Learning Club Staff
Alvino Alvarez-Hernandez, Site Staff member
Alvino Alvarez-Hernandez is a site staff member at Chalet Manor, Blessed Sacrament, and Pemberton Park. He graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019 and then completed some college courses at the University of Kansas. Alvino has worked and volunteered at various afterschool programs and has a real passion for helping students in any way possible. He has also served with AmeriCorps through the USD 500 school district and worked as a student translator throughout high school to help the families that need it the most. He is very happy to have the opportunity to work and serve his community through the Learning Club. You can reach Alvino at Alvino@LearningClubKCK.org.
Alvino Alvarez-Hernandez is a site staff member at Chalet Manor, Blessed Sacrament, and Pemberton Park. He graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2019 and then completed some college courses at the University of Kansas. Alvino has worked and volunteered at various afterschool programs and has a real passion for helping students in any way possible. He has also served with AmeriCorps through the USD 500 school district and worked as a student translator throughout high school to help the families that need it the most. He is very happy to have the opportunity to work and serve his community through the Learning Club. You can reach Alvino at Alvino@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.
Chelsea Cartagena, Support Staff
Chelsea Cartagena is a student at Kansas City Kansas Community College studying Elementary Education. She graduated from Sumner Academy in 2020. Chelsea has always loved working with children and volunteering at after school programs related to tutoring and also as a student translator. One of her goals in her career is to emphasize the importance of the native language to future generations to expand their opportunities in the workforce. She has lived in Kansas City, Kansas for about ten years now and plans to teach in this community once she has finished her studies. Chelsea was an intern with the Learning Club for two years and loves being part of the program because she is able to assist and support younger students while at the same time improving her skills and development as a future educator. Contact Chelsea at Chelsea@LearningClubKCK.org.
Chelsea Cartagena is a student at Kansas City Kansas Community College studying Elementary Education. She graduated from Sumner Academy in 2020. Chelsea has always loved working with children and volunteering at after school programs related to tutoring and also as a student translator. One of her goals in her career is to emphasize the importance of the native language to future generations to expand their opportunities in the workforce. She has lived in Kansas City, Kansas for about ten years now and plans to teach in this community once she has finished her studies. Chelsea was an intern with the Learning Club for two years and loves being part of the program because she is able to assist and support younger students while at the same time improving her skills and development as a future educator. Contact Chelsea at Chelsea@LearningClubKCK.org.
Valerie Contreras, Office Manager
Valerie Contreras is the Assistant Director of the Learning Club Academy Teaching Internship. Valerie has lived in Kansas City, KS all her life. She graduated from J.C. Harmon, Class of 2012, and she is a first-generation college graduate. She has a liberal arts A.A. degree from Johnson County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her professional experience comes from working with children and volunteering. Valerie's passion is working with children in an educational setting. She enjoys seeing the growth and changes students go through over the time. It is vital to her that children see themselves in the people who serve them. She strongly believes in working to bring all the knowledge these children gain back into the community. You may contact her at VContreras@learningclubkck.org.
Valerie Contreras is the Assistant Director of the Learning Club Academy Teaching Internship. Valerie has lived in Kansas City, KS all her life. She graduated from J.C. Harmon, Class of 2012, and she is a first-generation college graduate. She has a liberal arts A.A. degree from Johnson County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her professional experience comes from working with children and volunteering. Valerie's passion is working with children in an educational setting. She enjoys seeing the growth and changes students go through over the time. It is vital to her that children see themselves in the people who serve them. She strongly believes in working to bring all the knowledge these children gain back into the community. You may contact her at VContreras@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 2 year old son and girlfriend, 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 2 year old son and girlfriend, 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 with the Learning Club since 2012. Dawn’s other experiences include 6 years at Unbound, 3 years at Wells Fargo and two years as a missionary and English teacher in the country of East Timor. She serves on the board at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center in Kansas City, KS and is very active in her parish of Good Shepherd. She spends most of her time with their children John, Emmanuel and Frances and their foster kids. You can contact her at DawnGrabs@gmail.com.
Dawn Grabs oversees the website, database, and other projects. She has been with the Learning Club since 2012. Dawn’s other experiences include 6 years at Unbound, 3 years at Wells Fargo and two years as a missionary and English teacher in the country of East Timor. She serves on the board at Sanctuary of Hope Prayer and Retreat Center in Kansas City, KS and is very active in her parish of Good Shepherd. She spends most of her time with their children John, Emmanuel and Frances and their foster kids. You can contact her at DawnGrabs@gmail.com.
