Learning Club Staff
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.
Katie Baker
Katie is the Assistant Site Director for the Learning Club. Katie is originally from California where she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from UCLA and her MFA from Mills College in Oakland, California. While at UCLA, Katie threw hammer and discus. She has taught in the KCMO public school district and in downtown KCMO, and she is a certified K-12 educator in Missouri and Kansas. Katie has taught Art for more than a decade and continues to teach at Metropolitan Community College. She has a big heart for building community through equitable education and social emotional learning. Contact her at KBaker@LearningClubKCK.org.
Katie is the Assistant Site Director for the Learning Club. Katie is originally from California where she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from UCLA and her MFA from Mills College in Oakland, California. While at UCLA, Katie threw hammer and discus. She has taught in the KCMO public school district and in downtown KCMO, and she is a certified K-12 educator in Missouri and Kansas. Katie has taught Art for more than a decade and continues to teach at Metropolitan Community College. She has a big heart for building community through equitable education and social emotional learning. Contact her at KBaker@LearningClubKCK.org.
Erica Byrne, Assistant Site Director
Erica graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in marketing, and she worked for three years in marketing research before coming to the nonprofit world. Erica has worked with youth in summer camps, after-school programs, and ACT test preparation, and believes in providing children with community support to better their futures. She is currently serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. You can contact her at JV@LearningClubKCK.org.
Erica graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in marketing, and she worked for three years in marketing research before coming to the nonprofit world. Erica has worked with youth in summer camps, after-school programs, and ACT test preparation, and believes in providing children with community support to better their futures. She is currently serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. You can contact her 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 also a spiritual director. Dawn 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 also a spiritual director. Dawn and Brad have three children. You can contact her at Dawngrabs@gmail.com.
Blanca Espino Ibanez is a Support Staff Member with Learning Club. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but was raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Blanca was an intern at the Learning Club in 2020-2021 when she was a senior at Sumner Academy of Arts & Science. Blanca said she gained so much experience and knowledge as an intern, and doing volunteer work was amazing as well. She is currently a full-time student at Johnson County Community College, completing her associates in General Studies, as well as taking as many English classes as she possibly can. Blanca's goal is to transfer to Kansas State University to continue her education in pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. She's excited to be back with the Learning Club and gaining experience related to her future career while meeting so many new people in this wonderful environment! Blanca can be reached at Blanca@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.
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.
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, 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, Human Resources Manager
Brooke is the Human Resources Manager 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 Manager 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, Support Staff
Yasmeen is a support staff with the Learning Club Internship and at the Blessed Sacrament site. She is also involved with Drama Time KC as one of the lead facilitators at Allen Village School. 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 at the Blessed Sacrament site. She is also involved with Drama Time KC as one of the lead facilitators at Allen Village School. 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.