By Lara DeLosh | Inside Business
February 23, 2011

Getting to know the YouthQuest Site Team Leaders—Part 3

Learning doesn’t stop because school is over for the day. In fact, for more than 1,800 K-8 students some of the most significant learning occurs during YouthQuest, the free after school enrichment program led by the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. It is here that the students interact with each other, enhancing their social skills, ethics, sportsmanship and character. All key elements that with positive reinforcement will continue to help them grow into strong, kind and functioning individuals.  Helping manage the growth process are the YouthQuest site team leaders – individuals dedicated to ensuring that the students strive to be their best selves.

Who are the individuals helping to prepare the future leaders of our community as they oversee the daily management of the YouthQuest program and staff? In the last two issues of Inside Business you were introduced to the site leaders from the Flint and Carman-Ainsworth community schools. This issue highlights the site team leaders from Mt. Morris Consolidated and Montrose Community schools.

Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools:

Valerie Marshall – Pinehurst Elementary

Tell us about your background and how you became a site team leader.

I am a second generation educator. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and a Master’s degree in Reading Specialist.  The work that I have done since college has all been in the field of education. I love interacting with children and being a part of their “light bulb” moments.

What is your take-away from working with the kids at YouthQuest? 

I enjoy engaging with the students, and ultimately with their whole families.  Students take home – figuratively and literally – what we have shared with them throughout their time with us.

What do you hope to instill in the youth while they are under your leadership? 

I want to instill in youth that there is a whole world outside of Mt. Morris.  In order for them to excel, they have to buy into giving their best to get the best out of life.

Kerry Raye Munsey – Montague Elementary

Tell us about your background and how you became a site team leader.

I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I taught for two years in North Carolina, and three years overseas. Moving back to Michigan I was looking for a position that would allow me to still invest in children and give to the communities in which I grew up. The after school programs in Genesee County have always had a good reputation, so I started pursuing an avenue to work with the amazing children in this area.

What is your take-away from working with the kids at YouthQuest? 

I am constantly amazed at the obstacles that the children in my program have to overcome on a daily basis. The strength and positive attitudes that are present in our students is inspiring when you remember the hardships they face. If there is even one student that is impacted by what we do with them after school, our work is not in vain.

What do you hope to instill in the youth while they are under your leadership? 

Youth today are in need of constant encouragement and people to tell and show them how valuable they are. I hope to instill in each child a sense of self-worth and belief that they are valued and loved. Once they believe these things, the rest of their world will be impacted in a positive way.

Mandy Parker – Moore Elementary

Tell us about your background and how you became a site team leader.

I have worked in the education field for 12 years, and began working with the Bridges to the Future after school program seven years ago. I love helping to educate students, and providing a safe environment for them to be after school.

What is your take-away from working with the kids at YouthQuest? 

Working with students is so rewarding! I have developed lifelong relationships with some of the students and families that I have worked with over the years in the after school programs. I feel that if I make a difference in even one student’s life, I have done my job. Every day I see students receive assistance with homework, receive a hug from a caring adult, eat a warm, healthy dinner, and have fun with friends. I know that students would not experience these things if they went home right after school. I have the best job out there!

What do you hope to instill in the youth while they are under your leadership?

I hope that I can share some lifelong skills that will help the children grow into caring and successful adults for lifelong happiness. 

Montrose Community Schools:

Cindi Robinson – Kuehn-Haven Middle School

Tell us about your background and how you became a site team leader.

I worked as a learning guide over the summer for YouthQuest at Montague Elementary School in Mt. Morris under the supervision of Kerry Munsey. Over the summer a position opened up at Montrose, which I applied for and received.  Prior to working for YouthQuest, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in math education and art education. Shortly after college I moved overseas and taught in Vienna, Austria, for five years as a high school math and art teacher. A year ago I moved back to the United States where I taught high school and middle school art and math.  Disappointedly, the art program was cut, so I was in need of work.  I found a perfect fit with YouthQuest.

What is your take-away from working with the kids at YouthQuest? 

Every day, when I go home, I am reminded of how well I have it versus the hardship that some of the kids face. I admire my middle school students as they wake up in less than ideal conditions and come to program. In fact, some have not missed one day. The kids are so inspiring. Despite some of the challenges they are up against, they’re able to have fun and keep a smile on their faces.

What do you hope to instill in the youth while they are under your leadership? 

I hope the children will learn that they are valued members of their community, they are loved, and they are respected individuals that deserve the best this world has to offer. I hope to open their eyes to the world around them by teaching the kids everyday skills like sewing and Web design, introducing a variety of occupational pursuits through career days and college visits, and I want them to understand their community by creating service opportunities and nursing home visits. In the end, their horizons will be broadened and my dream is that they catch a vision and a goal for their future success.