Board of Directors
Stacy Deck, PhD., Spalding University (Board Chair)
Sara Butryn, JCPS (Board Vice Chair)
Zion Smith, Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet (Board Secretary)
Dan Heekin, KPMG LLP (Board Treasurer)
Heather Dearing, Office of Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
Melissa Banks, State Capacity Building Center
Jo Greer, Cabbage Patch
Stephanie Stone, Passport by Molina
Ashley Brandt, Metro United Way
The Book Works Staff
Phoenix Berry
Education Access Fellow
Phoenix is an individual with a background in Policy and Art. They fight to make changes in their community using decolonial frameworks. As a fellow, they tutor the youth and show up to help them feel more confident in education and as members of society.
Nigel Blackburn
Education Advocate
Nigel is deeply committed to improving his community. He has worked with the University of Louisville Youth Violence Prevention Research Center, served on the Mayor’s Youth Implementation Team, and coordinated services for middle school students.
Kinisha Carey
Education Advocate
With more than a decade of experience in social work, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care, Kinisha is dedicated to creating supportive learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work and brings a collaborative, compassionate approach to helping students reach their full potential.
Jess Dauster
Project Director
Jess holds a MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University, and has built her career on research, policy, and advocacy work for vulnerable populations with a specific focus on women and children’s rights.
Sydney Givens
Education Advocate
Sydney is passionate about working with and advocating for youth, believing strongly in their potential to create positive change. Sydney is committed to empowering young people by providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth.
Teja Hill
Education Advocate
Committed to civil service and child welfare, Teja works to ensure the voices and needs of children are represented and amplified. She is passionate about applying over a decade’s worth of experience in research and juvenile justice.
Gail Hooper
Academic Support Specialist
Gail is a graduate of Indiana Universiy Southeast, working to pursue their Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. They have volunteered as a reading tutor for Americorps and are passionate about helping learners find confidence in the classroom.
Kendrick Johnson
Education Access Fellow
Kendrick is pursuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Analytics. His ambitions are to use his critical and analytical business expertise to further promote change in helping others while being an asset to organizational growth.
Micah Kavich
Intake & Impact Specialist
Micah has lived in the Louisville area their whole life and has spent much of it organizing events, building community, and sharing resources. They are currently in their last semester at the University of Louisville pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership.
Ysa Leon
Education Advocate
Ysa is a 2024 graduate of Transylvania University with degrees in Communications and Social Change. They have experience in grassroots organizing and direct social services, with the ultimate goal of making Kentucky a better place for the most vulnerable populations.
Nick Marshall
Education Advocate
Nick attributes his successes to the support of his foster parents, mentors, and teachers. He earned a degree in communications from UofL and has contributed his skills to a variety of non-profit and political roles. Nick is committed to helping kids in or leaving state care at the local, state, and federal levels.
Emerson Mays
Youth Services Specialist
Emerson holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Louisville and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work. She is a dedicated social worker with a passion for empowering individuals and familieies, advocating for vulnerable populations, and fostering positive change within her community.
Julia Mikulec
Education Coordinator
Julia is a proud educator with experience teaching in JCPS high schools, Head Start preschools, and immigrant and refugee education programs. She strives to create environments where children of all ages and abilities are valued, supported, and celebrated.
Ruth Peter Gota
Education Advocate
Dedicated to advocating for student success within complex systems, Ruth holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, equipping her to address educational inequities and drive systemic change.
Elizabeth Senn-Alvey
Executive Director
Elizabeth has worked to create programs and partnerships that build equitable opportunities for all of Louisville’s youth and young adults for more than 20 years. She earned an MPA from the University of Louisville, with an emphasis on nonprofit management.
Emily Sledge
Grants & Communications Specialist
Emily is an alumna of the University of Louisville, having obtained her Master’s in English with focuses in creative writing, disability studies, & multimodal pedagogy. She works to elevate the world of education and human development as she contributes her words and ideas to young learners and the people who support them.
Denice Wallace
Youth Services Coordinator
Denice has experience as a teacher, youth program director, and community servant. Denice is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Spalding University. Her authentic, upbeat approach and commitment to service help her connect with people from all walks of life.