Noah Koritz

Education Partnerships Regional Manager

Noah joined Committee for Children in 2019 after spending a decade in education services—starting as an after-school teacher and moving into teacher training, program management, territory management, and finally national sales and partnerships.

In his role, he works with school districts and state agencies to adopt and implement social-emotional learning (SEL) programming in the Mountain Plains region. He also plans regional thought-leadership events, featuring experts who are innovating in the field of SEL.

“I believe in the importance of social-emotional learning in our society,” he says. “This was not a subject that was explicitly—or often even implicitly—taught in school when I was growing up, and I feel that my classmates and I would have benefited enormously from this type of programming.”

Noah, who has a bachelor’s degree in history from Beloit College, says his SEL superpower is social engagement—he’s always excited to meet and engage with others, both inside and outside of work.

Jennifer Sanderlin

Education Partnerships Regional Manager

Since 2013, Jennifer Sanderlin has served as CFC’s senior education partnerships manager for the southern US states. Working with leaders at state, district, and school levels, she provides program guidance, strategies, and coordination with funding opportunities.

As part of her work at CFC, she helped develop a grant in Georgia focused on social-emotional learning (SEL) as a foundation to long-term primary prevention of violence and maltreatment of children. So far, the grant has awarded nearly $2 million over the past five years.

Jennifer’s own SEL superpower is perspective-taking. “Traveling over 50,000 miles every year has given me a unique perspective to see a wide variety of ways that our clients bring in and sustain SEL in their schools,” she says. “I get to help connect people to resources and each other, making their journey more efficient and usually more enjoyable in knowing they’re not alone.”

With bachelor’s degrees in both sociology and elementary education, Jennifer has more than two decades of experience as a teacher and senior administrator in both school-based and out-of-school time settings. She hones her SEL skills daily with the help of her husband and two teenage children.

Kate Tovias

Education Partnerships Regional Manager

Kate Tovias brings a teacher’s perspective to her work with districts, schools, and organizations throughout the northeast US. Prior to joining Committee for Children in 2014, she was an academic intervention specialist and long-time elementary and middle school teacher.

Kate has two bachelor’s degrees: one from Seattle University in psychology and one from Central Washington University in elementary education. She is also certified in leadership and management from Cornell University.

Kelly Brazell

Education Account Manager

Working as a drug and alcohol prevention specialist strengthened Kelly Brazell’s passion for supporting the well-being of children. “I care deeply that every child has the skills to attain long-term success,” she says, “so I was very excited to find an organization like Committee for Children that takes active steps to positively impact the lives of children everywhere.”

As an education account manager for the western US, Kelly provides program guidance, resources, strategies, and support to schools and districts implementing the Second Step® family of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.

With a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Biola University, Kelly considers goal-setting her SEL superpower. “I love setting personal and professional goals for myself,” she says. “I have a very proactive approach to life that has allowed me to have many incredible experiences, both in my personal life and in my role at Committee for Children.”

Adam Campbell

Senior Education Partnerships Manager

A former teacher, Adam Campbell has been a longtime advocate of social-emotional learning (SEL) and a believer in its positive impact on long-term outcomes for students. He sees SEL as an essential early intervention for children and a foundation on which positive classroom, school, and community culture is built. As a senior education partnerships manager, Adam works with school districts in the central US to implement the Second Step® family of SEL programs.

Adam has a bachelor’s degree in international business from Washington State University, a teaching certification from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University.

He considers his SEL superpower to be social awareness, and strives to recognize the feelings and needs of those around him. “I’m practicing a lifelong growth mindset in developing my appreciation for diversity and for how my personal identity impacts my worldview,” he says.

Michelle Chaichana

Technical Support Representative

As part of the Client Success and Support Team, Michelle Chaichana nurtures happy, loyal clients by building relationships and providing top-notch service. She answers technical questions and provides resources and advice to help clients solve unique problems. In addition to making sure orders are filled as expected, she also facilitates the onboarding process, and is available throughout the process to answer questions and offer suggestions about how to use Second Step® programs and other products most effectively.

