About
Our Work
Implementing a system of quality and accountability to produce the best outcomes for youth.
Our History
The Kalamazoo Youth Development Network, or KYD Network, began in 2000, through a collaborative effort among the city of Kalamazoo, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, and the Hispanic American Council to provide networking opportunities for youth-serving organizations. Since 2014, KYD Network has transitioned from a networking and information-sharing program to an intermediary organization that is building a sustainable out-of-school time system in Kalamazoo County. In 2018, we received our 501(c)3 status and moved to a new location, Lincoln Elementary School.
Our Vision
An anti-racist community where all youth thrive.
Our Misson
Ensure that all youth have agency within a well-coordinated system that supports anti-racist, high-quality, and youth-driven out-of-school time programs.
Our Staff
Meg
Blinkiewicz
she/her/hers
Executive
Director
meg@kydnet.org
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Meg has over twenty five years of experience as a youth development professional and evaluator. She grew up in Kalamazoo, graduating from Kalamazoo Central. Meg used her post-secondary years to explore different communities and cultures. She received her B.A. from the University of Texas, her MPA from the University of Maryland, and her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. She believes readiness is a right for all youth and works to ensure our community’s youth have access to high quality out-of-school time programs. Meg is the proud parent of quadruplets and enjoys time with her horses, dogs, and cats.
Viridiana
Carvajal
she/her/ella
Lead OST Program Development Coach
viridiana@kydnet.org
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Viridiana Carvajal has 8+ years of out of school time experience, serving in various roles working with youth, supervising staff, creating curriculum and facilitating professional development. She resides in Kalamazoo. MI with her three children and partner. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Viridiana has always had a passion for working with youth and supporting youth development with new up to date strategies to better support high quality programming. As the Lead OST Program Coach with KYD Network, Viridiana is able to support our internal work in all five program areas that our cohort organizations engage in. Through intentionality and consistency, Viridiana supports other team members and enjoys being creative to support the work of KYD Network.
Abra
Smith
she/her/hers
Director of Wellness Initiatives
abra@kydnet.org
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Abra Smith is a facilitator of holistic wellness, an educator, quality coach and nutritionist from Cleveland, Ohio who has served in these various roles for the past 17+ years. She resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her two sons – Christian and Carter. As Director of Wellness Initiatives with KYD Network, Abra has been able to fuse her passion for various healing modalities, quality youth practices and community into one. Abra enjoys collaborating with local youth organizations to help them to prioritize their own wellness and to strengthen and create youth spaces of liberation, healing and growth. She believes that when youth are able to find spaces like this, surrounded by caring adults who prioritize wellness, it helps them to become the best versions of themselves – and that is what it’s all about – becoming the best versions of ourselves – mind, body and spirit.
Jacquis
Robertson
she/her/hers
Community Engagement Coordinator
jaquis@kydnet.org
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Jacquis Robertson is a Kalamazoo County native who has worked in various roles within the non-profit sector for over a decade. Jacquis has extensive experience in conflict engagement. While she holds certifications in multiple mediation disciplines, she is also trained in Restorative Justice practices and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
Alexis
Caples
she/her/hers
OST Program Development Coach
alexis@kydnet.org
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Alexis is fueled by collective action as a community. Alexis became interested in helping tackle issues in the community as a founding member of the Kalamazoo County Youth Cabinet (KCYC). All she needed was support and a push & that is what the OST Sector gave her. Alexis moved to Kalamazoo from Chicago in junior high & graduated Loy Norrix High School, C/O 2013 and is a recipient of the Kalamazoo Promise. Working with KYD Network, Alexis has worn many hats; KCYC member turned advisor, Board member, Board Secretary, Assistant OST Program Development Coach and Youth Mobility Mentor, and now OST Program Development Coach. Alexis loves to travel and hopes to leave her mark on others, inspiring them to show up as their authentic selves and walk in their purpose.
Genesis
Griffin
she/her/hers
Youth Leadership Coordinator & Youth Mobility Mentor genesis@kydnet.org
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Genesis joins the KYD Network team as an Youth Leadership Coordinator. More info coming soon.
Ariel
Laws
he/him/his
OST Program Development Coach - Calhoun County
ariel@kydnet.org
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Ariel joins the KYD Network team as an OST Program Development Coach. More info coming soon.
Jane
Asumadu
she/her/hers
OST Program Development Coach
jane@kydnet.org
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As a first-generation American, knowledge as a source of power is a huge part of Jane's moral makeup. After receiving her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from WMU, Jane has worked in schools all around Kalamazoo County and was given the opportunity to co-teach the English language for three years in Japan. Jane felt her calling was in community work, so upon her return to Kalamazoo 2019, Jane's work has been in the out-of-school-time sector. She is also an active member of the community through her volunteer work with many organizations like the Edison Neighborhood Association and the Edison Resident Scholars, a subset of the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. Jane hopes to grow even more in the community through her work at KYD Network.
Olivia
Terrentine
she/her/hers
OST Program Development Coach
olivia@kydnet.org
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Olivia Terrentine joins the KYD Network team as a OST Program Development Coach. More info coming soon.
Brynn
Rohde
she/her/hers
Systems Coordinator
brynn@kydnet.org
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Brynn grew up in Midland, MI, but has made Kalamazoo her home since 2017. She studied Psychology and Public Health at Kalamazoo College and is grateful to be able to build relationships and apply those skills in the local non-profit community. Her 'why' stems from a deep sense of personal and collective responsibility to reaffirm and boldly proclaim our common humanity in the face of oppressive systems. Having spent time in OST as an intern at the Boys & Girls Club, a CAPS tutor, and 'Big' for Big Brothers Big Sisters, she is passionate about what this sector can do to get to 'thriving youth.' Brynn joined the KYD Network team in the fall of 2023 and is excited to continue learning, dreaming, breaking barriers, and building the OST system that youth and families deserve.
Our Board of Directors
Lisa Jenkins-Meredith
Co-Chair
KRESA
Kevin Ford
Co-Chair
City of Kalamazoo
Jonathan James
Treasurer
Kalamazoo Promise
Joan Hauxhurst
KRESA
Tia Whitley
Gryphon Place
Jenna VanSpronsen
ISK
Percy Gordon
College Student
Jamiese Edmonson
KRESA
Paul Evans
High School Student
Demecia Labarre
Stryker Corp
Gina Bello
College Student
Boonikka Herring
Battle Creek City Commissioner
Learn more about our work.
Using data-driven models, we partner with the out-of-school time sector to create a thriving community for youth in Southwest Michigan.
