KYD Network serves as the intermediary organization for the Out-of-School Time (OST) sectors in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties.
Implementing a system of quality and accountability to produce the best outcomes for youth.
An anti-racist community where all youth thrive.
To ensure that all youth have agency within an out-of-school time system that supports youth-driven, anti-racist, and high quality spaces.
Executive Director
abra@kydnet.org
Out-of-School Time
Quality Coach
alexis@kydnet.org
Alexis has worn many titles in the youth development field over a span of 10 years from a founding member of the Kalamazoo County Youth Cabinet, turned advisor, board member, board secretary, Youth coach into her current position.
Alexis’ leadership and passion for ensuring that all youth have identity, belonging and agency fuels the push to dismantle barriers in the OST sector like housing, healthcare, transportation, education and wage equity. Originally from Chicago, IL and moving to Kalamazoo, MI, Alexis saw the difference and some similarities in access to community resources, youth voice and choice, and Persistent Traumatic Stress Environment. By using those lived experiences from both communities, she is able to help implement a system of quality and accountability in the OST sector to produce the best outcome for our youth, families and community.
Alexis hopes to leave her mark on others, inspiring them to be the domino living in their core values and show up as their authentic selves in any and all spaces.
Systems & Operations Lead
brynn@kydnet.org
she/her/hers
Out-of-School Time Quality and Youth Leadership Coach genesis@kydnet.org
Community Engagement Lead
jacquis@kydnet.org
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).
Out-of-School Time
Development Guide
jane@kydnet.org
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, in Metro Detroit, 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 in 2019, Jane has worked primarily in the out-of-school-time sector. She is also an active member of the community through her volunteer work with local organizations. With KYD Network, Jane will continue to grow into the advocate for the community she dreams to be.
pronouns: use my name
Out-of-School Time
Quality Coach
janequa@kydnet.org
Hello! My name is Ja’Nequa Walker and I was born and raised in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Growing up in the inner city, I saw youth abandoned by parents, families struggling economically, and violence or poor decision making being a result of these things. This exposure and my personal experiences gave me the passion and desire to positively serve youth and families. In 2016, I obtained a B.S in Family Studies from Western Michigan University. I have had the pleasure of serving in the OST for roughly 10 years at programs such as: Pretty Lake Camp, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Community Healing Centers STREET Afterschool Program. Youth are continuously in need of academic support, guidance, mentorship,and quality programs to make these things happen. It takes a village, but it starts with self. So, it is my personal mission to be a Domino and to help build bridges for thriving youth!
she/her/hers
Calhoun County Out-of-School Time Quality and Youth Leadership Coach
joy@kydnet.org
Joy Parson recently joined KYD Network with a passion for making a difference in the community. She brings the unique perspective of someone who grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan. Joy is currently enrolled at Kellogg Community College, where she will begin her degree studies this fall.
Her commitment to KYD Network is deeply personal, inspired by the challenges she faced as a youth without the support of organizations like KYD Network and our cohort members. Joy is dedicated to establishing Calhoun County’s first Youth Advisory Council, aiming to inspire change and empower today’s youth. By providing them with essential tools and resources, Joy hopes to help young people navigate challenges and thrive, drawing from her own experiences to guide her efforts.
he/him/his
Out-of-School Time
Quality Coach
justin@kydnet.org
Justin Ealy has been serving youth for the past decade. He graduated from Western Michigan University’s Seita Scholar Program with a degree in Social Work. His personal experience with the justice system has dedicated him to finding ways to best serve youth in the community to heal and be the change agents of tomorrow. Justin has served as a mentor within the community, was a tutor in the public K-12 school system and worked with youth-serving nonprofits. Justin is driven to live a community-filled life, both in and outside of work. Justin has a passion for music and is a member of the Champs Den Boxing Club, which supports local youth. Justin’s personal philosophy is to “Stay Sporty,” which stands for positive energy and motivation.
Out-of-School Time
Quality Coach
olivia@kydnet.org
Olivia Terrentine: the coach with the most. With years of experience in the OST sector and advocating for youth in Kalamazoo, it’s clear why her initials spell out OST. Olivia is amazing at meeting people where they are at, making them feel seen, and empowering them to reach their goals. In addition to coaching, Olivia provides CPR and first-aid training to cohort members. Olivia graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work from the same institution. In her free time, you can find her singing, relaxing, and being in community.
Herring Consulting
Stryker Corp
Student, Michigan State University
Grand Valley State University
Treasurer
Mercantile Bank
Co-Chair
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo
Assistant Treasurer Primerica Financial Services
Student, Loy Norrix High School
Eastside Youth Strong
Student, Michigan State University
Co-Chair
Gryphon Place
Using data-driven models, we partner with the out-of-school time sector to create a thriving community for youth in Southwest Michigan.