Learning Club Staff
Victoria Barbee, Assistant Site Director
Victoria Barbee is excited and humbled to be a part of the Learning Club family as the Assistant Director of the Internship. Victoria grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and attended Calvary Bible College. She has served children and families with the state (in both Missouri and Kansas) as a Family Support Specialist. In 2016, Victoria founded DramaTimeKC, a theater company that utilizes drama therapy and theater skills to inspire children in the urban core to express themselves and engage in the arts. Victoria plans to use her experience as a parent aide, 20 years as a theater professional, her degree Christian Education, and her myriad experiences serving children to empower and inspire our students at the Learning Club to be their best version of themselves. Victoria's daily mantra is to sprinkle a bit of joy to all those she comes in contact with. Victoria can be reached at [email protected].
Victoria Barbee is excited and humbled to be a part of the Learning Club family as the Assistant Director of the Internship. Victoria grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and attended Calvary Bible College. She has served children and families with the state (in both Missouri and Kansas) as a Family Support Specialist. In 2016, Victoria founded DramaTimeKC, a theater company that utilizes drama therapy and theater skills to inspire children in the urban core to express themselves and engage in the arts. Victoria plans to use her experience as a parent aide, 20 years as a theater professional, her degree Christian Education, and her myriad experiences serving children to empower and inspire our students at the Learning Club to be their best version of themselves. Victoria's daily mantra is to sprinkle a bit of joy to all those she comes in contact with. Victoria can be reached at [email protected].
Aadesh Biswa, Assistant Site Director
Aadesh is an Assistant Site Director with Learning Club. He is currently a college student studying English with a Creative Writing emphasis and International Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He aspires to go back to his home country, Nepal, and build a school that serves all students -- regardless of their background. He is a volleyball enthusiast, music lover, and also works with a local organization that serves refugee youth. Aadesh started attending Learning Club as a student in 2014, became an intern in 2019, and started working as a Support Staff Member for the Middle School Boys group last year. No matter where he goes, his motto in life is to "be the bridge for others that connects people with the opportunity to reach their potential." Contact Aadesh at [email protected].
Aadesh is an Assistant Site Director with Learning Club. He is currently a college student studying English with a Creative Writing emphasis and International Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He aspires to go back to his home country, Nepal, and build a school that serves all students -- regardless of their background. He is a volleyball enthusiast, music lover, and also works with a local organization that serves refugee youth. Aadesh started attending Learning Club as a student in 2014, became an intern in 2019, and started working as a Support Staff Member for the Middle School Boys group last year. No matter where he goes, his motto in life is to "be the bridge for others that connects people with the opportunity to reach their potential." Contact Aadesh at [email protected].
Dionne Blake, Program Director
Dionne Blake is the Program Director at Learning Club. She is originally from the Kansas City Metropolitan area and earned her bachelor's degree in sociology (minoring in criminal justice) from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. Dionne has held several positions within the non-profit realm. After graduating she worked as a YMCA counselor, Young Adult Work Experience Coordinator and Program Manager for Employment Services. All of her positions focused on empowering the younger generations to overcome barriers in life, in order to ensure self-sufficiency. Each position Dionne has held has allowed her to provide educational tools and resources to those who need it the most in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Dionne is very passionate about meeting the younger generations where they are and providing what is needed for their success! Contact her at [email protected].
Dionne Blake is the Program Director at Learning Club. She is originally from the Kansas City Metropolitan area and earned her bachelor's degree in sociology (minoring in criminal justice) from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. Dionne has held several positions within the non-profit realm. After graduating she worked as a YMCA counselor, Young Adult Work Experience Coordinator and Program Manager for Employment Services. All of her positions focused on empowering the younger generations to overcome barriers in life, in order to ensure self-sufficiency. Each position Dionne has held has allowed her to provide educational tools and resources to those who need it the most in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Dionne is very passionate about meeting the younger generations where they are and providing what is needed for their success! Contact her at [email protected].
Mia Gardner, Volunteer and Marketing Coordinator
Mia is thankful for the opportunity to serve our community through Learning Club and partnerships with our volunteer team. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Mia has a heart for service and literacy that has led her through over 20 years of working and volunteering with children, in literacy and volunteer initiatives, and in the nonprofit sector. Mia can be reached at [email protected].
Mia is thankful for the opportunity to serve our community through Learning Club and partnerships with our volunteer team. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Mia has a heart for service and literacy that has led her through over 20 years of working and volunteering with children, in literacy and volunteer initiatives, and in the nonprofit sector. Mia can be reached at [email protected].
Corie Griffin, Internship Director
Corie Griffin is the Internship Director at Learning Club. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated high school from Sumner Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Emporia State University and then her master's degree in special education from Baker University. Corie worked in the Kansas City, Kansas School District teaching 3rd grade and Special Education for 14 years. She enjoyed being able to educate and support students over those years in the community she grew up in. Corie is excited to be at the Learning Club to continue to support the youth in the KCK area and share her passion for education with our next generation. Contact her at [email protected].
