HOY StaffThe dedicated HOY Program staff is a main factor to our program success. We come from diverse cultural, educational and personal backgrounds, yet share one common characteristic; we are committed to the youth in the community and we love working along side our HOY participants 
Ricardo Martinez, Youth Advocate-ARRA Thoughts on HOY Youth: Ricardo moved to Michigan in the summer of 1969 to work for the Fennville Migrant Program as a Teacher Aide. He has been a coach for various youth sports for more than 20 years, and volunteered as a Probation Officer with the Ottawa Detention Center for 8 years. He was a Residential Supervisor at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps for 4 years. His life work has always involved youth. 
Yolanda Slaughter, Youth Advocate-ARRA Thoughts on HOY Youth: Yolanda graduated from Horizons Community High School in 2002. She spent the last 7 years mentoring at-risk youth in her positions as an Administrative Assistant at Horizons and as a Career Coach/WIA Mentor at Innovations Academy. She has received her certificate as a Global Career Development Facilitator. She resides in Wyoming with her husband and three children. Her goal in life is to help youth see what's inside of them to help them become who they want to be, as she has life experiences as a teenage mom. Judy Gonzales, Youth Advocate-WIA Thoughts on HOY Youth: Judy has worked as an Employment Specialist with Michigan Rehab Services for the past five year, and prior to that worked as a Case Manager with Disability Advocates of Kent County. She has received ETS training at MSU for persons with barriers to employment. Her long-term goals is to open a residence for youth in transition. 
Gerardo Aguilar, HOY Site Coordinator Thoughts on HOY Youth: They are a challenge but very enjoyable to work with and observe. They are more intelligent then people give them credit. Hobbies Watching, playing and coaching sports. Taking my little girl to the playground, gardening. |