Powerful Schools’ Leadership Team
Tre’ Maxie, Executive Director
As a child, Tre’ hoped to become a lawyer, inspired by the sitcom Matlock, because he wanted to “right all the wrongs.” Although not an attorney, Tre’ still fights the battle against inequities and wrong-doings as the Executive Director of Powerful Schools, a position he has held since 2008.
Tre’ believes a good education is a human right, and that Powerful Schools is an amazing organization that leverages the talent of everyday people in the community to offer literacy, arts, family, after-school and summer programs.
Jeannie Collins-Brandon, Education Director
It was hard for Jeannie to keep track of what she wanted to be when she grew up, because it changed weekly. One day she wanted to be a dancer or a teacher, and then next, an archaeologist! Jeannie is now the Education Director for Powerful Schools, a position she has held since 2009. However, she has been involved in the organization as a board member, site coordinator and writing instructor since 1995.
Jeannie loves children and believes every child deserves a fair start. She appreciates that Powerful Schools engages families and communities in educating and developing youth.
Jenn Daly, Development & Communications Director
While growing up Jenn was sure she was going to end up floating among the stars as an astronaut. Now, Jenn is the Development & Commuications Director at Powerful Schools, joining the team in 2011 with 10 years of non-profit programming and fundraising experience. Jenn loves working with and for kids and cherishes the fact that young students are getting introduced to new talents and skills through Powerful Schools.
Jenn believes Powerful Schools is a true partner and wants what is best for the students and the schools served. She admires the fact that if a school needs a service we don’t provide we will help them find it.
Debbie McGibbon, Extended Learning Director
As a grade school student, Debbie dreamt about being many things when she grew up: a ballet dancer, a clothes designer, a veterinarian, a physical therapist, a stewardess, a small business owner, and a mom, just to name a few. Now Debbie is a Powerful Schools veteran. She has been with the organization since 1998, playing her part in many different programs and leadership roles. Currently, Debbie is the Extended Learning Director, which allows her to see kids stir their passions or introduce them to new ones.
Debbie believes in giving children opportunities to succeed and that Powerful Schools’ programming gives students a safe, familiar, place that gives them the opportunities to explore.
Powerful Schools’ Staff Team
Kim Adams, Lead Tutor, John Muir Elementary
Kim can’t quite remember what she wanted to be when she grew up, but she knew it wasn’t a teacher. However, Kim soon found her passion for education. She has been a tutor for Powerful Schools since about 2004, and is now the Lead Tutor at John Muir Elementary.
Kim enjoys working one-on-one with the students because she feels like she becomes a mentor to the children she tutors.
Angela Carrion, After-School Site Coordinator, Orca K-8
As a child, Angela always imagined she’d grow up to be a teacher, so it’s easy to see how she decided to join the Powerful Schools team as the After-School Site Coordinator at Orca K-8 in South Seattle.
Angela believes that Powerful Schools provides an important link between our schools and the community at large by bringing in local artists and experts to enrich student education.
Katie Carter-Skoglund, After-School Program Assistant, Hawthorne
In grade school, Katie hoped to grow up and work in the zoo or circus, where she could spend her days working with animals. Instead, Katie became a teacher and has recently joined the Powerful Schools staff as a Program Assistant for our Extended Learning program at Hawthorne Elementary.
Katie was excited to join the Powerful Schools team because she believes in our philosophy of offering kids opportunities for enrichment, academics and experiences that go well beyond their classrooms. She’s excited to create windows for every child to seek growth and opportunity.
Kay Chapin, Reading Intervention Tutor Supervisor
In grade school, Kay hoped to become a business woman, who wore a suit and carried a briefcase. Today, Kay has been tutoring with Powerful Schools since 2000 and became the lead Reading Intervention Tutor Supervisor in 2009.
Kay believes children need more positive experiences in their lives, and that Powerful Schools provides that and much more. She finds tutoring rewarding because she enjoys teaching students the necessary skills to read independently because Kay believes reading is one of the most powerful gifts you can give a child.
Minta Crafts, Development Specialist
As a kid, Minta hoped her passion for figure skating would lead to a career as a professional ice skater, and never seriously thought about a back-up plan. Minta began her career in nonprofit work in Portland which continued while living in Barcelona, Spain for two years. Now in Seattle, she is happy to have landed here at Powerful Schools as our Development Specialist.
Minta appreciates that Powerful Schools embraces and values all students and seeks to give those that need it, extra attention and educational opportunities. She loves Powerful Schools’ mission because she knows that every child can have a life full of personal success, but strongly believes that it is our job as a caring society, to give every child the support and education necessary to make that happen.
Rick Davidson, After-School Site Coordinator, John Muir Elementary
Rick didn’t want to be a policeman, fireman or astronaut when he was growing up. If anything, his goal was to be a professional dodgeball player! Currently, Rick is the Site Coordinator at John Muir Elementary, a position he has held since 2009.
Rick enjoys working for Powerful Schools because he loves working with children and he believes the Powerful Schools’ staff is capable, caring and compassionate.