Corie Griffin is the Internship Director at Learning Club. She was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated high school from Sumner Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Emporia State University and then her master's degree in special education from Baker University. Corie worked in the Kansas City, Kansas School District teaching 3rd grade and Special Education for 14 years. She enjoyed being able to educate and support students over those years in the community she grew up in. Corie is excited to be at the Learning Club to continue to support the youth in the KCK area and share her passion for education with our next generation. Contact her at [email protected].
Gayle Lee, Ed. S., Substitute Site Team Member
Gayle Lee grew up in the northeast of Kansas City, Kansas. Her education started in KCKPS, continued at KCKCC and Emporia State University, and culminated in two master's degrees in Business Administration and Educational Administration from Baker and UMKC. She is married with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. She has worked with many groups in education and loves the Learning Club and working in the community. Gayle can be contacted at [email protected].
Gayle Lee grew up in the northeast of Kansas City, Kansas. Her education started in KCKPS, continued at KCKCC and Emporia State University, and culminated in two master's degrees in Business Administration and Educational Administration from Baker and UMKC. She is married with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. She has worked with many groups in education and loves the Learning Club and working in the community. Gayle can be contacted at [email protected].
Kayla McCullough, Assistant Site Director
Kayla McCullough is an Assistant Site Director with Learning Club. She is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from J.C. Harmon High School in KCK. She is now attending Metropolitan Community College as a pre-nursing student. Kayla is new to working with youth, but has always been very passionate about serving underrepresented communities, especially those who face unique disadvantages in the quality of education that they receive. She gains a sense of purpose from being able to help others on their path to overcoming adversity and reaching their full potential. Upon completion of her degree, Kayla hopes to continue her service to underserved individuals in our community as a public health nurse. Contact Kayla at [email protected].
Kayla McCullough is an Assistant Site Director with Learning Club. She is originally from Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from J.C. Harmon High School in KCK. She is now attending Metropolitan Community College as a pre-nursing student. Kayla is new to working with youth, but has always been very passionate about serving underrepresented communities, especially those who face unique disadvantages in the quality of education that they receive. She gains a sense of purpose from being able to help others on their path to overcoming adversity and reaching their full potential. Upon completion of her degree, Kayla hopes to continue her service to underserved individuals in our community as a public health nurse. Contact Kayla at [email protected].
Casha Mills, Site Director
Casha Mills is a Site Director with Learning Club and is thrilled to be a part of the team. Born and raised in Wyandotte County, Casha has a deep-rooted passion for youth development and the arts. She is dedicated to helping young people find joy in learning by integrating creativity into educational experiences. Throughout her career, Casha has served youth in various cities including Kansas City, Austin, Nashville, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She aims to leverage her diverse experiences to create memorable and impactful programs for the students she serves. Contact Casha at [email protected].
Casha Mills is a Site Director with Learning Club and is thrilled to be a part of the team. Born and raised in Wyandotte County, Casha has a deep-rooted passion for youth development and the arts. She is dedicated to helping young people find joy in learning by integrating creativity into educational experiences. Throughout her career, Casha has served youth in various cities including Kansas City, Austin, Nashville, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She aims to leverage her diverse experiences to create memorable and impactful programs for the students she serves. Contact Casha at [email protected].
Anna Rosell, Assistant Site Director
Anna Rosell is an Assistant Site Director. Anna was born and raised in Wichita, KS. She attended Southwestern College where she earned a bachelor's degree in theatre. After ten years of working in the theatre community as a Stage Manager and Props Master in Wichita, she moved to Kansas City and is excited to start her work here with the Learning Club. Anna can be reached at [email protected].
Anna Rosell is an Assistant Site Director. Anna was born and raised in Wichita, KS. She attended Southwestern College where she earned a bachelor's degree in theatre. After ten years of working in the theatre community as a Stage Manager and Props Master in Wichita, she moved to Kansas City and is excited to start her work here with the Learning Club. Anna can be reached at [email protected].
Asmita Sinchuri, Assistant Site Director
Asmita Sinchuri brings enthusiasm and a driven spirit to her role as Assistant Site Director at Learning Club. Originally from Nepal, she is currently pursuing a biology degree at the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC), reflecting her passion for education and curiosity about the natural world. Asmita’s journey with the Learning Club began in 2019 as a high school intern, where she discovered her love for mentoring young students. This passion has led her into her current role, where she is eager to make a meaningful impact. Outside of work, Asmita finds joy in dancing, expressing herself through movement and rhythm. She’s also a creative cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes and a soccer enthusiast who values teamwork and discipline. Asmita is excited to bring her dynamic personality and diverse experiences to Learning Club, where she aims to inspire and support students in their growth and discovery. Contact Asmita at [email protected].
