Our Staff

Peri has been Executive Director of the Student Advocacy Center since 2012. An active advocate for children and youth since 2005, Peri is a statewide expert in school discipline and the educational rights of homeless children and youth. Previously, she led Washtenaw County’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Education project, served as the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders and was a journalist for many years. She has been trained and certified as a trauma specialist, and she implemented Check & Connect, a nationwide, evidence-based education mentoring model. She holds a master’s degree in social work and public policy.

Anell previously worked at the Student Advocacy Center from 2014-2019. During that time he served as a Check & Connect Mentor, Youth Action Michigan adult facilitator, Dignity in Schools Campaign Federal Liaison, and Programs Manager. From 2019-2021, Anell pursued passions of combatting the school-to-prison pipeline as a Juvenile Probation Officer for the Washtenaw County Trial Court-Juvenile Division. He returned to the Student Advocacy Center as the Director of Care and Sustainability. In this role, he supports staff in efforts of combatting school push-out and ending the school-to-prison pipeline. He is an advocate for equitable education policy with a whole-child approach and is certified in trauma-informed practices. Anell earned a Master’s of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2018. Anell became Co-Executive Director in October 2024.

Jacorey came to Student Advocacy Center in 2018, while in the last few months of obtaining his Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. Jacorey has gained experience interning with the Adolescent Diversion Program at the Washtenaw County Court, mentoring youth who have committed first time off enses. Jacorey is a strong advocate for education, helping youth understand their educational rights as students and obtain goals they’ve set for themselves throughout the academic school year. Jacorey started as Programs Manager in September 2026 overseeing Check & Connect and Intern Programming.

Angelina joined the Student Advocacy Center in 2020. She has a bachelor’s in anthropology and gender studies with a focus in social justice from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Angelina earned two master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, in social work and educational studies, and she is certified in trauma-informed practice. In her career, she has focused on working with children, youth and families who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). She has also worked with students to build social-emotional skills to bring to their daily lives and into education, particularly through arts-based learning. She has a passion for advocating for students’ rights and needs and working with students to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Larry joined the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan in 2020. Larry’s career as a teacher spanned 36 years, with the past 29 years as a special education teacher in Jackson, Michigan. Larry is a certified as a science teacher for grades 7-12 and as a special education teacher for grades K-12. Larry is also certified to teach social studies, mathematics and elementary education.

Megan joined SAC in December of 2022 after completing the Masters of Social Work program at Wayne State University. Megan has a B.S. in Early Childhood Development and Learning from Central Michigan University. Before completion of the MSW program Megan worked as a teacher at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Early Childhood Education Center. When Megan is not working, she enjoys playing ice hockey, golf in the summer, and relaxing with her dog and cats.  

Julie joined SAC in 2024 as a social work student intern and transitioned to an employee in 2026. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Cornell University. In her role as an advocate, she draws on prior experience in youth development and systems-transformation–focused research and evaluation. She is passionate about uplifting student and family voices in K-12 education settings.

Myron has made a career of teaching and mentoring youth, primarily through public education and the arts, and joined us in 2019 as a Check & Connect Mentor. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts and California College of Arts with a Master of Fine Arts. When he isn’t teaching or mentoring, he enjoys reading nonfiction, listening to music and playing chess.

Ben joined the Student Advocacy Center in 2018. Previously, Ben worked for the Ypsilanti Community Schools district both as an administrator and an elementary school librarian. He also has worked with the Bright Futures after-school program in Ypsilanti. Ben is an attorney who taught middle school social studies and coached debate in Baltimore. Ben has a bachelor’s in political science from Concordia University in Montreal and a law degree from Vermont Law School. 

Jenna’s passion for education and advocating for at-risk youth is what brought her to the Student Advocacy Center in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in comparative cultures and politics from Michigan State University. Jenna received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 2018 with a focus on children, youth and families, and a school social work certification.

J’Lynn Poplin joined SAC in 2026 after serving as a Detroit Check & Connect intern for 3 semesters. J’Lynn is originally from NC and a proud first-generation college graduate from Elon University with a B.A. in Human Service Studies and Policy Studies.

Ashonte’ started SAC in 2025. She previously mentored children at the Boys and Girls Club of Toledo and worked as an assistant site director and enrichment specialist for M&M Extra Care. She has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Her passion is working with youth to address social, academic, and behavioral concerns. She loves to read and listen to jazz music in her spare time.

Shakel started at the Student Advocacy Center in November 2017. Shakel is a former child welfare worker who also has experience working in mental health and multiple education programs. Shakel’s passion is advocating for the educational and academic rights of at-risk youth. Shakel has a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s in educational psychology from Eastern Michigan University.

Meosha Robinson is a dedicated advocate for student success who joined the Student Advocacy Center in January 2024. Formerly a 4th-grade teacher, she brings a wealth of experience from the classroom, where she’s cultivated a passion for empowering youth through education. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University, she is committed to providing resources and academic support to help students thrive. Her journey in education extends beyond traditional teaching as she actively collaborated with youth, developing afterschool programming and offering tutoring services. With a heart for student welfare, she is a valuable asset to the SAC team, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of the students she serves.

Ericka joined SAC as the Ypsilanti Youth Organizer in July of 2024. She is an Organizer with deep roots in Washtenaw County, who advocates, builds power and promotes equity to overcome systemic challenges for education, the justice system and in housing. She works to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by developing programs and leadership opportunities for the youth in her community. Ericka is passionate about learning and teaching others about their rights and realizing their power to create concrete changes–whether is for their school, community or for themselves.

Colleen began as an Education Advocate with the Student Advocacy Center in November 2022. Obtaining her Bachelor’s in History from Michigan State University in 2007 and her Master’s in History from Eastern Michigan University in 2018, Colleen has taught both middle and high school social studies in Detroit, Ypsilanti, and Battle Creek. In addition to teaching Social Studies, Colleen is a certified 200 hour RYT certified Yoga Instructor as of summer 2022. In addition to having a passion for education, public service, and yoga, Colleen enjoys spending time with her child and family.

Amy joined the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan in 2015. Amy oversees our statewide Students Rights Helpline and Education Advocacy in Washtenaw and Jackson counties. She worked in Lincoln Consolidated Schools, on and off, between 2003 and 2015, in a variety of roles, including as a McKinney-Vento School Ally, behavior specialist, Title I Parent Coordinator, assistant secretary and substitute teacher. She is a former school-based at-risk social worker, children’s ministry director and in-home daycare owner.