Angela Gutierrez-Suarez, Support Staff
Angela Gutierrez-Suarez is a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) where she is majoring in Criminal Justice. Angela loves working with kids in the community and is a strong believer that setting a good foundation for kids to succeed in life is very important. She chose to major in Criminal Justice because she saw the fear that the law enforcement would bring to the children and adults in her community, so she has decided to change that. Angela believes that kids are our future and we must do everything we can to provide a safe environment for them and their families. She is very excited to work at the Learning Club as well as be a part of the Internship program -- meeting students of all different backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, and being a mentor for the interns through their high school years. You can reach Angela at Angela@LearningClubKCK.org
Angela Gutierrez-Suarez is a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) where she is majoring in Criminal Justice. Angela loves working with kids in the community and is a strong believer that setting a good foundation for kids to succeed in life is very important. She chose to major in Criminal Justice because she saw the fear that the law enforcement would bring to the children and adults in her community, so she has decided to change that. Angela believes that kids are our future and we must do everything we can to provide a safe environment for them and their families. She is very excited to work at the Learning Club as well as be a part of the Internship program -- meeting students of all different backgrounds, helping them achieve their goals, and being a mentor for the interns through their high school years. You can reach Angela at Angela@LearningClubKCK.org
NaQari Harris, Site Director
NaQari Harris is the Site Director of St. Margaret's, Juniper Gardens, Cyrus K. Holliday, and Pemberton Park. NaQari has lived in KCK most of her life. She graduated from Leavenworth High School, Coffeyville Community College with an associate's degree in liberal arts, and the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in social welfare. NaQari has worked and volunteered with kids through various after-school programs. She is very passionate about giving back to her community through the education of young children. She believes in reaching the kids who need the most help and doing whatever she can to assist, uplift, and empower young minds so they can reach their fullest potential. Contact NaQari at NHarris@LearningClubKCK.org.
NaQari Harris is the Site Director of St. Margaret's, Juniper Gardens, Cyrus K. Holliday, and Pemberton Park. NaQari has lived in KCK most of her life. She graduated from Leavenworth High School, Coffeyville Community College with an associate's degree in liberal arts, and the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in social welfare. NaQari has worked and volunteered with kids through various after-school programs. She is very passionate about giving back to her community through the education of young children. She believes in reaching the kids who need the most help and doing whatever she can to assist, uplift, and empower young minds so they can reach their fullest potential. Contact NaQari at NHarris@LearningClubKCK.org.
Gayle Lee, Ed. S., Site Director and Internship Consultant
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.
Mikala Sullivan, Volunteer Coordinator and Communications Specialist
Mikala is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Learning Club. Mikala has lived in Kansas City for most of her life. She graduated from Piper High School in 2015, and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing and Producing from Avila University. She is dedicated to connecting positive community mentors with students. Mikala loves working with the Learning Club and helping to put smiles on students’ faces each week. You may contact her at msullivan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Mikala is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Learning Club. Mikala has lived in Kansas City for most of her life. She graduated from Piper High School in 2015, and then went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing and Producing from Avila University. She is dedicated to connecting positive community mentors with students. Mikala loves working with the Learning Club and helping to put smiles on students’ faces each week. You may contact her at msullivan@LearningClubKCK.org.
Tha Len Sung, Support Staff Member
Tha is a student at Kansas City Kansas Community College studying accounting. She came to the United States from the Chin State in Burma with her family in 2014 and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 2018. Tha was one of the first interns hired during the Learning Club's internship pilot program with Wyandotte in spring 2018. She loves coming to the Learning Club because she has a chance to help younger students. She said not only does she help them learn, but she also learns a lot from them. Contact Tha at Volunteer@LearningClubKCK.org.
Tha is a student at Kansas City Kansas Community College studying accounting. She came to the United States from the Chin State in Burma with her family in 2014 and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 2018. Tha was one of the first interns hired during the Learning Club's internship pilot program with Wyandotte in spring 2018. She loves coming to the Learning Club because she has a chance to help younger students. She said not only does she help them learn, but she also learns a lot from them. Contact Tha at Volunteer@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.
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.