Meet Our New Team Members
We are so excited to be able to welcome our new team members to both the RISE and Launch Programs this year. Our RISE team is growing strong! We are so proud to be able to add Ms. Tiana Caldwell, Mr. Matt Falk, Ms. Lize Rodkey and Mr. Benjamin Bell to our RISE family. Our Launch team is also growing. This year we have 16 students rising into the Launch program. Ms. Kristie Barnes has come on board as the Launch Coordinator. We are so pleased that she will be leading this team as they help our students navigate their way towards college, career and/or the work force. Here is a look at our new teams members
9th Grade Team
Ms. Lize Rodkey, has her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. She worked in the Chester Upland school district for over 5 years and is currently employed with the Garnet Valley School District. From 2009-2010 Lize spent a gap year in South Africa doing mission work, team building and personal development. Lize is passionate about her craft which is evident in watching her work with our students. Lize resides in the City of Chester with her husband, Tucker Rodkey a talented local artist.
Benjamin Bell grew up in the city of Chester. He graduated from Concord Christian Academy in Wilmington Delaware and has held several interesting jobs throughout the years. Most recently Benjamin has decided to follow his true passion which is serving others. He currently works in the city of Chester serving its people. His new journey has led him to the development of leaders in hopes of both making a difference in his community and the world. Benjamin has been married to his wife Johneane for 10 years and together have four wonderful children ages 15,10,8 and 4. Benjamins compassion for the city and leadership skills make him an excellent addition to our RISE Team.
8th Grade Team
Matt Falk is the new addition to our 8th grade team. Matt has taken on the role as co-leader with Ms. Quinn Boyer who has taught the 8th grade curriculum for the past three years. Matt brings a great deal of fun and energy to the team He is a graduate of Rowan College with a major in math. Matt has a love for soccer and coaching students. Currently, when Matt is not helping us out with the Rise program, he is out refereeing local soccer games for US soccer. Matt is a very hard worker who brings new and creative ideas to the Rise program. We are so happy that he has decided to join our team. Matt has recently moved to Aston with his wife Brigid, who is a teacher at CCSA in Chester.
7th Grade Team
Ms. Tiana Caldwell has decided to join our 7th grade team along with Mr. Derrick Spence who has been a small group leader since last year. Tiana is the dance teacher at the CAAT Center.
Launch
Ms. Kristie Barnes will be joining us as both the Launch Coordinator and the 11th grade small group leader. Kristie brings many strengths to the Launch program her positivity, love for the students and her overall drive is bar none. We are so pleased that Kristie will be leading our Launch team as well as executing our 11th grade curriculum. To read more about Ms. Barnes please check out her bio. found under our team on our website.Ms. Kristie Barnes will be joining us as both the Launch Coordinator and the 11th grade small group leader. Kristie brings many strengths to the Launch program her positivity, love for the students and her overall drive is bar none. We are so pleased that Kristie will be leading our Launch team as well as executing our 11th grade curriculum. To learn more about Ms. Barnes please visit our team page for her full bio.