Board of Directors
Michael Brusko
PRESIDENT
Mike currently works at Heartland Advisors, an investment firm in Milwaukee, WI. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and grew up in Racine, WI. His free time is spent participating in sports and traveling. Mike is looking forward to applying his knowledge, skills and passion for the community in his role as a board member.
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Cleopatra Echols
SECRETARY
Cleopatra Echols MSW APSW SAC-IT, Founder and Executive Director, of New Plan Youth & Family Services, Inc. is responsible for ensuring that the support provided to youth and families is aligned with the mission of the agency.
Cleopatra Echols obtained her Graduate Degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a lifelong resident of the City of Milwaukee. Cleopatra has held direct service, volunteer service as well as leadership roles in the field of social services (publicly and privately) during her 20 plus year career.
Cleopatra has experience in child welfare, adult protection services, contract monitoring, disability services, corrections, AODA counseling as well as community organizing. Always working in effort to impact the stability, well- being, and growth of families. As well as the positive development of children. Cleopatra has adopted a trauma informed, strengths based approach when providing service. Cleopatra believes that positive growth and stability of a community starts with the growth and stability of each person in that community.
Claude Grant
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Claude Grant received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School System from Solomon Juneau Business High School and was voted strongest male leader of his class. Mr. Grant has studied extensively in the area of ministry and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in theology from Grace Christian College & Theological Seminary. He graduated Summa Cum Laude upon completion of the Associates Degree. He also holds Masters of Christian Education Degree and a Doctorate of Biblical Studies Degree. He's the Senior Pastor of Perfecting Holiness Evangelistic Ministries. Lastly, Mr. Grant is the proud husband of Mrs. Chanda Grant and father of four beautiful daughters.
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Vera Jones
BOARD MEMBER
Vera has a Bachelor in Community Engagement and Education with a sub major in Early Childhood. She also
holds an Associate Degree in Child Care and Development. Vera has been qualified by the state Registry as a Child Care Center Director and Administrator. She has owned and operated Guardian Daycare Center.
As she reflects on her life and her experiences, she would say, “Children have a major part of her heart.” It was from this great division in her heart which came the yearning to work in a daycare facility. This has taken her on a journey which has begun with opening the home child care center. Today, she is still riding this journey with joy and anticipation for tomorrow.
Vanessa Reece
BOARD MEMBER
My name is Vanessa Reece and I am a mother of four children and five grandchildren. I am christ-centered, family-centered, loving, and honest. My passion is working with famililes to help them overcome obstacles in the their life. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from Union University, I have worked with families for over 10 years and I strive daily to be an effective change agent in the lives of others. I am currently employed at Children's Hosptial of WI as an Intensive In-Home Specailist.
Jackie White
BOARD MEMBER
Jacqueline White has a BA in Community Engagement in Education Degree with a sub major in Early Child Care Education. She also has her Administrator Credential in child care. She owns and operate a license child care center (Nana’s Cozy Corner), in the heart of Milwaukee which is licensed for thirty-nine children. She’s presently working to achieve her Accreditation for her child care program within the year of 2017. She has a passion for children and their families within the urban community. She has worked in the child care field for over thirty plus years. She works closely with other child care providers, to give the best care and offers training to help parents to become knowledgeable with resources, which assist them to gain independence for themselves and their children. She has enjoyed the anointing that the Lord has blessed her with to be successful at Nana’s Cozy Corner.
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