Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2022

What I do at First Steps Kent:

Lead the FSK team in our work toward a Kent County where community participation ensures whole child well-being from birth to kindergarten.

I do this work because:

I believe in the power of collective voices to combat inequities within systems that have barriers to quality healthcare, childcare, and education.

When the day is done I:

Enjoy being with my family, walking trails with our dog, traveling, and gardening.

My favorite thing about my job is:

Collaborating with others to create and sustain systems that positively impact health and educational outcomes for families.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Looking up at the stars with my brother and wondering what the surface of the moon looked like!

Year I joined FSK:

2025

What I do at FSK:

I support both financial operations and general office functions.

I do this work because:

I want to be part of something that has a direct impact on our community.

When the day is done I:

am usually running to a sporting event for one of my three kids. I love being outdoors too, so most times, that’s where you’ll find me.

My favorite local business or local hangout is:

Deep Roots Produce in Caledonia

My favorite thing about my job is:

The many opportunities for learning and growth, and the team I work with is super supportive.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Summer vacations with my family in northern Michigan

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2019

What I do at First Steps Kent:

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 First Steps Kent:

2023

What I do at First Steps Kent:

I am a bilingual project manager for Mainspring Early Care Alliance and Family Child Care Network.

I do this work because:

I like building relationships with child care business owners and entrepreneurs.

When the day is done I:

Enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

My favorite local business is:

Schnitz Deli

My favorite thing about my job is:

Helping with language services.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Visiting my family in Puerto Rico.

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2025

What I do at First Steps Kent:

I work on the Ready by Five team to support our network of organizations providing early childhood opportunities to Kent county.

I do this work because:

I believe that all children deserve the resources they need to thrive and am excited to use my skills to that end.

When the day is done I:

Go to yoga, read, or go to choir rehearsal.

My favorite local business is:

Black Napkin!

My favorite thing about my job is:

Working with a passionate team toward a common goal!

My favorite childhood memory is:

Going to my Godparents’ cottage in Canada with my family in the summers.

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2024

What I do at First Steps Kent:

I am a funding administrator for Ready by Five.

I do this work because:

I enjoy helping my community and reducing the barriers that impact marginalized populations.

When the day is done I:

Take my dog for a walk or bake.

My favorite local business is:

My favorite local business is Seven Mares Restaurant. Some of the best Mexican food in GR.

My favorite thing about my job is:

My favorite thing about working at First Steps Kent is being able to collaborate with other organizations and work together to impact the lives of children.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Going to Disney World with my family.

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2025

What I do at First Steps Kent:

I support the Impact Team with grant and budget tracking to ensure success.

I do this work because:

I enjoy being part of a team making meaningful change in the community.

When the day is done I:

spend time with my husband and our dog, Lucy

My favorite local business is:

Downtown Market

My favorite childhood memory is:

Family trips to Florida

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2019

What I do at First Steps Kent:

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 First Steps Kent:

2019

What I do at First Steps Kent:

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 non-profit communications and have three young children. I believe that investing in our youngest kids is going to make the biggest impact on our future.

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 First Steps Kent:

2024

What I do at First Steps Kent:

As a data specialist, I analyze and interpret data to maintain accuracy and provide valuable insights that inform decision-making and drive business strategies.

I do this work because:

I am passionate about uncovering meaningful trends in data that help organizations make informed decisions and achieve their goals.

When the day is done I:

I enjoy relaxing walks at Blandford Trail Center with my dog Kylo or spending time with friends online.

My favorite local business is:

My father's own business, AC Lawn Care Services, for all your lawncare needs!

My favorite thing about my job is:

The opportunity to work with data and contribute to the success of our organization by providing valuable insights.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Playing outside making mud pies, not much has changed!

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2020

What I do at First Steps Kent:

As the Vice President of Impact at First Steps Kent, I focus on reviewing and incorporating local and national policies into our mission to enhance early childhood systems in Kent County. By supporting parent leadership and identifying funding opportunities, I work with the Impact team to advance policies and initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families.

I do this work because:

In the words of the late, great Whitney Houston, “I believe the children are our future.”

When the day is done I:

Relax with my family, work on a side project, watch House Hunters International and convince myself that I totally COULD drop everything and move to New Zealand to pursue my dream of becoming a Hobbiton tour guide, and (if time allows) read something not backlit by blue light before I go to bed.

My favorite local business is:

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

My favorite thing about my job is:

Getting to work with an amazing team and network of community partners in the pursuit of real, tangible change for our community.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Going to baseball games at old Tiger Stadium.

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2023

What I do at First Steps Kent:

VP of Community Investments

I do this work because:

I am passionate about helping our community receive equitable educational services and opportunities.

When the day is done I:

I enjoy gardening, and mountain biking.

My favorite local business is:

Garza Potting Shed for their organic grown fruits, vegetables, and native Michigan plants to increase pollinator populations in our area.

My favorite thing about my job is:

My favorite thing about working at First Steps Kent is knowing that I can have a direct impact on services offered in the community.

My favorite childhood memory is:

A childhood memory that brings joy to me is thinking back on going fishing with my grandfather in the mountains.