Since 2005, Jodi Grant has been Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. As Executive Director, she oversees federal policy efforts, works with the field to help programs tap into federal funding streams, and supervises research to help national, state and local afterschool advocates and providers support, create and expand quality afterschool programs.

Prior to joining the Afterschool Alliance, Grant served as Director of Work and Family Programs for the National Partnership for Women & Families, where she worked to protect and expand the Family & Medical Leave Act and was a member of the team that successfully defended the law before the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to that, she worked on Capitol Hill as General Counsel to the Senate Budget Committee and as Staff Director for a Senate Committee. Her legislative accomplishments include expanded support for the child tax credit, the Child Health Insurance Program, and class size reduction. She also served as liaison to the National Governors’ Association, where she worked closely with Republican and Democratic governors.

Grant graduated from Yale University with honors in 1990 and was elected senior class president. She received her law degree from Harvard University, where she was elected class president (first marshall). As a student, she volunteered at an afterschool program. She currently serves as a Board Member of the Search Institute, on the Coalition for Community Schools Steering Committee and is a Trustee of the America’s Promise Alliance. Grant, her husband and two children live in Washington, D.C.

Shannon joined CDE in 2020 as a Title I Specialist in the Federal Programs unit and joined the Out of School Time (OST) team in the Office of Student Supports (OSS) as a OST Programs & Partnerships Specialist 2021. Shannon’s responsibilities include supporting OST programs that were awarded ESSER II funding, coordinating the Title V Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) state grant program, and serving as CDE’s point of contact for information related to the community schools strategy. Shannon is passionate about the deep impact that community-centered wraparound services have on student learning and wellness and is thrilled to be working with a great team at CDE and mission-driven providers across the state. Prior to CDE, Shannon has worked as a community-based researcher in partnership with rural Colorado districts and lead city-wide and national professional development and technical assistance programming for a non-profit headquartered in New York City. Shannon earned her Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and her PhD from The Graduate Center, City University of New York. During non-work hours, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and gardening with family and friends.

Katie Wilberding Cross, LCSW, is a dedicated professional with over twenty years of experience working with vulnerable populations in diverse communities across the United States and internationally. Currently serving as the Senior Director of United for Schools at Mile High United Way, Katie plays a pivotal role in directing the organization’s efforts to foster educational success through partnerships with schools, families, communities and OST programs.

Passionate about child and family well-being, Katie believes in the transformative power of community schools and actively promotes the strategy throughout Colorado. Her leadership role at Mile High United Way allows her to lift up initiatives ensuring that children and families have the necessary resources and supports to thrive.

Christa Rowland is the Western Regional Deputy Director for the Coalition for Community Schools at the Institute for Educational Leadership. She believes in the power of uniting communities to create a brighter future for all children. Before joining the IEL team, Christa was the Director of Community Impact at the United Way of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho. She helped grow the system of Community Schools in Idaho, founded the Idaho Community School Learning Network, and co-founded the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools.

Christa began her career as a Music Educator, teaching hundreds of students the joy of creating music. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration, and Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance. Christa and her husband Zack have two children, ages 3 and 5. She is an outdoor enthusiast, an avid reader, and loves to make music of all kinds.

Robert Beauchamp manages the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program with the Colorado Department of Education. In addition to his work in supporting high-quality out-of-school programming, Robert has 20 years of leadership experience in curriculum, instruction, and program planning. He is enthusiastic about building student agency and connecting kids with their passions.

Stephanie De Jesus Ayala serves as the Program Manager, Schools at Partners for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH), a center within Children’s Hospital Colorado and supported by the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In addition to her work leading PCMH’s programming in schools, Stephanie also supports the center’s youth engagement program. Stephanie is a first-generation graduate with a master’s in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about increasing access to quality mental health care for marginalized youth and families and has worked in the field in various levels of care for over a decade. When Stephanie is not working, she enjoys painting, bouldering with her wife, or cooking for family and friends.

Ron Fairchild currently serves as the president and CEO of the Smarter Learning Group, a national consulting firm focused on helping communities disrupt generational poverty. Ron believes in the transformational impact of education to reshape possibilities – not just for individuals, but for entire communities, in advancing justice and expanding opportunities for success. Prior to launching the firm in 2011, Ron served as the founding CEO of the National Summer Learning Association and the executive director of its predecessor organization, the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University from 2002 to 2010. His earlier positions include serving as a director of education programs for the national office of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and as an education associate with the Public Education Network. He is also a former public school teacher who holds a B.A. and master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

Shannon joined CDE in 2020 as a Title I Specialist in the Federal Programs unit and joined the Out of School Time (OST) team in the Office of Student Supports (OSS) as a OST Programs & Partnerships Specialist 2021. Shannon’s responsibilities include supporting OST programs that were awarded ESSER II funding, coordinating the Title V Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE) state grant program, and serving as CDE’s point of contact for information related to the community schools strategy. Shannon is passionate about the deep impact that community-centered wraparound services have on student learning and wellness and is thrilled to be working with a great team at CDE and mission-driven providers across the state. Prior to CDE, Shannon has worked as a community-based researcher in partnership with rural Colorado districts and lead city-wide and national professional development and technical assistance programming for a non-profit headquartered in New York City. Shannon earned her Masters in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and her PhD from The Graduate Center, City University of New York. During non-work hours, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, and gardening with family and friends.

Elizabeth “B” Lewis is the Community Schools Impact Manager at Aurora Public Schools within the ACTION Zone. B grew up in Littleton, attended Colorado State University, obtained her Master’s in Social Work and now lives in Denver with her husband and two pets. She has experience working in non-profits, K-12 education and higher education. She has been a leader in designing and leading Family Advocacy and Community Engagement (FAACE) systems and strategies for 8 years. B is an advocate and leader within the Community Schools strategy; she firmly believes in Asset-Based Community Development and that the best expertise can be found in our backyards.

