*Note: Our team is so busy, it’s impossible to get them all into one picture! Featured: Linda, Ellen, Harmony, Travis, Abby, Carissa. Visit the staff page for bios!
The Annex Teen Clinic education team has grown and changed a lot over the past couple years. In addition to doing the community presentations and work we were doing through the REACH Program, we became funded to facilitate out of school time groups, new evidence-based programs, and provide more parent/caregiver workshops last year. In the Annex’s 45th year, the exciting work continues for the education department and we wanted to introduce you to some new staff that we have.
At the end of July, longtime Director of Sexuality Education, Brooke Stelzer, left the Annex for a position with the Minnesota Department of Education. Ellen Saliares, who had been a sexuality educator and program coordinator, moved into the Director position. Khadijah Cooper, who was a health mentor in Brooklyn Park, became the new program coordinator. These transitions provided an opportunity for them to use their expertise, experience, and relationships in the community in a new way.
At the REACH Program, Trina Pearson continues in her role as the REACH Program coordinator with new addition Desmond Grady. Desmond’s background in sexual health is a real strength he brings to our team, and we all look forward to learning from and working with him. Combined with Trina’s experience with the REACH program, her strong community connections, and vision for their work, we are excited to see what they do in the upcoming year.
With the rest of the team, there have been some changes. In the past couple months, we were fortunate enough to welcome some new team members. Linda Madson, Dana Lipper, Carissa Herron, Abby Johnson, and Emily Scotto all have backgrounds in sexual health, education, and youth work. Even though they have only been with us for a short time, we are already impressed with their skills and knowledge as they have jumped quickly into delivering programming. With us through our pilot year for new programming, Travis Eckman-Rocha, Harmony Russell, Hannah Mikhelson, and Chelle Vogel are now seasoned veterans. Each has unique strengths that, combined with their experience with our programming, has made them indispensable members of our team. Their mentoring to our new staff in their first months has not only strengthened our programming, but helped to build our new team.
Doing the work we do is rewarding enough, but being able to work with such talented and mission-driven individuals adds a level of enjoyment that makes coming to work every day a pleasure. The year ahead is full of potential and discovery as we learn more about the passions, talents, and strengths that each person brings to our work. So, stay tuned to hear more!
