NexStep Alliance Team Wichita KS
About Us

NexStep Alliance TeamWe Are On Your Team

Seeking an education as an adult can be difficult. At NexStep Alliance, our leadership, faculty and support staff are on your team. Whether you are working toward a high school diploma, earning college credit/certification, improving your English or seeking a better career, we are here to help!

Our Team

NexStep Alliance Team Yamir Lozada 2

Yamir

Director

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Yamir

Director

“Leadership is an activity, not a position. It does not matter who you are or where you are in life; any student can step up and lead, any time.”

Bio/About

Yamir is the director at NexStep Alliance, which involves overseeing instructional staff and supporting students in the English as a Second Language (ESL)  and GED programs. He serves as the voice of the organization during events, conferences, and both public and membership meetings. 

Prior to joining NexStep Alliance, Yamir gained more than 12 years of experience in the education field, from early childhood to adult education. He now feels fortunate to work with others who have dedicated their lives to helping students and believes that seeing each student grow into the person they have worked hard to become is breathtaking.

Yamir is actively involved in the community. He is a member of the Nonprofit Chamber of Service, participates in charity races, volunteers in neighborhood cleanups, cooks/delivers meals to hospital patients, tutors children after school, organizes/volunteers at summer camps for children and sponsors a child living in a foreign country. Yamir is married to Nicole, and they have a son, Valen. In his spare time, he enjoys grilling, reading self-development books, playing soccer and playing video games with his wife.

  • Favorite Quote

    “Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law.” - Immanuel Kant

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2017

  • Education
    • Master of Science degree in Education in Leadership, Newman University
    • Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, minor in Music, Newman University
NexStep Alliance Team Lauren Soliday

Lauren

Director of Workforce Development

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Lauren

Director of Workforce Development

"If I could give a NexStep Alliance student any advice, it would be to celebrate every success -- no matter how big or small."

Bio/About

Drawing on more than nine years of experience in the adult education field, Lauren serves as Director of Workforce Development. Her role focuses on the management of all aspects of mission initiatives set forth by Goodwill Industries of Kansas, including NexStep Unlocked, NexStep Alliance Student Success team, Learn IT Digital Skills training, rural mission integration, grant management and more. Within this capacity, she enjoys assisting students and program participants reach their full potential by connecting them with needed resources.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2018

  • Education
    • Master of Arts degree in English, Arcadia University
    • Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Michigan State University
NexStep Alliance Team Michelle McNeill

Michelle

ESL Manager

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Michelle

ESL Manager

"Be determined because learning English is a slow process that needs a lot of patience, time and effort. At this moment, you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, keep your course, and you'll see it. You'll reach your final goal."

Bio/About

In her role as the English as a Second Language (ESL) manager, Michelle oversees the NexStep Alliance ESL program. She developed the Integrated English Literacy and Civic Education (IELCE) curriculum and lesson plans for the program. Michelle trains and supports the ESL teachers and also teaches intermediate and advanced ESL classes. She is passionate about the ESL program and all it accomplishes.

Michelle has been married for 20 years and considers her husband, her best friend. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies and learning more about history.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Where there is a will, there is a way."

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2013

  • Education
    • Master of Public Health Education degree, Wichita State University
    • Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Duksung Women’s University (Seoul, South Korea)
    • Certified, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language (TESOL), Wichita State University
NexStep Alliance Team Elizabeth Enlow Brown

Elizabeth

City Center Campus Coordinator

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Elizabeth

City Center Campus Coordinator

"Persistence, motivation and dedication are keys to success. Keep at it, and don't be afraid to ask for help."

Bio/About

As an adult education instructor at NexStep Alliance, Elizabeth teaches students and provides support to adjunct staff and students outside the classroom. Prior to joining NexStep Alliance, she was educated in Math, Psychology and Music, then taught Math at a local community college. Elizabeth believes education is the path that leads to self-improvement, and she enjoys having the opportunity to help students change their lives.

Elizabeth is a volunteer photographer for the Wichita Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). She is married and enjoys riding motorcycles, crafting and playing Minecraft.

  • Favorite Quote

    "One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do." - Henry Ford

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2015

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts degree in Math, Psychology and Music, Wichita State University
NexStep Alliance Team Anne Wyatt

Anne

South Campus Coordinator

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Anne

South Campus Coordinator

“The pursuit of knowledge is never finished. We are always learning, growing and experiencing new things. Maintain your curiosity, and don't stop asking questions— these are keys to progress.”

