Our Team
Local Leadership
Julie Gronquist-Blodgett
Executive Director, TFA Kansas City
Julie has been a member of the Teach for America Kansas City family since 2010 and is the region’s Executive Director. She attended Bemidji State University where she majored in Early Childhood Education and Political Science. Upon graduation she worked as an advocate for early childhood education and taught special education in the South Bronx. Following the completion of her Masters in Teaching from Pace University, Julie worked as a special education coordinator at Achievement First Bushwick Elementary, where she piloted a special education model that is widely used within the network today. In addition to her work at TFA, Julie is in her 10th year of service on the KIPP KC Board of directors, currently serving as Board President, and is a foster parent.
Meet Our Staff
Director, Operations
Jordan Jackson
Managing Director, Accelerate
Johanna Laxton
Managing Director, Network & Partnerships
Katie Bubalo
Senior Managing Director, Development
Meredith Mershon
Director, Accelerate
Brenna Jenisch
Manager, Accelerate
Ciera Kelly
Director, Early Childhood Education
Jessica Tolan
Manager, Accelerate
Joel Nkusi Rwabera
Manager, Accelerate
Tara Tamburello
Manager, Accelerate-Early Childhood Education
Olivia DeRusse
Manager, Accelerate
Victoria Ukaoma Rose
Managing Director, Leadership Development
Libby Potts