Learning Club Staff
Valery Acopa, Volunteer Support Staff Member
Valery Acopa is serving as a Support Staff Member role as a volunteer for the spring 2022 semester. Valery was born and raised in Mexico CIty and moved to Kansas five years ago. In the 2018-2019 school year, she was a tutor for the Learning Club as a high school intern! Now, she has returned as a staff member at four Learning Club sites. In 2020, Valery volunteered as an ambassador for the Hispanic Development Fund, guiding seniors in high school to continue in their college journey. Her dream has always been being a part of an organization that helps students and families no matter their background. Valery plans on going into the education field because she believes it only takes one good teacher to change a child's path and mind. Valery can be reached at VAcopa@LearningClubKCK.org.
Valery Acopa is serving as a Support Staff Member role as a volunteer for the spring 2022 semester. Valery was born and raised in Mexico CIty and moved to Kansas five years ago. In the 2018-2019 school year, she was a tutor for the Learning Club as a high school intern! Now, she has returned as a staff member at four Learning Club sites. In 2020, Valery volunteered as an ambassador for the Hispanic Development Fund, guiding seniors in high school to continue in their college journey. Her dream has always been being a part of an organization that helps students and families no matter their background. Valery plans on going into the education field because she believes it only takes one good teacher to change a child's path and mind. Valery can be reached at VAcopa@LearningClubKCK.org.
Victoria Barbee, Internship Assistant 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.
Ashley Berthiaume, Jesuit Volunteer
Ashley Berthiaume is a Jesuit Volunteer working as the Site Director of New Chelsea's Reading Club and the Assistant Site Director at various sites. She recently graduated from Saint Anselm College, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, with a double major in secondary education and mathematics. Ashley worked closely with Saint Anselm College to pilot and manage a high school tutoring program this past year. Alongside the tutoring program, Ashley helped to manage an after-school program for high school students that highlighted things like the college application process, diverse voices in poetry, and much more. Ashley is incredibly excited to learn the ins and outs of Learning Club and will be found at most of our sites throughout the week. In the future, Ashley’s hope is to move forward with her math degree and find her own classroom where she can use the skills learned throughout her experience to create a welcoming environment. Ashley is loving Kansas City and cannot wait to see what this year brings! She can be contacted at JV@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ashley Berthiaume is a Jesuit Volunteer working as the Site Director of New Chelsea's Reading Club and the Assistant Site Director at various sites. She recently graduated from Saint Anselm College, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, with a double major in secondary education and mathematics. Ashley worked closely with Saint Anselm College to pilot and manage a high school tutoring program this past year. Alongside the tutoring program, Ashley helped to manage an after-school program for high school students that highlighted things like the college application process, diverse voices in poetry, and much more. Ashley is incredibly excited to learn the ins and outs of Learning Club and will be found at most of our sites throughout the week. In the future, Ashley’s hope is to move forward with her math degree and find her own classroom where she can use the skills learned throughout her experience to create a welcoming environment. Ashley is loving Kansas City and cannot wait to see what this year brings! She can be contacted at JV@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ray Freeman, Assistant Site Director
Ray Freeman is the Assistant Site Director at four 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 3 year old son and wife, Kat. You can reach Ray at RFreeman@LearningClubKCK.org.
Ray Freeman is the Assistant Site Director at four 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 3 year old son and wife, Kat. You can reach Ray at RFreeman@LearningClubKCK.org.
Brad Grabs, M.Ed., Founder and Executive Director
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. 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. 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.
Dawn Grabs, IT Support
Dawn Grabs oversees the website, database, and other projects. She has been part-time with the Learning Club since 2012. Dawn is active in her parish and in the community, with a special love for immigrants, refugees, and foster kids. She is training to be a spiritual director. She and Brad have three children. You can contact her at DawnGrabs@gmail.com.
Dawn Grabs oversees the website, database, and other projects. She has been part-time with the Learning Club since 2012. Dawn is active in her parish and in the community, with a special love for immigrants, refugees, and foster kids. She is training to be a spiritual director. She and Brad have three children. You can contact her at DawnGrabs@gmail.com.