Bio/About

Anne is an adult education instructor at NexStep Alliance, where she teaches English as a Second Language (ESL), Language Arts and Social Studies. She has previously taught ESL in Colombia and Taiwan and also worked in healthcare, fitness and wellness, tourism and customer service. Anne believes there is nothing more gratifying than seeing the light switch on in a student’s mind as they develop an understanding of a subject.

Anne is passionate about fostering and supporting small local businesses, is a supporter of the local dance community, and both practices and teaches yoga. She also enjoys reading, walking outdoors and traveling.

  • Favorite Quote

    “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.” - Rumi

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2019

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Journalism, Creighton University
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Gage

Digital Skills Coordinator

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Gage

Digital Skills Coordinator

"A little persistence and effort can turn failure into success."

Bio/About

Gage is an adult education instructor at NexStep Alliance, where he teaches Language Arts and Math. Prior to joining NexStep Alliance full-time, worked for a public school system as a Secondary Education instructor.

A creative and education-savvy professional, Gage heads up the NexStep Alliance virtual classroom program in addition to his other responsibilities.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Action is the foundational key to all success." - Pablo Picasso

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2018

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Secondary Education, Wichita State University
Dan Morgan Nexstep Alliance

Dan

GED Manager

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Dan

GED Manager

"Be patient but persistent. Almost nothing worthwhile happens quickly."

Bio/About

Dan serves as campus coordinator for both Webb and Empower locations and is an instructor at NexStep, teaching English as a Second Language and Language Arts. Before joining NexStep, he taught ESL full-time at Kansas State University for 9 years and also taught ESL at the University of Texas El Paso and El Paso Community College before coming to Kansas.

He enjoys traveling the world, even though he has not had the opportunity to do so within the last few years. He lived in Brazil for two years, where he first learned of his passion for both teaching and learning languages. He also spent a summer in Egypt where he had the opportunity to study Arabic and learn about the Egyptian culture.

He is married and has two amazing children. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and especially enjoys doing so over a delicious meal. Dan delights in trying and learning about new food.

  • Favorite Quote

    "I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving”- Oliver Wendell Holmes

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2021

  • Education
    • Master of Arts degree in Linguistics, University of Texas El Paso
    • Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics, minor in Portuguese, Brigham Young University
    • TESOL certificate
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Jessica

Citizenship Instructor

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Jessica

Citizenship Instructor

"Take learning one step at a time. Strive for progress, not perfection."

Bio/About

Jessica is an adult education instructor who teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and Civics. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of education and has worked with students of various ages, cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Jessica strives to make a connection with every student and encourage them toward their goals. During her time at NexStep, she has shown excellent classroom management skills and developed a rapport with students and other teachers.

An avid travel enthusiast, Jessica has visited eight countries and several states, with plans for more adventures in the future. When not trekking the globe or hiking in the mountains, she enjoys spending time with family, reading books, and watching movie at home with her two spoiled cats.

  • Favorite Quote

    “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2020

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Wichita State University
    • Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Campbellsville University
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Lynette

ESL Instructor

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Lynette

ESL Instructor

"Don't give up! You will get there!"

Bio/About

Lynette is part of our ESL team, helping make a difference in so many students’ lives.  Early in her career, she worked in the Financial Services Industry, after marrying her husband she turned to a career in education. Lynette has taught for over 20 years and most recently taught Middle School Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys biking and doing triathlons. Most of her free time is spent enjoying her children’s activities and playing with grandchildren. (11 grandchildren so far and another on the way!) “The knowledge we discover about each other’s countries and customs, makes for an amazing learning experience for everyone!”

  • Favorite Quote

    “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” - Jim Valvano

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2023

  • Education
    • Bachelors in International Business/Spanish – Friends University
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Monica

Instructor

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Monica

Instructor

"It always seems impossible until it is done."

Bio/About

Monica’s educational journey began at NexStep Alliance and ended as a proud graduate from Wichita State University. She became the second in her family to graduate with her high school diploma and the first to go to college and graduate. Nothing came easy – as it was the opposite. However, she truly believes that every obstacle in life has prepared her for teaching.

  • Favorite Quote

    "I am my ancestors wildest dream." - Activist Brandan "BMike" Odums

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2023

  • Education
    • Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, Butler Community College
    • Bachelor’s Degree Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Wichita State University
Dariel

Dariel

Workforce Development Manager

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Dariel

Workforce Development Manager

"Don’t ever stop pursuing your goals and dreams, because one day there will be a small glimpse of sunlight through the clouds that turns into a beautiful sunny day!"

