Adam Brooks is a first-generation college student who grew up in the West Valley of Phoenix. Both his parents worked full time, so Adam and his sibling attended Out-of-School Time (OST) programs after school and during the summer. This OST experience helped Adam find his passion of helping others and gave him practical experience and skills he has applied to his career. Adam went on to get a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications, a graduate diploma in Leadership Development and a master’s degree in Education. As a former high school teacher Adam is currently an adjunct professor at Phoenix College and Rio Salado College as well as owning an Educational Consulting firm called, Youth Awareness and Safety. Adam has performed off Broadway, been a seasonal administrator for a camp for youth with physical disabilities. Adam has also authored two bestselling minibooks, “Understanding Millennials; Tips and Tricks for working with Today’s generation” and “The Social Media Handbook; An adult guide to the digital life of a teen.”
Heidi (she/her/hers) began her career in expanded learning in 2008 as a part time program assistant. Then, after completing her Master’s in Child Development, she was promoted to a program site leader before branching out as a professional expert/consultant and trainer within the field, focusing on promoting quality programming and staffing. Heidi also teaches entry level college courses including child guidance, child and adolescent growth and development, observation and assessment, health, safety and nutrition, and child, family and community. Heidi considers herself beyond lucky to engage in both the theory and practice of child development between her jobs.
Kari Taylor is ICAN’s Director of Programs. She has been with ICAN for almost 5 years, overseeing the entire program area which includes 28 program staff and 500 youth who attend ICAN’s free after school program. Kari has over 15 years of experience working with youth and was critical in growing ICAN’s program model from one site in downtown Chandler to 5 sites across multiple cities. Kari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. She is a graduate of ASU’s American Express Leadership Academy for nonprofit leadership 2022. In 2021, Kari was named Outstanding Out of School Time Professional for the state of Arizona by the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence. Kari lives in Ahwatukee with her husband and two young children. She is passionate about youth development and is inspired by the hundreds of youth who attend ICAN’s programs each year.
Yvonne Pastor has dedicated her career to serving children, teens, and families in the Phoenix community. She has worked in nonprofit and city government for over 25th years, nineteen with the City of Phoenix. She has been responsible for the coordination and delivery of various citywide programs along the cradle to career continuum including early literacy, afterschool/out of school time, grade-level reading, and college access programming. She was part of the development of the Girl Scouts- Arizona Cactus Pine Council’s Social Justice Programs serving girls and women at risk or have been involved with the criminal justice system. She has also served as a Program Advisor with Arizona State University’s Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program. Currently, she is the Chief Service Officer for the City of Phoenix, coordinating and managing citywide volunteer services and national service programs. Yvonne is a native Phoenician and a graduate of the University of Arizona’s College of Education and mother of 2 adult children, Alexis and Francisco, and grandmother to Santiago.
Lisa’s 30+ years of experience in school-age care spans all aspects of afterschool program practice and management. This practical and applied knowledge has led her to a dynamic understanding of the challenges and joys of working with youth during out-of-school time. Lisa has presented workshops for single and multi-site programs, at local, state and national conferences. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people and spending time with family.
My name is Paula Jai Wilson. I have lived in Arizona for 18 years. I am married with four amazing sons and enjoy spending quality time with them and the rest of our family as much as possible. I have worked in out-of-school time programs for more than 15 years as a Lead After-School Program Manager and McKinney Vento Specialist at UMOM New Day Centers. I found my passion in running quality children’s programs and providing educational support to homeless families and trauma-informed care workshops to local elementary schools. I obtained my preschool and infant/toddler Child Development Associate in 2015 through the Association of Supportive Childcare. Currently as a Senior Program Coordinator at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, I coordinate program expansion for teens and young adults that benefit from supportive connections to continue building resilience. In 2022, I was honored to be the recipient of AZCASE’s Out-of-School Time Professional Award of Excellence for my work and commitment to underserved children and youth in our community. I enjoy spending time supporting local childcare and after school programs to reach accreditation as an AZCASE Pathway to Accreditation Guide.
KellyAnn Bonnell
