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:

2018

What I do at FSK:

My work involves elevating key early childhood metrics and indicators within the community and facilitating conversations with early childhood partners around the importance of utilizing data to inform and drive decision making in a way that prioritizes equity!

I do this work because:

I view data as a method of storytelling and have seen its ability to create momentum for change and equitable outcomes.

When the day is done I:

I love to cook up a mean plant-based meal and enjoy it (preferably outside) with my closest friends. And then maybe, just maybe cap the night off with a run around my neighborhood.

My favorite local restaurant is:

Grand Rapids is my food playground — Chez Olga and Taqueria San Jose are most definitely at the top of my (long) list!

My favorite thing about my job is:

The opportunity to collaborate with partners and organizations across Kent County. There is so much good, innovative work happening around us and I‘m grateful to bear witness to it.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Every winter my family would take the train into Cleveland, Ohio to go ice skating, peruse the West Side Market, and indulge on some incredible Lebanese food. It always felt like such an adventure and I‘m convinced these trips to Cleveland ignited my love and curiosity for large urban metropolises.

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:

I have been working with FSK since 2016, but formally became a shared staff member in 2018 as part of the Pritzker Fellowship.

What I do at FSK:

I am currently Kent County‘s Pritzker Fellow. My role is to connect our local systems work to the growing national movement that is supporting infants, toddlers and their families.

I do this work because:

Investing in children along with the families and systems that support them feels deeply purposeful and gives me hope for the future.

When the day is done I:

Go home to my partner and our 3 boys. Our evenings never look the same from day to day, but time with my guys is always a messy and beautiful adventure!

My favorite local business is:

I have a bit of a bias toward Malamiah Juice Bar as that is our family business

My favorite thing about my job is:

Advocating for children and families who are left out on the margins so that ALL children can be happy, healthy and thriving.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Spending summer days at Gun Lake with my grandparents.

Year I joined FSK:

2019

What I do at FSK:

I work directly with the CEO and help the team wherever I’m needed. I manage projects around our office, coordinate calendars, attend meetings to take notes and much more!

I do this work because:

I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

When the day is done I:

Spend quality time with my daughter, guiding her to be the best version of herself while having fun on our adventures.

My favorite local business is:

Being new to the area I am still learning about all the wonderful local businesses but have grown very fond of Mud Penny. Not only is the food incredible but the service is absolutely amazing.

My favorite thing about my job is:

Knowing that what we do creates a way to guide children and their families to a bright future.

My favorite childhood memory is:

Growing up my family moved quite a bit due to a military background. My favorite memories are from whenever we would get a new assignment. We would each pack a duffel bag, hop in the car and explore the areas between where we were at the time and our new home.

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 summer time. 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:

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.

When the day is done I:

I love being home, surrounded by my family. Most nights we enjoy a family meal while talking about each other's day. Then if I'm lucky, a tub soak while reading a good book.

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 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!