JaNae Horrocks, Site Director
JaNae Horrocks now serves as the Site Director at St. Margaret's, Juniper Gardens, and Chalet Manor after volunteering as a Learning Club tutor and mentor. She has worked with children by employment or volunteering for many years. She and her husband even spent six-years working together as houseparents for twelve 9th-11th grade girls in Hershey, PA. JaNae has two amazing children who came with her husband and loves her role as grandma to two granddaughters and one grandson (with another granddaughter scheduled to arrive in February 2022). She has a degree in Speech Communication from the University of Utah. She loves to attend live theater and enjoys visiting new places, like when she had the opportunity to tour Russia and Armenia with her community choir. JaNae is excited to bring her experience and skills to help The Learning Club continue supporting the students and families in the KCK schools. It is a joy and dream to be a part of the amazing staff at The Learning Club. She can be reached at JHorrocks@LearningClubKCK.org or 208-241-0329.
JaNae Horrocks now serves as the Site Director at St. Margaret's, Juniper Gardens, and Chalet Manor after volunteering as a Learning Club tutor and mentor. She has worked with children by employment or volunteering for many years. She and her husband even spent six-years working together as houseparents for twelve 9th-11th grade girls in Hershey, PA. JaNae has two amazing children who came with her husband and loves her role as grandma to two granddaughters and one grandson (with another granddaughter scheduled to arrive in February 2022). She has a degree in Speech Communication from the University of Utah. She loves to attend live theater and enjoys visiting new places, like when she had the opportunity to tour Russia and Armenia with her community choir. JaNae is excited to bring her experience and skills to help The Learning Club continue supporting the students and families in the KCK schools. It is a joy and dream to be a part of the amazing staff at The Learning Club. She can be reached at JHorrocks@LearningClubKCK.org or 208-241-0329.
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.
Sharan Nagra, Volunteer Coordinator & Communications Director
Sharan Nagra is the Volunteer Coordinator and Communications Director at the Learning Club. She was born and raised in the Kansas City metro area. Her passion for empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves, as well as for creating equitable, safe and healthy communities, led Sharan to study Public Health at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She believes that all children deserve a learning experience that excites them and prepares them for a bright future. Serving the KCK community by providing students exciting learning opportunities is a rewarding experience for Sharan. You can reach her at SNagra@LearningClubKCK.org.
Sharan Nagra is the Volunteer Coordinator and Communications Director at the Learning Club. She was born and raised in the Kansas City metro area. Her passion for empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves, as well as for creating equitable, safe and healthy communities, led Sharan to study Public Health at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She believes that all children deserve a learning experience that excites them and prepares them for a bright future. Serving the KCK community by providing students exciting learning opportunities is a rewarding experience for Sharan. You can reach her at SNagra@LearningClubKCK.org.
Laura Swan, M.Ed., Director of Operations
Laura Swan is Director of Operations at the Learning Club. She has taught in the Kansas City, Missouri public school district and in Columbia, Missouri. She has also taught English as a second language in Seoul, South Korea and Naples, Italy and served with the AmeriCorps education program Jumpstart. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a Master of Education in literacy from Mizzou and is a certified teacher at the early childhood and elementary school levels. Contact Laura at 734-308-9399 or LSwan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Laura Swan is Director of Operations at the Learning Club. She has taught in the Kansas City, Missouri public school district and in Columbia, Missouri. She has also taught English as a second language in Seoul, South Korea and Naples, Italy and served with the AmeriCorps education program Jumpstart. She has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a Master of Education in literacy from Mizzou and is a certified teacher at the early childhood and elementary school levels. Contact Laura at 734-308-9399 or LSwan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Chelsea Turner, Internship Support Staff
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.
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.
Brooke VanHecke, Internship Director
Brooke is the Internship 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. As an experienced educator, Brooke found 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 support the Learning Club Teaching Internship Program. Contact her at BVanHecke@LearningClubKCK.org or (913) 535-6687.
Brooke is the Internship 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. As an experienced educator, Brooke found 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 support the Learning Club Teaching Internship Program. Contact her at BVanHecke@LearningClubKCK.org or (913) 535-6687.