Asmita Sinchuri brings enthusiasm and a driven spirit to her role as Assistant Site Director at Learning Club. Originally from Nepal, she is currently pursuing a biology degree at the University of Missouri Kansas-City (UMKC), reflecting her passion for education and curiosity about the natural world. Asmita’s journey with the Learning Club began in 2019 as a high school intern, where she discovered her love for mentoring young students. This passion has led her into her current role, where she is eager to make a meaningful impact. Outside of work, Asmita finds joy in dancing, expressing herself through movement and rhythm. She’s also a creative cook who enjoys experimenting with new recipes and a soccer enthusiast who values teamwork and discipline. Asmita is excited to bring her dynamic personality and diverse experiences to Learning Club, where she aims to inspire and support students in their growth and discovery. Contact Asmita at [email protected].
Laura Swan, M.Ed., Executive Director
Laura Swan is the Executive Director of the Learning Club. Laura started at Learning Club in 2018 as the Internship Director then the Director of Operations before stepping into the Executive Director role. Before joining the Learning Club, she was a teacher in public elementary schools in Kansas City and Columbia and taught English as a second language in South Korea and Italy. While in college, Laura served with the AmeriCorps education program Jumpstart working in Title I preschools. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's in literacy education from Mizzou. Laura is motivated by seeing children learn to love a good book and by the drive for equity in education. Contact Laura at 913-429-0454 or [email protected].
Laura Swan is the Executive Director of the Learning Club. Laura started at Learning Club in 2018 as the Internship Director then the Director of Operations before stepping into the Executive Director role. Before joining the Learning Club, she was a teacher in public elementary schools in Kansas City and Columbia and taught English as a second language in South Korea and Italy. While in college, Laura served with the AmeriCorps education program Jumpstart working in Title I preschools. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a master's in literacy education from Mizzou. Laura is motivated by seeing children learn to love a good book and by the drive for equity in education. Contact Laura at 913-429-0454 or [email protected].
Chelsea Turner, Site Director
Chelsea graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in American Ethnic Studies, also studying theatre and leadership. Her passions lie at the intersection of art and activism, and she hopes to use these interests to become a Licensed Drama Therapist. She believes in the therapeutic powers of the arts, and that every person has a unique purpose, talent, and story to share with the world. Chelsea hopes to use her experiences to empower Kansas City youth to become agents of change in their own communities. Contact Chelsea at [email protected].
Chelsea graduated from Kansas State University with a B.A. in American Ethnic Studies, also studying theatre and leadership. Her passions lie at the intersection of art and activism, and she hopes to use these interests to become a Licensed Drama Therapist. She believes in the therapeutic powers of the arts, and that every person has a unique purpose, talent, and story to share with the world. Chelsea hopes to use her experiences to empower Kansas City youth to become agents of change in their own communities. Contact Chelsea at [email protected].
Brooke Kueser VanHecke, Human Resources Director
Brooke is the Human Resources Director for the Learning Club. Brooke is originally from the Kansas City metro area and earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Kansas State University. Brooke worked as an English Language Arts educator for eight years at both the middle and high school levels. Brooke was then Learning Club's Internship Director for two years and continued to find a passion for working with students to build positive relationships and support both the academic and social-emotional success of students. Brooke has earned two master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration from Emporia State University and uses her education and experience to help support the continued growth of Learning Club. Contact her at [email protected] or (913) 535-6687.
Brooke is the Human Resources Director for the Learning Club. Brooke is originally from the Kansas City metro area and earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Kansas State University. Brooke worked as an English Language Arts educator for eight years at both the middle and high school levels. Brooke was then Learning Club's Internship Director for two years and continued to find a passion for working with students to build positive relationships and support both the academic and social-emotional success of students. Brooke has earned two master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration from Emporia State University and uses her education and experience to help support the continued growth of Learning Club. Contact her at [email protected] or (913) 535-6687.
Yasmeen Wilcox, Assistant Internship Director
Yasmeen is a support staff with the Learning Club Internship and organization operations. Yasmeen graduated from UMKC with a B.A. in theatre performance. She has always had a passion for acting (on stage or in films), but also has a passion for helping others – most importantly our youth. She believes, "Youth is the future, and so to provide them with love, encouragement, and support is one of life's greatest ambitions." Yasmeen is truly excited to be working with the Learning Club, and she is looking forward to providing as much as her skill and talents to our local youth in helping them find their greatest potential. Yasmeen can be reached at [email protected].
Yasmeen is a support staff with the Learning Club Internship and organization operations. Yasmeen graduated from UMKC with a B.A. in theatre performance. She has always had a passion for acting (on stage or in films), but also has a passion for helping others – most importantly our youth. She believes, "Youth is the future, and so to provide them with love, encouragement, and support is one of life's greatest ambitions." Yasmeen is truly excited to be working with the Learning Club, and she is looking forward to providing as much as her skill and talents to our local youth in helping them find their greatest potential. Yasmeen can be reached at [email protected].