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 the Outreach Manager and the Rx Kids Point Person.

I do this work because:

The earliest years of life set the trajectory for lifelong health, learning, and well-being.

When the day is done I:

Take my dog, for walks, camp or spend time with friends or family.

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:

I enjoy working at First Steps Kent because of its collaborative culture and its commitment to partnering with organizations dedicated to improving the lives of young children and families across Kent County.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Going to Disney World with my family.

Year I joined First Steps Kent:

2026

What I do at First Steps Kent:

I work on the social media and other marketing materials!

I do this work because:

I’m passionate about supporting meaningful causes, building connections, and helping make a positive impact through collaboration and engagement.

When the day is done I:

Like to go to the beach, spend time with friends, and travel

My favorite local business is:

The Happy Cat Cafe! As a cat lover, I enjoy being able to relax with cats while sipping on a delicious coffee.

My favorite thing about my job is:

I love working on designs that are shared with the community because they show the impact of what we do and how we help others. It's rewarding to create something that people can see and connect with.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Playing school with my sister and our stuffed animals in the basement

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 FSK:

2026

What I do at FSK:

I help support and manage funding for organizations that provide early childhood programs and opportunities for children and families across Kent County!

I do this work because:

I enjoy being part of work that helps create stronger, healthier communities!

When the day is done I:

I love cycling, the outdoors, and quality time with my fiancé and our pets!

My favorite local business or local hangout is:

Premier Skate Shop. They've built an amazing community here in Grand Rapids!

My favorite thing about my job is:

Working alongside many organizations to create a community I hope to raise my future children in!

My favorite childhood memory is:

All the time spent with my siblings. They are my best friends and we still bicker just like the good ole days!

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.