Meet Your Outreach Manager

Janna is the Director of Field Operations for Indiana Youth Institute. She builds meaningful relationships across communities, implements statewide engagement strategies, and supports the outreach team through process improvement.

Janna has worked with IYI for four years, starting as an Outreach Manager in the West Central Region. She previously worked in economic development consulting and retail management. Janna graduated from Purdue University with a degree in corporate communication and entrepreneurship, and received her master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, specifically focusing on macro-social work and community organizing.

In her career, Janna has had the opportunity to work with communities in Detroit, Appalachia, and across Indiana to move toward action on community-wide goals. Her favorite way to spend her time out of the office is running, baking, or spending time with the family exploring the world! 

Yalonda is IYI’s Senior Outreach Manager working in West Central Indiana to build meaningful relationships, empower partners and peers, and advocate for Indiana’s youth.

Yalonda is a seasoned professional whose expertise spans more than 20 years in both the private and public sectors. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a host of certifications, including being a certified DEI and child and youth care practitioner. She is also an accomplished speaker and author, leveraging her formal education, real-world experiences, and passion to inspire and motivate girls and women through transformative messages.

Outside of work, Yalonda is a fashion enthusiast and enjoys traveling and researching new dining spots to try with her husband. 

Heather is IYI’s Outreach Manager actively supporting youth workers and advocating for community well-being in Central Indiana. 

Heather has a decade of social work career experience, a master’s degree in social work, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in social work with a focus on leadership, practice, and community development. She is passionate about mental health in underserved areas, and as the co-founder of Let Them Talk Indy, a nonprofit elevating Black youth voices nationally, Heather addresses community disparities and fosters intergenerational ties. Additionally, she serves on the boards of Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE) and the Youth Justice Oversight Committee, focusing on legislative advocacy and transitional services for justice-involved youth. She is also an alumnus of the Leadership United Program.

Through her extensive network, Heather provides resources, connections, and education to advance the missions of various community organizations and stakeholders. 

Chelsea is IYI’s Outreach Manager connecting locally and supporting youth-serving organizations in Northwest Indiana.  

She prioritizes elevating local needs and voices in her work and is eager to form new relationships and deepen existing ones. She is also in search of the best chai latte in NWI and loves meeting at local coffee shops to learn about the work happening to support youth.

Chelsea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from DePauw University before completing a Master of Arts in the same field at Columbia University. She also completed a year of coursework in the MA program at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her educational background enriches the way she understands people and communities.

Chelsea’s hobbies include travel, reading, and crafting. She lives in South Bend with three cats: Oscar, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald. 

Jennifer is IYI’s Senior Outreach Manager working with the North Central Indiana region to build meaningful relationships, empower partners and peers, and advocate for Indiana’s children.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and criminology from Ball State University. Prior to joining IYI, she worked for 15 years in the behavioral health field, providing 10 years of direct care services to youth and families and 5 years of program management.

Jennifer loves pygmy goats and has a small herd she raises on her family farm in western Delaware County. 

Clint is the Vice President of Statewide Engagement & Advocacy for Indiana Youth Institute. His focus includes engaging and empowering IYI’s partners and peers with resources, services, and connections to champion kids and strengthen communities.  

Before joining IYI in 2019, Clint worked 20 years for the YMCA to collaboratively address pressing community issues. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and management from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University.  

Clint and his wife, Kindi, have four children and a dog. He is also an avid outdoorsman, mushroom hunter, and trail runner. 

Dawn is IYI’s Outreach Manager working with the East Central Indiana region to build meaningful relationships, empower partners and peers, and advocate for Indiana’s youth. She connects with others and links them to available resources internally at IYI and externally through community partnerships.

She graduated from Ball State University with a degree in criminal justice and criminology and spent 13 years in leadership at a community mental health center, where she developed and oversaw meaningful and equitable programs for youth and families.

In her free time, Dawn loves spending time with family and friends, traveling to any warm beach, and watching any football or baseball game! 

Kevin is IYI’s Outreach Manager serving the northeast region of Indiana. He diligently works to build meaningful relationships, empower partners and peers, and advocate for Indiana’s youth. Kevin has been with IYI since April 2022 and brings his 12 years of experience as a child advocate. He is ecstatic to share his passion of serving the youth and youth workers of Northeast Indiana! 

Joe is IYI’s Senior Outreach Manager serving Southwest Indiana. As a seasoned liaison and relationship builder, he is dedicated to connecting Indiana youth workers across the southwest region, fostering collaboration, and amplifying their impact. With a knack for networking, Joe serves as a convener, bringing youth workers together and connecting   

Before his journey with IYI, Joe’s career unfolded in advertising and marketing. He transitioned to the nonprofit sector with Youth First, Inc., and then the Youth Service Bureau in Evansville, bringing valuable insights and skills to his current role with IYI, which he’s proudly held since 2004. 

Outside of his work, Joe’s passion lies in the great outdoors and physical activity. Whether he’s hiking, camping, running, biking, or swimming, you’ll find him embracing the beauty of nature and staying active. 

Marilyn is IYI’s Outreach Manager serving Southeast Indiana. She helps youth workers reach their full potential by pursuing social, personal, and educational development opportunities.  

Marilyn has experience in substance abuse prevention and maintains a credential as a certified prevention specialist.  

She enjoys gardening, trail running, and trying new foods.