Bio/About

Prior to continuing her education at Purdue University, Dariel wanted to find her passion. She then decided to join the Navy early in her career. Following the Navy, she was fortunate enough to be able to use her GI Bill to return back to school after realizing her passion – to help others find their own passion in life.

All of her previous jobs have involved teaching or instructing different populations and communities. This includes student teaching, training Service Dogs for Veterans, to working as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She loves to watch students learn and grow along with seeing the “Ah ha!” moment when they retain information. On her time off she likes to spend time with her husband and dog traveling to different places, finding new eateries, and spending time with family.

  • Favorite Quote

    “I was raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.” – Tom Hardy

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2022

  • Education
    • Pursing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Purdue University Global with an accelerated M.S. program in Educational Psychology
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Lindsay

Student Success Coach

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Lindsay

Student Success Coach

"Be kind to yourself."

Bio/About

Lindsay brings a warm and bright nature blending a degree in addiction counseling, a decade of organizational management, and holistic, solution-focused coaching to NexStep Alliance Student Success Coach.

She believes that people are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. Lindsay’s passion is helping folks thrive from within and find success despite circumstances.

When not coaching, you can find Lindsay either at home with her husband and 2 purrrfect kitties or traveling the world in searching for her next favorite dish.

  • Favorite Quote

    “Realize, deeply, that the present moment is all you ever have.” - Eckhart Tolle

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2023

  • Education
    • Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies – Bethany University
    • Certified Coach through Lumia Coach Training
    • ICF ACC (in progress)
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Bronwen

Student Success Coach

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Bronwen

Student Success Coach

"Treat every challenge as an opportunity to thrive."

Bio/About

Prior to joining NexStep Alliance, Bronwen had many jobs. While pursuing her education she discovered her love of teaching and helping adult students reach their goals. After graduating from college, she entered the workforce and held many jobs that focused on customer service. When the opportunity to join NexStep arose she was excited to jump back into adult education. She believes that education is an attainable goal and that as a student success coach, it is her responsibility to help students reach their desired outcomes. When Bronwen is not coaching she can be found at home with her partner and their dog.

  • Favorite Quote

    “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2023

  • Education
    • Master of Arts in English, Wichita State University
    • Bachelor of Arts in English, Wichita State University
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Angela

Goodwill Success Coach

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Angela

Goodwill Success Coach

“Every one of your efforts and attitudes is significant and contributes to the grander picture of who you and who others are becoming. YOU are influential."

Bio/About

Angela is thrilled to serve Goodwill’s retail employees. She considers it an honor to invest in important and hard-working individuals. This is new territory within the Goodwill mission services, but she foresees that there will be many conversations with employees surrounding furthering their education, and personal or professional development. Angela’s hope is that our employees who are served will truly feel that they are appreciated, valued and cared for along with their futures.

Outside of work, Angela and her husband enjoy doing mundane tasks together and laughing with one another. Additionally, she loves to spend time with family, travel, bake, and be with their perfect golden retriever, Rosie.

  • Favorite Quote

    “Thick skin, soft heart, can’t lose.” – Doug Wekenman

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2022

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Minor in Psychology, Colorado Christian University
Judy Reusser

Judy

NexStep Unlocked Coordinator

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Judy

NexStep Unlocked Coordinator

"Everyone needs a job, and education is the key."

Bio/About

Judy joined NexStep Alliance in 2020 as the Unlocked Coordinator. Her background includes extensive experience as a licensed addictions counselor. During her career, Judy has provided individual counseling for outpatient treatment of alcohol and substance abuse. She also facilitated one-on-one and group counseling at a state correctional facility and helped develop intervention and treatment plans to achieve patient recovery.

Within the Unlocked program, Judy mentors and facilitates life skills classes by leaning into community resources and connections she’s made during her tenure as a case manager.

Judy is a licensed addictions counselor and is available to our NexStep Alliance students should the need arise.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Progress will come as more people stop looking at the least fortunate as problems to be managed or controlled and start seeing them as individuals who have contributions to make." - Charles Koch

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2020

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Friends University
    • Licensed Addiction Counselor, State of Kansas
    • Licensed Emergency Substitute Teacher, State of Kansas
NexStep Alliance Team Katelyn Day

Katelyn

Grant Compliance and Operations Manager

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Katelyn

Grant Compliance and Operations Manager

"Work nourishes noble minds."

