strategy projects.

I do this work because:

Advocating for better outcomes for our youngest children ensures every individual has the best beginning to grow and become the best version of themselves throughout life.

When the day is done I:

Enjoy the outdoors! I really love running, biking, kayaking and hiking.

My favorite local business is:

The Local Bike Shop or Running Store.

My favorite thing about my job is:

The amazing array of community partners and parents we work with each day. I have the opportunity to learn something new each day!

My favorite childhood memory is:

Creating outdoors spaces with the kids in my neighborhood was the best! We would create cities with chalk line roads on the driveway. Other times we would dig moats, build rock piles and transplant “flowers” (these were likely weeds). In our minds we were building beautiful gardens in the backyard.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

I provide status of First Steps Kent’s financial condition, prepare and analyze the monthly budget and oversee budgeting and monthly financial forecasting for all millage related contracts/activities.

I do this work because:

I want to contribute and support with my job the life of young children in our community.

When the day is done I:

Go home with my daughters, cook dinner and enjoy time with them.

My favorite local hangout is:

I like to hangout in downtown Grand Rapids, walk around, go to the different restaurants, bars and coffee shops. I enjoy all the activities/events the city offers all year around.

My favorite thing about my job is:

Work environment/organization culture.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Family vacations and Christmas time.

Year I joined FSK:

2018

What I do at FSK:

As the Finance and HR Coordinator, I help bridge the gap between in-house work and external contractors.

I do this work because:

I enjoy working with numbers and people. I enjoy moving at a face pace, and having new challenges each and everyday!

When the day is done I:

Like to go for a run, work on my home, relax with my cat, and spend time with my other half!

My favorite local restaurant is:

The Real Food Café! Delicious and affordable breakfast, but don’t forget your cash or checkbook seeing as they don’t take credit cards!

My favorite thing about my job is:

The people I have the privilege to work with each and every day.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Playing outside all day in the summertime. My mom would make all of the neighborhood kids lunch and we would sit on my mini picnic table on the front porch all together and then go right back to playing! Not a worry in the world!

Year I joined FSK:

2021

What I do at FSK:

I surf through databases and spreadsheets to get a grasp on how every child in Kent County is progressing toward kindergarten-readiness. I also create compelling graphics, charts, and dashboards to communicate the impact of First Steps Kent and our partners on the well-being of our smallest neighbors.

I do this work because:

Data and analysis are often used to oppress and trick, but at FSK I know my skills are being used to make peoples’ lives better and strengthen our community

When the day is done I:

Bike over to the gym for a few sets and then set to work organizing my community

My favorite local business is:

Las Rocas Postres y Taqueria, the home of the beloved and befeared Hot Dog TexMex

My favorite thing about my job is:

Getting to bring cutting edge research in economics, sociology, and childhood development to bear directly on the complicated worlds of Kent County

My favorite childhood memory is:

Telling my twin sister when we were 3 years old that I was a girl when we were in my mommy’s tummy, but then I changed into a boy. This was by choice, “because boys are never cold, like girls.”

Year I joined FSK:

2021

What I do at FSK:

As a Funding Administrator, I support our Ready by Five millage service providers by providing technical assistance and oversight.

I do this work because:

I believe in collaboration to support our community and using our resources to help children grow.

When the day is done I:

Experiment in the kitchen, take a walk, and wind down with a movie or book.

My favorite local business is:

Captain Bizzaro’s Treasure World on Leonard Street. It is a very unique shop filled with eclectic knick knacks, and the owner is a very friendly and engaging proprietor.

My favorite thing about my job is:

Working with local providers to make Kent County more equitable and knowing there are so many people dedicated to this cause.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Engineering forts and creating little worlds in the woods with my neighborhood friends. The possibilities were endless and it was amazing to think back on how ambitious we were as curious children.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

Writing grants, managing deadlines for grants, compiling reports, and project management.

I do this work because:

I value families and children and the early childhood years. I love age birth to five when kids' brains are developing, and they are learning so rapidly. As adults, it's our job to nurture and provide the tools kids need to become healthy kids. We are responsible for the next generation. Let's give them the best start possible and then watch them grow into healthy, productive adults. Everyone has value and hope. It's up to us to provide the resources and tools so everyone can shine brightly.

My favorite local hangout is:

Home is my favorite hangout place.

My favorite thing about my job is:

The people I work with are amazing. Combine that with the First Steps Kent mission and you have a win-win!

My favorite childhood memory is:

Every summer we would vacation to Goodhart MI which is along the Lake Michigan shore, in between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. The beach, the family time, the touristy fun; all made for a special summer childhood.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

I work with early care providers in Kent County to develop a Shared Services model that will support and provide additional resources for their child care business .

I do this work because:

I have a passion for teaching, encouraging, strengthening, and collaborating with those that care for young children.

When the day is done I:

Am greeted with excessive love and energy from my dog Aine when I get home!

My favorite local restaurant is:

Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop.

My favorite thing about my job is:

Looking for innovative ways to support early care and education providers throughout Kent County!

My favorite childhood memory is:

Camping with friends and family.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

I write success stories, create visuals, and ultimately spread the word of the important work happening around children and families in Kent County.

I do this work because:

I love communications and have three children five years old and younger, so it’s where my heart is.

When the day is done I:

Spend time with my family and friends.

My favorite local hangout is:

Brewery Vivant.

My favorite thing about my job is:

The variety – always a new exciting project to work on.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Camping trips with my family.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

I will serve as the primary FSK liaison to the Ready by Five Early Childhood millage-funded programs.

I do this work because:

I love collaborating with brave individuals and organizations who regularly assess and commit to reflecting on their actions and the work they do in the community.

When the day is done I:

Enjoy going home to my partner and our dog, cooking dinner, and unwinding with an evening meditation and reflection.

My favorite local restaurant is:

I love french fries, especially in the form of Brewery Vivant’s poutine! Pair that with a tasty beer, and life is good!

My favorite thing about my job is:

Meeting local thought leaders and learning how their work will move the needle and make positive, generational change for children and families.

My favorite childhood memory is:

I can’t remember the song! It was definitely during a summer in the 1980s, and my brothers and I were trying to do choreography in the front lawn of our childhood home. I remember we were using the large front window as a mirror, and we called our group, The 3 Ts!

Year I joined FSK::

2020

What I do at FSK::

I am working to coordinate the Shared Service project and synchronize access to local resources.

I do this work because::

I have a passion for community collaboration and systems thinking.

When the day is done I::

Relax with my family, work on a side project, watch House Hunters, and (if time allows) read a book.

My favorite local business is::

Schuler Books. We try to get there weekly so that my wife and I can drink coffee while our kids pick out a book!

My favorite thing about my job is::

It gives me the opportunity to make a real, tangible impact on my community.

My favorite childhood memory is::

Going to baseball games at old Tiger Stadium.