NexStep Alliance TeamWe Are On Your Team

Bio/About

Yamir Lozada not only serves as the Director of NexStep Alliance, but also as the Director of Education and Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of Kansas. In these dual roles, he leads a dynamic network of programs that empower more than 3,000 adult learners and job seekers each year. His leadership spans adult education, workforce training, reentry initiatives, data integrity, and grant management – all designed to help individuals remove barriers, reach their goals, and create lasting change for themselves and their families.

With more than 18 years of experience in the education field, Yamir’s career spans early childhood, K–12, higher education, and adult education. He feels fortunate to work alongside others who have dedicated their lives to helping people and believes that watching each learner grow into the person they’ve worked hard to become is truly breathtaking.

He is actively involved in the community, serving as Vice President of the Kansas Adult Education Association (KAEA) and formerly as its Treasurer. He is also the Kansas State Leader Representative for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), the Kansas representative for the Digital Resilience of the American Workforce initiative, and is a member of the Nonprofit Chamber, the Wichita Crime Commission, the Sedgwick County Community Health Improvement Plan, and a part of multiple initiatives and committees within Goodwill Industries of Kansas.

Beyond his professional commitments, Yamir participates in charity races, neighborhood cleanups, and various volunteer initiatives – from tutoring children after school, organizing summer camps, and sponsoring children abroad. He also volunteers in multiple community-focused efforts through his local church. Lastly, Yamir serves as a mentor to other Adult Education Directors within the state.

Yamir has been married to Nicole for more than 10 years, and together they have two children, Valen and Violet. In his spare time, he enjoys singing Disney songs and watching Bluey with his kids, trying new foods and playing video games with his wife, and spending quiet moments grilling, reading, or playing soccer.

Bio/About

Anne began her journey with NexStep Alliance as an ESL instructor, later becoming the first South Campus Coordinator in 2020. In September 2024, she transitioned into her current role as Assistant Director of Education.

Anne considers herself a “jack of all trades.” Her professional career started in Seattle during the dot-com boom, where she managed the administrative team for a high-end executive office suite. She then helped her mother fulfill a lifelong dream by launching a cookie bakery.

Her passion for exploration led her to live abroad for 10 years in Taiwan, Honduras, and Colombia, teaching English and founding a yoga studio. She has traveled to 20 countries, gaining a global perspective that enriches her work in education.

Anne has taught ESL, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Beginning Literacy. She previously worked in healthcare, fitness and wellness, tourism, and customer service. She believes there is little in the world as empowering as education and is passionate about spreading that empowerment through opportunity and fostering confidence – focusing her energy on students who face the toughest challenges. In many of her roles, she has instinctively led with a focus on mission and compassion.

Outside of work, Anne is a homebody who loves tinkering around the house and adoring her puppy. She practices and teaches yoga, enjoys baking, walking outdoors, and, of course, traveling.

Bio/About

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.

Bio/About

Gage has been teaching with NexStep Alliance since 2019, beginning as an adjunct instructor in Language Arts and Math. He now serves as the GED Manager and oversees NexStep’s virtual classes. Prior to joining NexStep Alliance full-time, Gage worked in a public school system as a Secondary Education instructor.

A creative and education-savvy professional, Gage leads the NexStep Alliance virtual classroom program while managing a wide range of instructional and program responsibilities.

Bio/About

As the Program Operations Manager, Lindsay helps ensure NexStep’s programs run smoothly and everyone is moving in the right direction. Since joining Goodwill in 2023, she has worn a few hats, including time as a Success Coach with NexStep, where she discovered her true passion for helping others succeed.

Lindsay loves watching students grow and thrive, and takes pride in creating a welcoming space for all. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring new places with her husband or curled up at home with a good book and her cats.

Bio/About

As a Lead Re-Entry Specialist within NexStep Alliance, Rikki supports justice-impacted students as they return to education and workforce training programs, helping them navigate barriers and achieve their personal and academic goals. She provides individualized guidance, connects students with essential community and educational resources, and advocates for opportunities that promote successful long-term stability. Rikki is passionate about helping each student recognize their potential and take meaningful steps toward creating a better future for themselves and their families.

Before working at Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Rikki served as a Case Manager at Humankind Ministries Homeless Shelter, where she provided compassionate support to individuals and families navigating homelessness. She helped clients set goals, develop action plans, and access vital community services.

Rikki is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Drug Addiction Counseling, earning her Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential. She is on track to graduate in December 2026. Her studies deepen her understanding of social systems, human behavior, and recovery, further enhancing her ability to support students as they work toward stability, growth, and long-term success.

Outside of work, Rikki enjoys spending quality time with her four children, Marcus, Jordan, Alexia, and Corbin. She values family dinners, playing Topgolf with her kids, and creating meaningful memories together.

Bio/About

As the Digital Skills Coordinator, Denzal’s focus is to reduce fear and increase confidence when using and understanding technology. His career covers multiple cities and roles, ranging from subjects such as informal STEM education, public speaking, conservation, and artistic expression.

Denzal holds information covering marine mammals, how magnets work, video game development, animation, performance, and more. He enjoys having conversations with people, instructing, learning, and collaborating on projects.

Two of his favorite things when interacting with people are watching the excitement and knowledge when a person talks about their passion, and the moment when they get that spark of understanding a subject. He is fond of free time, playing video games, eating satisfying food, immersive experiences, comedy, and improv.

