Our staff believes in the goals and ideals of PRIDE Youth Programs.
But most of all, they believe in you!
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Jay DeWispelaere, PRIDE Youth Programs President/CEO GREETINGS! I have been involved in law enforcement for 30 years. I started a PRIDE team in 1980 and served as one of the volunteer advisors for many years. I have been the President/CEO of PRIDE Youth Programs since 1999. PRIDE continues to be a major part of my life as it is with many of you. I have received many awards over the years because of my involvement with PRIDE, most recently receiving the SAMHSA/CSAP Lifetime Achievement Award. My biggest reward, however, is having the privilege to represent thousands of PRIDE Youth from the U.S. and around the world, and being their voice in Washington, D.C., and everywhere I have the chance. Few people are given the opportunity to do what I do, and for that I am very humbled! I have been married for over 25 years to my wife, Carol, and we have four daughters and one son. We also have two young, very beautiful granddaughters who are already very involved with PRIDE. |
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Nancy Dubois, Assistant to President/CEO My family has been involved with PRIDE Youth Programs since 1998. My husband, Joe, has been a PRIDE Advisor for our local team and the Exhibits Coordinator at Conference. Our daughter and son each were on our local team, PRIDE of Newaygo County, and our daughter was able to be an International Trainer for two years. I worked as a volunteer at conferences until November of 2004, when I started working in the office. I have always been an advocate for lifestyles that do not involve drugs or alcohol, so it feels good to be on a team that is very pro-active in the area of prevention. |
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Peggy Mercer, Conference Manager I am extremely proud to be the Conference Manager for PRIDE Youth Programs. I have been working with the PRIDE Organization since 1989 in various capacities; first traveling with a local PRIDE Team throughout the State of Michigan; also as a Club PRIDE Advisor doing school and community presentations; then with PRIDE National when it moved from Georgia to Michigan; and since 2002 as Conference Manager. My husband and I have raised three sons who grew up surrounded by the PRIDE Program and went on to all become police officers. I am so proud of the hard work you all are doing in your communities to influence healthy choices in your peers. Keep the PRIDE Magic Alive! |
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Lina Strong, Conference Assistant I joined the PRIDE team in the fall of 2004. I feel very fortunate to be working with such a wonderful organization. I bring with me to PRIDE my extensive customer service and technical background. I hope to utilize that knowledge to the fullest extent. In August of 2005 I was honored to accept the position of Booking Coordinator for Milton Creagh as well as continue my current position as Conference Assistant. I have been married for 16 wonderful years and have four rambunctious boys who keep me on my toes. |
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Tony Polasek, National Director After over 25 years in the “Manufacturing Jungle” ofWest Michigan, I appreciate having the opportunity to start a new career with PRIDE Youth Programs. It is a good feeling to go in to work each day knowing that I am making a positive impact on the youth of today. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the rest of the PRIDE organization. I have been married to my wife Cheryl for 20 years and we have a son in college and a daughter in high school. info@prideyouthprograms.org |
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Christine Avery, National Training Coordinator Serving most recently as a Senior Lead Trainer, I’ve been an active member of the PRIDE training staff for three years. My involvement with PRIDE began in 1998 as one of the founding members of the Tawas PRIDE Team. I received my Associate degree in Human Services from Baker College and currently am working toward a Bachelor degree at Aquinas College in Community Leadership and Psychology. I enjoy chatting with friends over a cup of good coffee, capturing nature on film and instant messaging friends around the globe. Meet The Trainers! |
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Lou Anne Wheater, Products/Memberships My family has been involved in PRIDE for years on many different levels. My husband serves as an advisor for an America's PRIDE team, my two children were very active in their local team, and my daughter was an International Trainer. I came to work for PRIDE Youth Programs over six years ago. Today, I serve as the Event Coordinator for Milton Creagh and Membership Coordinator. I also work with Products. At Conference, you can find me running Registration and working with the Adult Volunteers. One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to get to know many of our amazing advisors and youth from all over the world! |
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Elsha Miedema, National Programs Coordinator This is my first year at the PRIDE office and I am looking forward to attending my first Conference. I am very involved with many youth who participate in PRIDE activities. Watching young people develop knowledge and skills toward resisting drugs and sharing that information with their peers is especially rewarding for me. |
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Gale Beach, Programs Administrator I have been with PRIDE Youth Programs for eight years and serve as Programs Administrator. I have a Master’s Degree in social work and am dedicated to educating youth, their parents and community members about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. I have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. One of my daughters is a PRIDE Pals advisor. Our vision is to raise children in a community where PRIDE makes a difference. |