Bio/About

As Grant Compliance and Operations Manager for NexStep Alliance, Katelyn is often the first face students see. Within her role, she is responsible for quality data management and operational support for all NexStep Alliance locations including enrollment. She oversees program data collection, validation and accurate reporting to the Kansas Board of Regents. She is also assists with budgeting, funding and implementation. Katelyn loves the mission of the organization and the impact it has on many lives.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried something new." - Albert Einstein

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2019

  • Education
    • Associate of Arts, Butler Community College
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Lauren

Assistant Operations Manager

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Lauren

Assistant Operations Manager

"Being on the frontline of the student experience, gives me such a perspective on the growth that these students go through. It's so rewarding."

Bio/About

Lauren joined NexStep Alliance as a program support specialist in 2020 after working many years in retail. During her previous employment, Lauren worked diligently to meet company goals and provide the kind of service that exceeds the customer’s expectations. She also developed a keen understanding of operational processes and has organized and helped develop team members to ensure that customer needs were always met.

In her current role as Assistant Operations Manager, Lauren is responsible for the implementation of TABE testing for all GED and ESL students as well as serving as Test Center Admin for Pearson Vue. She is also marketing liaison to Goodwill ensuring that all signage, messaging and enrollment information is conveyed in alignment with brand standards.

 

  • Favorite Quote

    "Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." - Will Rogers

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2020

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems, Wichita State University (In-Progress)
    • Associate of Science degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management, Kansas State University
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Angi

Program Support Specialist

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Angi

Program Support Specialist

"In whatever season of life one is in, there are always options, and there is hope."

Bio/About

As the Program Support Specialist, Angi greets students and provides program information. She assists with our record keeping, data entry, and student testing. Angi is excited to support the vision and goals of NexStep Alliance and considers it a privilege to provide support.

  • Favorite Quote

    “If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2022

  • Education
    • Pursuing an Associates in Arts with the goal of obtaining a Bachelor’s in Psychology
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Medalia

Program Support Specialist

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Medalia

Program Support Specialist

"Patience, determination and rest are key. Education is the most powerful tool you can obtain."

Bio/About

Medalia is a proud first-generation Latina graduate from Wichita State University. She enjoys going to the gym and is a self-proclaimed foodie. Medalia frequents new cuisine whether it is cooking at home or visiting a new restaurant. In her free time, she likes to binge-watch reality TV shows and loves spending time with her family and friends.

  • Favorite Quote

    "The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace." - Carlos Santana

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2023

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Wichita State University
    • Social Work Master’s Candidate, Wichita State University
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Susan

Attendance and Assessment Coordinator

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Susan

Attendance and Assessment Coordinator

"Be persistent and do the best you can. Measure success on your scale and not someone else’s."

Bio/About

As a Program Specialist, Susan greets students and provides service and support to the education staff. She also assists with record keeping, data entry, and student testing. Susan is excited to contribute to effectively meeting the program goals and supporting the overall mission.

Prior to working with NexStep Alliance, she worked behind the scenes at various television stations before moving into the field of retail at Goodwill Industries of Kansas. During this time, Susan learned about the organization and how to make customer service a priority.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, music, photography, visiting museums, arts & crafts, practicing T’ai Chi, and walking in parks around town.

  • Favorite Quote

    “No experience is wasted. Everything in life is happening to grow you up, to fill you up, to help you become more of who you were created to be.” - Oprah Winfrey

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2022

  • Education
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Electronic Media from Wichita State University
NexStep Alliance Team Kelly Abbey

Kelly

Corporate Security Officer

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Kelly

Corporate Security Officer

"Seek opportunities that can open doors for you. For me, that was my time in the military. I would recommend it to any young adult."

Bio/About

Kelly’s number one role is to provide a safe, stress-free working and learning atmosphere for all staff and students to work in. His 20 years of service in the military have helped him in his position of Corporate Security Officer at NexStep Alliance to lead surveillance, oversee safety and conduct company-wide investigations when necessary. He loves coming to work every day to be surrounded with what he considers the best group of people he’s ever worked with.

Outside of work, Kelly is a goldsmith, creating and repairing fine jewelry. He and his wife Kimberly have two sons and two twin grandsons. They are supporters of the Kansas Humane Society and also have three fur babies.

  • Favorite Quote

    "Never was so much owed to so many by so few." - Winston Churchill

  • Serving NexStep Alliance Since

    2014

  • Education
    • Retired, U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force

NexStep Alliance programs are made possible through collaboration and partnership with other organizations.

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