Staff Info

Dick relocated to the West Side of Grand Rapids in the early 90’s to invest his time and energies in the community where he was born and raised. Dick was part of the core team that launched Steepletown in 1993 when three neighboring Catholic Churches came together to address neighborhood issues & needs. Dick has his MA in Theology from the Oblate School of Theology which has a strong emphasis on community development.

Emilio started at Steepletown nine years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. His personal mission is to empower youth and young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Emilio puts his passion into practice through advocacy, community engagement, and education.

Korey Anderson has over 15 years experience in Workforce Development and is a certified GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator) as well as a certified Business Solutions Professional (BSP) with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit field. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Career Development, Job Coaching, and Conflict Resolution.

Teresa first joined Steepletown in January 2019 through an internship from Ferris State University- Big Rapids. Motivated by the good work she was doing to build the Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Training, Teresa stayed on as its Career Coach, working alongside each new group of apprentices. Since then Teresa has earned her Master’s in Social Work and works to bring to Steepletown a participant-centered approach that is mindful of partner and community connections.

Chef Karen Chaffee has worked the bulk of her career in restaurants and fine dining, overseeing operations at Senior living communities, and also working as a personal Chef & consultant. In 2017, she earned the Culinary Educator of the Year Award for greater Grand Rapids. She currently serves on the Academic Advisory Board for the Culinary Institute of Michigan & formerly as the Diversity Chair for the American Culinary Federation. When Chef Karen isn’t in the kitchen she enjoys gardening, the outdoors & bee keeping.

A new Grand Rapidian by way of Chicago, Mark brings 7 years of experience empowering young people and strengthening communities to his role at Steepletown. He is an advocate for alternative and hands on educational opportunities, and helping young people find the path that's right for them. Mark serves our community as a Case Manager for the Steepletown Workforce Development program.

Sheri would say that she was born with a strong passion to help others and has been pursuing careers that help her to give back. Sheri first engaged with Steepletown in 2008 as a youth participant and served on a youth council. Sheri has served in several nonprofit organizations and helped to launch 3 area Churches. Sheri is now excited to be rejoining the Steepletown team as a Case Manager for the One Workforce Initiative.

Lauralee has been involved with Steepletown in various capacities since 2004 when she completed her internship at Steepletown. Lauralee graduated from Grand Valley State University with her Master's degree in social work in 2006 and in 2015 came back to Steepletown to supervise MSW interns. Lauralee currently is a case manager for WIOA.