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 offenses. 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.

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’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.  

Alexis is currently in school getting her masters in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in community mental health administration. She earned her BA from Lourdes University where she concentrated on psychology and social work. Alexis also works as a clinical mental health facilitator, educating youth on the importance of mental health and understanding their feelings and emotions.

Tina became a Programs Manager, overseeing Check & Connect and Youth Action Michigan, in September 2019. She started at the Student Advocacy Center in November 2017 as our Education Advocate for Court-Involved Youth. She serves on the federal review team for JBS International and the Children’s Bureau for National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). Tina served on the board of our Student Rights Project at University of Michigan, where she earned her Master of Social Work. Tina earned her Bachelor of Social Work at University of Kansas, where she was a research assistant for the Kansas Serves Substance-Affected Families Project. Tina served on the Kansas Youth Advisory Council for six years, serving as president for two of those years. In that role, she helped to advocate for the rights of youth in care and supported work on Senate Bill 23, which established specific graduation requirements for youth in care. She helped to write a bill of rights for youth in care, presented to the Kansas Governor’s Conference and represented Kansas in Washington, D.C., several times.

Aazhane Hearon joined SAC in 2025 after having gained extensive experience as an elementary school teacher. Prior to this role, she taught in the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, and Michigan. During her time in Dubai, Aazhane served as the coordinator of both the Drama Club and Homework Club. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in April 2022, earning Magna Cum Laude honors. With over 13 years of experience working with children, ranging from newborns to 12-year-olds, she has developed a strong foundation in child development and education. Currently, she is studying the Master of Social Work program at Walden University. In her spare time, Aazhane enjoys playing with her three cats, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Tom McMillen-Oakley joined SAC as the Jackson Education Advocate in January of 2022. Tom is a life-long educator, teaching K 12 Visual Arts Education for Columbia School District (Brooklyn, MI) and as a Professor of Studio Art at Jackson College (Jackson, MI). Aside from teaching art, Tom is a working artist as well, showing his work around the Great Lakes area and beyond. Tom has received multiple awards for his teaching and his advocacy over the years, including: Teacher of the Year, Columbia Central High School (1996) the PFLAG Jackson Support, Advocacy and Education Award, (2003), the Higher Education Art Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Art Education Association (2005) and the J. Ward Preston Faculty of the Year at Jackson College (2020).

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.

Kates joined SAC April 2024. Prior to becoming a part of the SAC family she was employed as a teacher, compact coordinator for Detroit Public Schools, parent educator, POHI paraprofessional and IDD case manager. Katese is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She loves serving her community and received an award for Outstanding Community Service from Morgan State University. She also serves on the Children’s Special needs ministry at Triumph Church.

Julie Newland became the Organizing and Events Coordinator in February 2025. She leverages a multidisciplinary background to create inclusive spaces for youth and families, centering social justice and collective liberation. Julie has developed multi-sensory art-education programs promoting intergenerational health, blending creative expression with trauma-informed, intersectional approaches. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University and holds an MFA in Drama/Theatre for Youth in Education. Her commitment to patient and family-centered care is demonstrated through years of service on the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital Patient & Family Advisory Council, where she represented families at the national level. Julie’s work focuses on amplifying youth voices, promoting educational equity, and building resilient communities through collaboration and creativity.

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.

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.

Madison graduated from Central Michigan University in 2018 with a BA in Child Development and Sociology: Youth Studies. Prior to joining the Student Advocacy Center in 2024, Madison spent time with Teach For America as a 5th-grade ELA teacher in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and four years as a private nanny. Genuine, supportive relationship building is at the heart of Madison’s work with young people and families. Her passions include social-emotional learning and education equity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her three cats. She is currently a Child Welfare Scholar at the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, where she will graduate with her MSW in December 2024.

Prestine joined Student Advocacy Center in September 2021. She was a former SAC client who participated in Youth Action Michigan. She was a part of the Detroit to Lansing walk against Zero Tolerance discipline practices in schools throughout Michigan. Also, she created the Game of Life, which is a political demonstration that outlines the impacts of Zero Tolerance on students. She also has prior history working in school districts supporting positive behavior in students. Prestine wanted to come back to SAC because she feels that with SAC she can create change and positively impact the community. 

Chris Sutton joined Student Advocacy Center in 2023 after a career as a high school science teacher in Phoenix, AZ. Chris has a decade of experience in education serving as a Classroom Teacher, Paraprofessional, and Secondary School Health Instructor, gaining valuable experience in student assessment, special needs support, and community outreach. His expertise encompasses areas such as student management, process implementation, team leadership, curriculum development, data management, program management, strategy development, and conflict resolution.

Ericka Vonyea joined the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan in July 2024, as our Ypsilanti Youth Organizer. Ericka champions for social change by advocating for others and training the youth to become community and peer advocates. She has facilitated programs in local public schools to lead a movement designed to instill pride, confidence, leadership and camaraderie in the community of girls she served. She also created summer learning programs and focuses on collaborations with community partners and non-profits to achieve positive change, inclusion and justice.

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 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.

Alisha became part of the Student Advocacy Center in 2024, bringing with her over six years of experience in early childhood and K-12 education. Prior to joining SAC, she served as an Educational Research Analyst and DEI Assistant Consultant, providing support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through data-driven insights. Alisha holds a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Eastern Michigan University and has presented her research on the decreased participation of BIPOC students in education at EMU’s Research Conference. Alisha is deeply committed to ensuring that every student has access to a quality education and the necessary support to thrive.