Katie Wilberding Cross, LCSW, is a dedicated professional with over twenty years of experience working with vulnerable populations in diverse communities across the United States and internationally. Currently serving as the Senior Director of United for Schools at Mile High United Way, Katie plays a pivotal role in directing the organization’s efforts to foster educational success through partnerships with schools, families, communities and OST programs.

Passionate about child and family well-being, Katie believes in the transformative power of community schools and actively promotes the strategy throughout Colorado. Her leadership role at Mile High United Way allows her to lift up initiatives ensuring that children and families have the necessary resources and supports to thrive.

Christa Rowland is the Western Regional Deputy Director for the Coalition for Community Schools at the Institute for Educational Leadership. She believes in the power of uniting communities to create a brighter future for all children. Before joining the IEL team, Christa was the Director of Community Impact at the United Way of Treasure Valley in Boise, Idaho. She helped grow the system of Community Schools in Idaho, founded the Idaho Community School Learning Network, and co-founded the Idaho Coalition for Community Schools.

Christa began her career as a Music Educator, teaching hundreds of students the joy of creating music. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration, and Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance. Christa and her husband Zack have two children, ages 3 and 5. She is an outdoor enthusiast, an avid reader, and loves to make music of all kinds.

Paula Gumina serves as the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program at the Colorado Department of Education. She brings with her over fifteen years serving the state of Colorado in implementing cross agency projects and initiatives. She holds a B.A. from American University in Washington, DC in Public Affairs and a Master’s Certificate from the University of Denver in Human Capacity in Organizations. Paula lives in Broomfield with her family and loves to explore the beautiful state of Colorado.

Christine Cunningham is described as a blow-up costume and bib-overall-wearing, Iowan mom of 4, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her favorite cow is the butter cow, which is proudly displayed yearly at the Iowa State Fair.

“Christine is a one-of-kind person and a champion for our members and families at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County,” said Carolyn Plein, a Boys and Girls Club intern who nominated Christine for the award. “She has been a trailblazer in the field of behavioral health. She provides invaluable guidance and opportunities for individuals.”

She has worked in the field of social work since 1996. Christine has worked in Youth Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC) since 2020. She established the Behavioral Health Team at BGCLC, which has now grown to include three other social workers and interns.

“Christine has been an invaluable asset to the team and the kids at BGCLC,” said Sarah McKeen, who serves as Christine’s supervisor at BGCLC. “We can all better serve youth in Larimer County because of her.”

Kenrick Wagner is a social entrepreneur and hip hop artist with over 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, performer, recording artist, author and producer.

Mr. Wagner’s life’s work has been dedicated to providing top-quality youth programming and building a generation of leaders that will use creativity to learn and thrive.

Kenrick believes that one of the biggest challenges we face today in youth development is building an inclusive culture for young people to express themselves through music. To address these issues Kenrick has created “It’s a Rap for Good: Creating Positive Classroom Culture” ; a workshop that introduces educators to techniques and tools that break the barriers of hip hop culture in the classroom. This workshop has been well received by both regional and national organizations.

Kenrick Wagner currently serves on USF’s Music Faculty as the Director of Contemporary Commercial Music. His responsibilities at USF include designing, building , promotion and recruitment of students for a high-quality and innovative Contemporary Commercial Music program for undergraduate students that focuses on hip-hop/rap, EDM and R&B.

Rachel earned her Master’s of Science in Teaching in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and has more than 10 years of experience teaching in public schools, recreational programs and STEM enrichment programs. She is eager to bring this experience to Colorado Afterschool Partnership to support program providers looking to access STEM and Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness resources.

Vannessa was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and has over a decade of experience in Positive Youth Development and Education Outreach. After attending Arizona State University to study Nonprofit Management, Vannessa focused on program development and implementation for Out-of-School Time programs.

As the Manager of Program Training and Support, Vannessa is dedicated to training and inspiring educators and youth development specialists nationwide, to engage today’s youth with high quality STEM & SEL programs. Vannessa enjoys providing direct support throughout the Learn Fresh Educator Experience and helping educators adapt Learn Fresh programs such as NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, and STEM Goals to curate a specialized experience to meet the needs of the diverse students being served.

Michel Salas Holien is the Director of Dissemination for Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF), which is an evidence-based, preventive intervention for children who have experienced adversity. Michel is tasked with disseminating FHF locally, nationally, and internationally.

In addition to working at FHF, Michel has worked at Clinica Family Health Services as a Behavioral Health Professional and Program Manager, Boulder County Public Health as as a manager with the Boulder County Prevention and Intervention Program, and most recently, for 7 years at Denver Public Schools as the founder and manager of the Prevention Services team, which includes Substance Use Prevention, and Alternatives to Suspension.

Michel has a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MSW from the University of Denver. Her areas of focus and expertise include upstream prevention, shared risk and protective factors, and positive youth development.

Lana is a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, Certified Professional Coach for the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and a Certified Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. After being a Spanish Teacher, Operations Manager and Assistant Principal of Culture for various public and private schools, Lana knew that her impact would be greater from the outside in. Empowering and equipping youth-serving programs and the organizations who serve them, is Lana’s gift and passion. Besides Coaching leaders and Facilitating workshops for community organizations, Lana also Co-Chaired and continues to serve on the History, Culture, Social Contributions, and Civil Government in Education Commission whose sole purpose is to increase inclusion within the State Educational System. She leads a Collective dedicated to the financial advancement of people of color and is a Public Speaker for change.