Prior to joining Committee for Children, Michelle honed her problem-solving skills in the travel industry, working in roles such as tech support, quality management, training, and sales. She says her social-emotional learning (SEL) superpower is viewing an issue from all sides and using her analytical prowess and social awareness to come up with the best possible solution for all involved. She also enjoys collaborating with others to solve problems and communicating clearly so that clients get the information they need.

In addition to working at Committee for Children, Michelle is pursuing a degree in Applied Science in Information Systems and Technology with a concentration in Business Intelligence.

Heather Farris

Proposals Manager

Heather Farris has a background in marketing and advertising and brings these skills to her work as a proposal analyst at Committee for Children. She delivers information and data to prospective clients and helps align Second Step® programs to those clients’ district, school, and state initiatives.

Heather oversees the creation of comprehensive sales and outreach proposals in response to requests for proposals (RFPs). She coordinates with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to combine existing content with compelling, original copy for the purpose of new business acquisition and vendor relationship development.

Heather has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and marketing from the University of North Texas.

Joany Higgins

Education Partnerships Manager

Working with nonprofit organizations that serve youth and families deepened Joany Higgins’s passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of students.

At Committee for Children, she supports school districts across 15 states in the Mountain Plains region as they implement Second Step, our social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum.

“I believe deeply in the power of social-emotional learning to transform schools, communities, and students,” she says. “Each day, I am inspired by my colleagues and our clients who make our mission a reality and help us move closer to a vision of ‘safe children thriving in a peaceful world.’”

Joany has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Michael’s College and a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. Joany considers her SEL superpower to be teamwork, and she enjoys helping others feel empowered to combine their skills, talents, and passions toward a common purpose.

Wesleigh Jones

Education Account Manager

Wesleigh Jones joined Committee for Children to pursue her passion for creating a safer, more peaceful world by helping kids thrive. She’s drawn to work that serves a values-driven purpose and facilitates positive results that change lives.

Wesleigh’s experience in the nonprofit sector has included roles in education, development, and event management. She comes to Committee for Children after having served most recently as development manager for the American Lung Association. Prior to that position, she managed events for the Obesity Medicine Association. She has an educational background in social work and child development, and she received her bachelor’s degree in family studies from Miami University.

In her current role as education account manager at Committee for Children, she provides program guidance, resources, strategies, and support to schools and districts implementing the Second Step® family of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. “What excites me most about this work,” she says, “is connecting with thought-provoking individuals who have a shared passion for Committee for Children’s vital mission.”

Gracious and calm under pressure, Wesleigh says her SEL superpower is building positive relationships. “I enjoy having meaningful conversations and cultivating relationships to conquer shared goals,” she says. Wesleigh adds that she feels lucky to work on causes she cares about and is excited to work toward solutions that help kids lead their best lives.

Jackie Mahedy

Education Partnerships Manager

Having worked at regional and national nonprofits, Jackie Mahedy knew she wanted to join an organization with values she genuinely believed in, where her colleagues would share her passion and drive for the mission. This search brought her to Committee for Children.

As an education account manager for the southeastern US, Jackie provides program guidance, resources, strategies, and support to schools and districts implementing the Second Step® family of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and public health from Boston University.

Jackie sees her SEL superpower as her ability to foster strong relationships and develop connections with others. “I love connecting with colleagues, clients, and friends on a deeper level and enjoy thoughtful communication,” she says.

Travis Meng

Education Account Manager

Having previously worked at AmeriCorps and Lyft, Travis Meng saw a role within Education Partnerships at Committee for Children as the perfect opportunity to blend his interest in education, technology, and sales.

As an education account manager for the northeastern US, Travis provides program guidance, resources, strategies, and support to schools and districts implementing the Second Step® family of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Lewis & Clark College.

Travis sees his SEL superpower as his appreciation of diversity, which he attributes to growing up both in the US and abroad and being exposed to a variety of cultures. “I’m passionate about diversity and equity in all forms,” he says.

