Executive Leadership
Dick Bulkowski, MA
Executive DirectorDick Bulkowski was part of the core team that launched Steepletown in 1993. He currently serves as the Executive Director. Dick has his MA in Theology from the Oblate School of Theology which focused significantly on community development. Dick served as a Kent County Commissioner for 10 years representing several urban core neighborhoods of Grand Rapids.
Phone:(616) 451-4215 Ext 101
Workforce Development
Emilio Zamarripa, BSW
Workforce Development DirectorEmilio 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
JobStart CoordinatorKorey 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.
MelanieRose Straub, BA
Education CoordinatorMelanie Grandy has been with Steepletown since February of 2012. She loves her job and is very grateful to work with such amazing colleagues and meet people from all over the city of Grand Rapids. Melanie is a proud alumnus of Grand Valley State University where she earned a degree in education.
Jane Wolterstorff, BSW
Case ManagerA native of Minnesota, Jane Wolterstorff earned a BSW from Dordt College in Sioux Center Iowa. Her professional career of more than 30 years has been dedicated to front-line work with teens and young adults. At Steepletown, Jane is one of the Youth Advocates in the GED/Workforce Development Program. Jane has traveled the world, spending significant time in Russia as a member of a church planting team.
Teresa Rivera
Apprentice Career CoachTeresa Rivera started at Steepletown last fall as an intern as part of her MSW program at Ferris State University. In August she was hired to serve as the Apprentice Coach to continue her work with Steepletown’s early childhood educator apprenticeship training program, working directly with the apprentices.
Nyla Cones
Case ManagerNyla is a native of Grand Rapids, MI. She is a product of the Grand Rapids Public School System and earned her A.A. from Grand Rapids Community College. Nyla holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and has over 15 years of experience in the field of Social Service. Her personal goal is to continue to advocate for criminal justice reform, equality in education and to empower families to overcome boundaries.
KitchenSage
Karen Chaffee
Acting Director of Kitchen Sage
William Caldwell
KitchenSage Cook/InstructorWilliam Caldwell has been in food service for over 9 years. He grew up in the Kalamazoo area and received his Associate’s degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Computer Information Systems and Business Management. He also took a year of school to learn early childhood development. He is ServSafe Manager certified and ServSafe Allergen certified. He is passionate about being in the kitchen and learning new recipes for classic dishes.