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Joe Dubois, Exhibits Coordinator I recently retired after 31 years of law enforcement. I am known as “Uncle Joe” to our local PRIDE kids and to several others across the nation. For conference I usually drive the U-Haul with all of the supplies used at conference and then I work in the Exhibit Hall. My entire family has been involved in PRIDE, with my son and daughter as former PRIDE team members, and my wife Nancy as the Jay’s assistant. |
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Marcia Parker, Prevention Specialist I joined the staff at PRIDE Youth Programs in November of 2005. I currently serve as a Drug Prevention Specialist for the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in all of the Newaygo County school systems. Over the last twenties years, I have worked with young people in a wide variety of roles. I enjoy working with children and youth of all ages and believe it is important that we educate them about the importance of making healthy choices. |
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Terri Kaiserlian, Prevention Specialist I have worked with PRIDE since 1998. I currently teach drug and violence prevention at the elementary level to all Newaygo County students. In the past, I have worked with PRIDE of Newaygo County and later with the PRIDE National Office. |
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Wendy Jansson, Financial Analyst After completing my Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Business Management, I spent 15 years working for a CPA firm and for a small machine shop in the Newaygo County area. In May of 2003, I joined the PRIDE team to help them with finances. I am excited to be able to work with a team of people who are dedicated to the youth. I have two teenage daughters and both are eager to be involved in PRIDE. I also enjoy spending time with the ladies from my church. |
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Valarie VanSickle, Finance Assistant I joined the PRIDE staff in the fall of 2005 and work closely with others to take care of all finances. I have been married for 11 years and have one daughter and one son. After taking time off for many years to raise my two children, I am very excited to join such a wonderful team of people. |
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Pat Lewis, Programs Assistant I joined the PRIDE staff in October of 2004 as Programs Assistant after spending many years in manufacturing and travel where I worked in clerical, middle management, and administrative positions. I am happy to be part of a group that is committed to providing youth with the tools they need to make good choices for living long and healthy lives. |
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Cyndi Bulk, Diversions Coordinator I first became involved with PRIDE as a volunteer for PRIDE of Newaygo County when my daughter was on the team. I have worked at the PRIDE office for 12 years, and currently coordinate the Drug/Alcohol, Shoplifting, and Tobacco Diversion Programs. |
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Dave Russell, Communications/Technical Director I have been a professional entertainer, producer of award-winning radio and TV commercials, recording studio owner, independent filmmaker, drama director and consultant to non-profit organizations for the past 33 years. My extensive experience in using technology and creativity will help me in serving PRIDE’s CEO in my role as Communications/Technical Director for PRIDE Youth Programs. I am excited and honored to be working with such a wonderful organization and to be part of such an excellent team here at the National Headquarters. |
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Craig Goodspeed, Police-School Liaison Officer I started police work in April of 1990 and then joined the Newaygo County Sheriff Office in May of 1992. I was able to attend a PRIDE conference and help out with security and really enjoyed it. In October of 2005, I was assigned to work as the school liaison officer to work with the youth in the schools ofNewaygoCounty. One of my offices is located in the PRIDE National Office and I am glad to be able to work with the PRIDE staff again. |
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Matt Hendrie – PRIDE Consultant I am a police officer for the City of Fremont, however, during the week of the PRIDE Conference, I am stage manager for the General Sessions. I spent my high school years on my local PRIDE team and was a performer with the National PRIDE Team for three years. My passion for this program is as strong as ever. |
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Rich Wheater - Editor |
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Verl Mason – Audio/Visual Director |
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Bob Peterson – PRIDE International Director |
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Henry Lozano – PRIDE Consultant |
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Mike Anderson - Products Manager |
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Victor Du Bois - Creative Director |
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National Headquarters: Our national headquarters is located in a very unique and beautiful place. North of Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can find us in a small town called Fremont. Our office facilities are housed in a large hall style building nestled in a quaint residential neighborhood just a few blocks from the historic downtown area. We invite you to stop in and visit us whenever you are passing through this area. Also, from time to time we look forward to welcoming PRIDE member volunteers to join us in short term projects on site. For step-by-step directions on how to find us, use www.mapquest.com by entering the address below into the required fields and following the instructions. Otherwise, give us a call for assistance. |
Home - For Your Information - Program Previews - Annual Conference - PRIDE Logo Merchandise - PRIDE People! - Links
4 West Oak Street -- Fremont, Michigan 49412
Ph. 231-924-1662 or 1-800-668-9277 -- Fax 231-924-5663
info@prideyouthprograms.org