Staff and Board
Ashley Turnage, Executive Director
Ashley graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Performance in Health and Recreation and minored in Sociology. Ashley earned a four-year scholarship to play volleyball at Western Michigan University while receiving her education. She has been working with youth programs since 2013 and enjoys making a difference with the children and community. Her goal is to help children overcome barriers and to guide youth to success.
Yulonda Taylor/ Miles, Program Manager
Yulonda has worked at Eastside Youth Strong since 2012. Her excellent organizational skills and rapport with young people provides the necessary qualities to support youth in their success socially, emotionally, and academically. Prior to her work with Eastside Youth Strong, Yulanda led the after-school program for the Eastside through the City of Kalamazoo for three years.
In addition to her work with Eastside Youth Strong, Yulonda is also employed by the Kalamazoo Public Schools, where she serves as a classroom specialist. Yulonda enjoys walking, cooking and spending time with family.
Emily Russell, Lead Teacher for YEP
I bring a diverse range of experiences in the nonprofit sector, having previously served as a Director of Development. Currently, I am actively involved as a board member for a nonprofit organization, where I contribute my experience in strategic planning and advancement for their organization. Additionally, I have successfully founded and led my own nonprofit initiative. With a strong background in education and a passion for empowering children, I have helped students become successful entrepreneurs by teaching them the skills to run their own businesses. I am passionate about helping students identify their unique skill sets and scaffolding their initiatives to turn their passion into product for the free market.
Cassandra Ford, Youth Development Professional
Cassandra has been working for Eastside Youth Strong as a Youth Development Professional since fall of 2024 and she was a post LISC AmeriCorps member. Cassandra is a returning Kalamazoo Valley Community College student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Learning.
Percy Gordon, Youth Development Professional
I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I graduated from Loy Norrix High School and began my journey serving young people through KYD Network in 2020.
Working with youth has always been more than a job for me—it’s my calling. My goal is to make sure every young person knows they are not alone and to support them every step of the way as they grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
In January 2026, I began my role with Eastside Youth Strong (EYS), where I have the opportunity to lead the Youth Advisory Council and host a youth-focused podcast. These roles allow me to create safe spaces for young people to share their voices, build leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their community.
I truly love every part of this work and am excited to see what the future holds. I look forward to meeting and working with new youth, building meaningful relationships, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.
Anija Jackson, Youth Development Professional
Anija Jackson is born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is currently enrolled in Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and plans to pursue her career in finance and continue on to teach kids about it. Babysitting and having nieces and nephews developed her love for children and being a natural leader led me to have a love for wanting to teach kids. I believe My good communication skills and strive to help children grow can bring a lot to the eastside community.
Rashon Miles, Youth Development Professional
Dedicated professional working to enrich students’ lives beyond the classroom through a supportive after-school program. Believes in providing each child with the tools and mentorship they need to succeed.
Robert Washington, Youth Development Professional
My name is Robert Washington, and I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Communication from Western Michigan University, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Social Work. With my mother serving as a principal and my father as a psychologist, giving back to children and the community has always been instilled in me. I have gained experience working with Communities in Schools, the City of Kalamazoo, and Kalamazoo Public Schools. I believe that through my presence, passion, and dedication, I can bring meaningful contributions to Eastside Youth Strong and the community.
Sam Lealofi, Organizational Founder
Sam is the founder of Eastside Youth Strong. She retired as Executive Director in 2021. She had been with the organization since it began in 2011. As a former Eastside Neighborhood Association director and Eastside resident, with a work history in the nonprofit housing sector, workforce development, and funding, Sam has been instrumental in building the organization from the ground up to support the organization’s vision of creating an environment where all Eastside youth can reach their fullest potential.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University and has completed coursework toward a Masters in Development Administration from Western Michigan University, focusing on international development and project management in developing countries.
Sam has traveled extensively, living in Europe and Africa. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and her dog, Malu.
Board of Directors
Meg Blinkiewicz – President
Tafari Brown – Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer, Residential Opportunities Incorporated
Alexis Caples – Secretary
Out-of-School Time Quality Coach, Kalamazoo Youth Development Network
Grace Spink
Creative Design Manager, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Josie Richards
Owner, Village Oak Creative
Sashae Mitchell
Director, Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement, Kalamazoo College
Franki Hand
Reconnection Specialist, Kalamazoo Promise
Fred Myles
Employment Specialist, MRC
Shannon Milan
Director of Admission, Kalamazoo College
Chilotam Urama
Finance Analyst, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Leslie Barajas
Mission Advancement Manager, Community Homeworks
Deborah Yarbrough
Kalamazoo Central Site Coordinator, Community in Schools Kalamazoo
Journey Murphy (Youth)
Style consultant, Target