Beverly DeCook, Lead Tutor, South Shore K-8
Beverly can’t quite remember what she wanted to be when she grew up, but now she is the Lead Tutor for South Shore Elementary.
She has been with Powerful Schools since 2005. She joined the tutoring team after years of previous tutoring experience at different local Seattle Schools.
Donna Eaton, Lead Tutor, Hawthorne Elementary
As a grade school student, Donna wanted to be a teacher and a mom when she grew up. She has since become the Lead Tutor at Hawthorne Elementary and has been with Powerful Schools since about 1997.
Donna believes Powerful Schools is most impactful on students because of the organization’s presence inside the school and that the programming is really about “hands on” work that makes a difference in children’s and families’ lives.
Nanette Fuerte, After-School Site Coordinator, Maple Elementary
Growing up Nanette dreamed of being one of the Charlie’s Angels, a truck driver like on BJ and the Bear, a chef and a florist, just to name a few. Today she wraps all of her many talents together as serves as the After-School Site Coordinator at Maple Elementary.
Nanette believes that Powerful Schools sets its self apart through its TRUE PASSION to provide a variety of opportunities to its students and expand their education.
Sandy Gunder, SES & Special Projects
In grade school Sandy wanted to be a journalist when she grew up. Now, Sandy is the SES (Supplemental Education Services) and Special Projects Coordinator for Powerful Schools.
Sandy began tutoring in the fall of 2010 and became interested in getting back into program coordination. She got involved with Powerful Schools because she had known the organization for years had always admired Powerful Schools for its perfect blend of the non-profit and education world.
Ange Hill, After-School Site Coordinator Supervisor
During elementary school, Ange wanted to grow up to be a nurse like her mother. Now a Site Coordinator and the Site Coordinator Supervisor at Powerful Schools, Ange was first introduced to Powerful Schools when her son enrolled in an after-school class in 2004 and loved it!
Ange enjoys working for Powerful Schools because of the organization’s dedication to providing quality educational programming for all students.
Robin Horton, Lead Tutor, Orca K-8
As a child, Robin wanted to grow up to be a secretary like her mom. Now, she shares her love for reading that started in second grade as Lead Tutor for Orca K-8. Robin has held this position since 1997.
Robin enjoys working for Powerful Schools because she believes that the organization continues to evolve and become more effective in teaching young children.
Lydia Jurcys, Assessment & Program Development Specialist
When Lydia was in grade school, her ambitions were to become an artist, a teacher or a Charlie’s Angel! Although still an artist on her spare time, Lydia is now the Assessment and Program Development Specialist for Powerful Schools. She originally started at the organization in February 2011.
Lydia feels fortunate to work for an organization whose core educational values so closely align with her deepest belief that all children have a voice and that they should be provided with the social, emotional and educational tools, the opportunity, and a safe environment in which they can express themselves.
Lauri Palmer, Office Administrator
In grade school, Lauri wanted to be a journalist when she grew up. She had a paper route when she was 11 and thought it would be a lot more enjoyable to write for the paper than it was to deliver it. Now, Lauri is the Office Administrator for Powerful Schools. She started out as the Site Coordinator at Graham Hill and moved to her new position in December 2012.
She believes what sets Powerful Schools apart from other organizations is its commitment to the community and the genuine goal to make a difference in all children’s lives.
Melinda Riser, Lead Tutor, Dunlap Elementary
During elementary school, Melinda dreamt of becoming a famous writer. Continuing her love for literacy, Melinda is now the lead tutor at Dunlap Elementary, a position she has held since 2010.
Melinda enjoys her work at Powerful Schools because she feels it has a meaningful purpose: to close the achievement gap and help students who are academically behind their classmates catch up and work at grade level.
John Shaw, After-School Site Coordinator, Beacon Hill International School
As a child, John enjoyed writing poetry and music, which is still one of his passions today. John is also the After-School Site Coordinator for Beacon Hill International School and has been in this position since 2010.
John enjoys working for Powerful Schools not only because of the effective programming and nice people, but also because it gives him a chance to work at his son’s school. John believes in Powerful Schools’ commitment to serving everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
Jeanne Thomas, After-School Site Coordinator, Graham Hill Elementary
As an elementary student, Jeanne wanted to be a child psychologist because she wanted to help children discover their worth. Although not a psychologist, Jeanne is still passionate about giving children an opportunity to express themselves and learn new skills as Site Coordinator at Graham Hill Elementary.
Jeanne has been with Powerful Schools since December of 2011 and believes the new skills and confidence children learn in Powerful Schools’ programming will impact all aspects of their lives.
Teresa Weatherspoon, Lead Tutor, Northgate Elementary
Growing up, Teresa imagined she would “serve the World”. She looked up to modern day heros like Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, and Mother Theresa, who all continue to inspire her love of humanity. Today, Teresa spreads this love at Northgate Elementary where she serves as our Lead Tutor.
Teresa has been with Powerful Schools since 2008 and believes that our programs are impacting children’s lives at a core level.
