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 VBarbee@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 VBarbee@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 ABiswa@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 ABiswa@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 DBlake@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 DBlake@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ray Freeman, Assistant Site Director
Ray Freeman is the Assistant Site Director at two sites. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Schlagle High School which propelled him to Kansas State University. Ray’s passion for assisting the youth of the community is derived from the loss of family and friends to violent crime. With a background in Brazilian Jiujitsu, Ray hopes to continually work to bring positive aspects of martial arts (Discipline, Critical thinking, Humility, Patience, Confidence, all while having fun) into the lives of kids that need it most. He is motivated by his son Jory and wife, Kat. You can reach Ray at RFreeman@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ray Freeman is the Assistant Site Director at two sites. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended Schlagle High School which propelled him to Kansas State University. Ray’s passion for assisting the youth of the community is derived from the loss of family and friends to violent crime. With a background in Brazilian Jiujitsu, Ray hopes to continually work to bring positive aspects of martial arts (Discipline, Critical thinking, Humility, Patience, Confidence, all while having fun) into the lives of kids that need it most. He is motivated by his son Jory and wife, Kat. You can reach Ray at RFreeman@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 MGardner@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 MGardner@LearningClubKCK.org.
Brad Grabs, M.Ed., Founder and Animator of the Mission
Brad Grabs founded the Learning Club in 2002 after being mugged by two teenage boys a couple of blocks from Blessed Sacrament Church. Giving up a career as a teacher at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Brad was moved by the assault to devote his time and energy to inner city youth. After 21 years leading the Learning Club as Executive Director, Brad stepped down in 2023 to focus more on building relationships in the community as Animator of the Mission and working directly with students as Site Director at Blessed Sacrament. He has an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University. He and his wife and children live across the street from the Blessed Sacrament Learning Club site. Contact Brad at 913-244-5838 or BGrabs@LearningClubKCK.org.
Brad Grabs founded the Learning Club in 2002 after being mugged by two teenage boys a couple of blocks from Blessed Sacrament Church. Giving up a career as a teacher at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Brad was moved by the assault to devote his time and energy to inner city youth. After 21 years leading the Learning Club as Executive Director, Brad stepped down in 2023 to focus more on building relationships in the community as Animator of the Mission and working directly with students as Site Director at Blessed Sacrament. He has an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s degree in Christian spirituality from Creighton University. He and his wife and children live across the street from the Blessed Sacrament Learning Club site. Contact Brad at 913-244-5838 or BGrabs@LearningClubKCK.org.
Gayle Lee, Ed. S., Site Director
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 GLee@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 GLee@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 KMcCullough@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 KMcCullough@LearningClubKCK.org.
Aalayah Norwood, Site Director
Aalayah is an Assistant Site Director at Learning Club. She was born and raised in Wyandotte County near downtown KCK. Aalayah graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with her B.F.A. in acting. She uses her love of theatre to help inspire creativity, confidence, and growth in children and young adults. Aalayah believes that taking care of and engaging with our community is so important for the preservation and overall quality of life in our city! She is very excited to be part of the Learning Club team. Aalayah can be reached at ANorwood@LearningClubKCK.org.
Aalayah is an Assistant Site Director at Learning Club. She was born and raised in Wyandotte County near downtown KCK. Aalayah graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with her B.F.A. in acting. She uses her love of theatre to help inspire creativity, confidence, and growth in children and young adults. Aalayah believes that taking care of and engaging with our community is so important for the preservation and overall quality of life in our city! She is very excited to be part of the Learning Club team. Aalayah can be reached at ANorwood@LearningClubKCK.org.
Anna Rosell, Assistant Internship Director
Anna Rosell is the Assistant Internship 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 ARosell@LearningClubKCK.org.
Anna Rosell is the Assistant Internship 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 ARosell@LearningClubKCK.org.
Laura Swan, M.Ed., Executive Director
Laura Swan is the Executive Director of the Learning Club. Laura worked at Learning Club for five years 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 Missouri 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 734-308-9399 or LSwan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Laura Swan is the Executive Director of the Learning Club. Laura worked at Learning Club for five years 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 Missouri 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 734-308-9399 or LSwan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ray Taddeo, Internship Director
Ray is the Internship Director for the Learning Club. Ray is originally from north New Jersey where he earned his bachelor's degree in history from Montclair State University. Ray taught English, coached football, and ran the school newspaper in the Rosebud Reservation for three years through Teach for America. He continued his teaching career in a Jobs for American Graduates role and most recently taught social studies at Crossroads Preparatory Academy in downtown KCMO. Ray's focus throughout his educational career has been on creating student-centered classrooms, with an emphasis on social emotional learning, culturally relevant learning, and community building. Contact him at RTaddeo@LearningClubKCK.org or (913) 229-4070.
Ray is the Internship Director for the Learning Club. Ray is originally from north New Jersey where he earned his bachelor's degree in history from Montclair State University. Ray taught English, coached football, and ran the school newspaper in the Rosebud Reservation for three years through Teach for America. He continued his teaching career in a Jobs for American Graduates role and most recently taught social studies at Crossroads Preparatory Academy in downtown KCMO. Ray's focus throughout his educational career has been on creating student-centered classrooms, with an emphasis on social emotional learning, culturally relevant learning, and community building. Contact him at RTaddeo@LearningClubKCK.org or (913) 229-4070.
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 CTurner@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 CTurner@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 BVanHecke@LearningClubKCK.org 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 BVanHecke@LearningClubKCK.org 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 YWilcox@LearningClubKCK.org.
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 YWilcox@LearningClubKCK.org.
Tyree Williams, Support Staff
Tyree Williams is a Support Staff Member at Learning Club. Tyree currently attends Kansas City Kansas Community College and is majoring in Secondary Education. At the end of his journey, Tyree hopes to become a high school principal! Tyree started at Learning Club as an intern with the High School Internship Program. He is now a staff member and serves as a mentor in the Middle School Boys Group. Say hello to Tyree when you see him at Learning Club!
Tyree Williams is a Support Staff Member at Learning Club. Tyree currently attends Kansas City Kansas Community College and is majoring in Secondary Education. At the end of his journey, Tyree hopes to become a high school principal! Tyree started at Learning Club as an intern with the High School Internship Program. He is now a staff member and serves as a mentor in the Middle School Boys Group. Say hello to Tyree when you see him at Learning Club!