Janette joined Escape in 2022 and worked as a Learning Coach before taking her role as the Operations & Development Director. She is a graduate of Hope College and has previous experience working in schools as a Credit Recovery Teacher. She loves to laugh, is passionate about leading her church with her husband in Fennville, and is a great cook!
AJ joined Escape in 2014 with the Career Connections program, and has loved seeing Escape grow since then. He loves getting kids out in the world, tutoring in math, and sharing kids’ stories. When he’s not at Escape, AJ enjoys running, biking, board games, and ice cream. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Taylor joined Escape in 2019 as an intern from Hope College. She grew a mutual bond with Escape and the kids, and her approachability, consistency, and sensitivity to students’ situations has been very valuable to our team. Outside of Escape, Taylor likes to travel, camp, and hang out with her cats.
Kevin has an extensive background as an educator and leader, exhibiting innovation and a passion for youth and their families.
Prior to joining the Escape team, Kevin has served as an educational leader and school designer, who has led, founded and developed schools of innovation in both the U.S. and Rwanda. He has served on steering committees for organizations such as the Fund for Teachers, the Colorado State University School Leadership Institute, the Colorado Education Initiative and National Geographic Education. He has presented nationally on fostering transformational communities of learning, and leading change with Expeditionary Learning and the Carnegie Foundation for Improvement in Education. Kevin has consulted for organizations such as the United States Air Force and several institutions of higher education on how to transform their outcomes through intentional culture design and servant leadership. He also has served as a Family Pastor, working to improve the relationships and faith of young people through the holistic discipleship of the entire family.
Kevin holds a M.S. in Instructional Design and a B.S. in Natural Science, has teaching and administration licenses in both CO and MI, and is ordained for ministry. Kevin currently serves on the board of Arise Rwanda, a non-profit ministry dedicated to the transformation of the Boneza, Rwanda community through education, clean water, healthcare, Pastoral outreach, and community development programs.
In his free time, he loves to coach soccer, play guitar, chase trout with a flyrod, and adventure in the wilderness with his family. He considers himself to be a rich man because of his wife of 23 years, Lynelle and his 3 amazing kids.