Tyler Morrison

Education Account Manager

Before joining the Education Partnerships Team with Committee for Children, Tyler Morrison spent five years teaching high school science in the Denver metropolitan area. “I have a passion for helping students succeed, and I understand the important role that social-emotional learning plays in achieving that goal,” he says. “I joined Committee for Children because I wanted to support students in a more systematic way. I’m excited to contribute to this mission.”

As Education Account Manager for the Gulf Coast Territory, Tyler engages with district leaders to support their Second Step® implementations and social-emotional learning (SEL) priorities. He proactively provides a variety of resources that leaders can use to optimize Second Step programs within their district and stay informed of relevant news and events.

Whether he’s helping district leaders plan implementations, train teachers, or expand adoption of Second Step programs, Tyler says he focuses on the end goal of supporting students’ social-emotional needs. He says his SEL superpower is making responsible decisions, and he helps districts do the same by listening carefully to their needs, gathering and sharing information, and inclusively considering the effects on all involved.

Tyler earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and philosophy from the University of Idaho, and he holds a master’s degree in education from Regis University in Colorado.

Daniela Ramírez

Education Account Manager

Working in the education field strengthened Daniela Ramírez’s appreciation of social-emotional learning (SEL) and belief that SEL benefits students far beyond the classroom. As an education account manager for the central US, Daniela provides program guidance, resources, strategies, and support to schools and districts implementing the Second Step® family of SEL programs. She also assists with some translations of our K–5 materials from English to Spanish.

Daniela has a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey and a degree in marketing and international development from ESCD 3A University in Lyon, France.

She considers her SEL superpower to be relationship skills, particularly establishing and maintaining healthy relationships with diverse individuals and groups. “I’m passionate about learning about other cultures and backgrounds, while actively listening and cooperating with others,” she says.

Kyra Rhoads

Senior Education Partnerships Manager

Kyra Rhoads joined Committee for Children in 2017 with over 15 years of experience working with a diverse range of nonprofit agencies—including healthcare, education, and youth-outreach programs—in both management and volunteer capacities. As account manager for the southern US, she considers client relations, strategic planning, and sales and marketing to be her primary skills.

Kyra graduated with a bachelor of science in business and economics from George Fox University and studied nonprofit management at the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Neal Robbins

Senior Education Partnerships Manager

After a decade working in education technology with an emphasis on student assessment, Neal Robbins decided he wanted to work with educators more directly. “I was interested in helping educators apply that data, and am proud to be able to do that at Committee for Children,” he says.

As a senior education partnerships manager, Neal helps school districts in the western US implement the Second Step® family of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s College, and sees his SEL superpower as self-efficacy.

“I’m a grounded individual and have had enough foresight to handle life’s challenges,” he says. “While it hasn’t been without struggle, I’ve always stuck to my plan in order to succeed.”

Zach Sherman

Education Partnerships Manager

Growing up overseas, Zach Sherman wanted to work in global development and foreign aid. But when the opportunity presented itself to join Committee for Children in 2013, he knew he had to jump at the chance to help children nationally and globally, even though it wasn’t in the original plan.

Now, Zach works with schools and districts in the central US states to implement our social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, Second Step. He connects with and supports the educators and administrators as they use Second Step to create empathetic, safe, and successful learning environments. Zach believes that his SEL superpower of empathy is key to this role.

“I use this skill in life and at work by trying to make people laugh when I see they might be feeling down, and by lending a listening ear when someone might be struggling,” he says.

Zach received his dual degree in economics and international political economy from the University of Puget Sound.

Forrest Walter

Education Partnerships Manager

As a second-grade teacher who used Second Step social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum in his classroom, Forrest Walter saw firsthand how powerful it can be.

That made the decision to join Committee for Children in 2019 an easy one. Forrest now helps districts implement SEL programming, providing support throughout the life of the partnership. He also works with community organizations, state departments, and nonprofit organizations to expand the SEL footprint nationwide.

“Education equity has always been at the heart of my career mission,” he says. “I was attracted to the vision and reach of CFC, which is worldwide and focused on not only developing amazing curricula, but also on furthering the SEL frontier through policy and legislation, innovation, and many other methods.”

Forrest earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Colgate University. He considers his SEL superpower communication, as he loves to connect with people and build authentic relationships.