Bio/About

Andy is a Digital Navigator at NexStep Alliance, where he helps adult learners build confidence and independence through technology. He earned his bachelor’s degree in information technology from Wichita State University and began his career working with refugee communities, teaching essential digital skills to support their transition to life in America.

That experience continues to guide his work today, inspiring a passion for expanding digital access for refugees, immigrants, and other underserved populations. Andy believes that computers are part of everyday life—and that everyone deserves the skills to use them effectively. Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or staying connected with family, he is dedicated to making technology approachable and empowering for learners from all walks of life.

Bio/About

Prior to working for Goodwill, Susan worked behind the scenes at various television stations in four different states and an audio production company near Miami. She started working for Goodwill in August 2009 and has had many positions. This includes a Sales Assistant, Processor, Team Lead for e-books, and a member of the e-commerce team.

Part of Susan’s job at NexStep is to provide service and support to our students and to the education staff.  However, the main part of her position is to oversee and assign tests for students and then assess their scores, so each student is put into the correct class for optimal learning. Her job involves record keeping, data management and analysis, and test proctoring.

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

Bio/About

Before working with Goodwill, for 11 years, Angela coordinated an AmeriCorps Program at Wichita State University, promoting the benefits of service to potential volunteers and nonprofit organizations across Kansas. She has a background in marketing nonprofits and university programs, as well as promoting support group resources. Angela has worked with a variety of audiences, including nonprofit and business leaders, social service providers, and university faculty and students.

In Angela’s position, she coordinates daily operations for the local One-Stop locations. Her position involves leading partner meetings, organizing In-Service Trainings, gathering data, providing tours, and assisting customers at the front desk.

She is a long-time member of the National Federation of Press Women and Wichita Professional Communicators.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband, playing with her granddaughter, and scrapbooking with friends.

Bio/About

Ivonne is a dedicated administrative professional with a strong record of supporting high-profile departments and sensitive operations across aviation, the court system, and community education. She brings extensive experience in managing complex administrative workflows, delivering exceptional customer and client service, and supporting leadership with professionalism and discretion.

With a background in serving vulnerable populations, including grieving families and parents navigating child support, Ivonne is known for creating respectful, compassionate experiences during challenging moments. Her strengths include organization, empathy, clear communication, and the ability to adapt seamlessly to diverse environments.

She is proud to support GED and ESL learners at NexStep Alliance, where she plays a meaningful role in helping students move toward their educational and career goals.

Bio/About

Jocelyn has a background in administrative support, records management, and customer service. She enjoys helping others in her daily work and brings experience from a variety of professional settings. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is able to effectively communicate with and support a diverse range of individuals.

In her current role, Jocelyn assists with student intake and enrollment, maintains program records, and supports daily program operations.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration to continue building her skills and professional growth. Jocelyn is proud to be part of the NexStep Alliance team and finds her work meaningful, especially the opportunity to support students as they work toward their educational goals.

Bio/About

Graciela is a highly qualified preschool teacher with 12 years of experience in Durango, Mexico, working with the Ministry of Public Education (SEP). She has led groups and demonstrated effective teaching skills for young children in their early years of education. She has four years of experience advising teachers through specialized courses in the preschool curriculum.

Graciela adapts to the diverse needs of students, ensuring an inclusive and individualized approach.

As a devoted mother, she proudly supports her daughter Danna, who is studying Nutrition at UJED University in Durango, Mexico. They share a deep passion for dance, enjoying Latin rhythms such as salsa and cumbia, Hawaiian and Tahitian dance. She actively participates in community events that promote art and dance, firmly believing that music and dance should be integrated into all schools to enhance students’ physical and intellectual development.

Bio/About

Cameron is passionate about helping others in any way possible, whether through big gestures or small acts of support. With a lifelong love of learning and a commitment to maintaining a student mindset, Cameron approaches challenges with curiosity and determination.

Growing up facing adversity and poverty, Cameron has developed a strong work ethic, continuously striving to create a better future. Cameron began his journey with Goodwill nearly three years ago at the Derby location, where he started as a cashier. In a short time, he was promoted to key holder, then to Assistant Manager, and now serves in his current role, bringing dedication, leadership, and a heart for service to work every day.

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.

Bio/About

Alonso is a College Pathway Advisor passionate about helping students turn their academic goals into reality. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, he studied Secondary Education with a specialization in ESL and has experience teaching learners of all ages, from children to university students. His background working with language learners gives him a strong understanding of the unique challenges students face as they navigate education and career pathways.

Alonso is dedicated to guiding students through the application process, financial aid, and career planning while building their confidence along the way. Whether supporting a recent high school graduate or an adult learner, he is committed to making higher education more accessible and achievable.

Outside of work, Alonso enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, always looking forward to his next adventure.

Bio/About

Alairis Hamilton is an Instruction Support Specialist with Nexstep Alliance, a partnership between WSU Tech and Goodwill Industries of Kansas. With nearly 20 years of experience in adult education and GED instruction, she brings deep expertise in supporting adult learners.

She has served as an adjunct instructor at both Bossier Parish Community College and WSU Tech, and currently provides individualized GED instruction and teaches WorkKeys within reentry programs. Her work focuses on helping individuals build stability, gain employment skills, and continue their education.

Alairis is passionate about removing barriers to learning and creating supportive environments where students who have experienced interrupted educational journeys are empowered to succeed. She believes education is a pathway to opportunity, self-determination, and transformation.

Outside of her professional work, she is an author and a devoted dog mom who enjoys thrifting and upcycling.