Michele Kern

Executive Director & Instructor
​(she/her)
Education: B.S. in Education
Experience: 25 years as a teacher; 10 years as a principal
Favorite Future Ready Skill: Leadership

“I see the potential in every learner.  Truly listening to their needs is crucial. Helping a student see something from a fresh vantage point can be the key to helping a student thrive.” 

As the Executive Director, Michele leads an incredible team of educators.  Her values for leadership and integrity lay a strong foundation for the organization. Michele leads with a heart of love, acceptance, and determination to open a world of possibilities to all human beings. She is a firm believer in teamwork and building a community of friendship and trust so that the learning process is one of wholeness, not just knowledge.

Julia Metropolis

Operations Director & Instructor
​(she/her)
Education: B.S. in Psychology
Experience: 8 years in business administration; 6 years as a teacher, tutor & educational coach
Favorite Future Ready Skill: Self-confidence
​
"I think that every young person has a brighter future if they believe in their own capabilities and they have someone else who does too. I aim to help students find their strengths so they can use them as a guide through life."

As the Operations Director, Julia coordinates efforts across the organization. She leads Future Ready’s program development with a focus on providing specific solutions to any given group of people. She prioritizes understanding different perspectives when problem solving, which enables her to lead efficiently and wholeheartedly. Julia is passionate about supporting young people on their journey to becoming independent, thoughtful individuals.

Kristen Davis

 Coordinating Director & Instuctor
​(she/her)
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education; M.S. in Literacy; M.S. in Professional Writing & Rhetoric; Certification in Gifted & Talented Education
Experience: 8 years as a teacher; 3 years as a curriculum coordinator
Favorite Future Ready Skill: Critical thinking

“‘Communication is key’ is an idiom for good reason. Effective communication builds relationships and empires. I firmly believe that communication is a skill, not a talent, and it is my professional goal to learn and pass on strategies for mastering this vital technique, both in writing and conversation.”

As the Coordinating Director, Kristen creates and manages the systems that keep Future Ready moving. Kristen's expertise in developing rigorous, practical curriculum provides the foundation of our programs. Her talent for goal setting and practical planning fuel her passion for helping all students reach their potential. ​

Sheila Smith

Curriculum Writer & Instructor
​(she/her)
Education: B.A. in English and History; M.S. in Education 
Experience: 15 years as a teacher; 3 years directing and training staff and students in cognitive skills 
Favorite Future Ready Skill: Emotional intelligence
 
"I believe education is an opportunity to trade a single, narrow lens for one of varied depth and perspective. It opens us up to truth. Truth is only valuable if we have the courage to dig to its roots and expose it, because then we can truly begin to learn." 

As a curriculum writer and program instructor, Sheila values the story behind each learner and guides them to be bold in the telling of it through the instrument of writing. She sees the world through the lens of creativity and wonder. She understands that words are power, and shows learners how to use them to liberate, empower, and love. Sheila believes in the power of education to help each young person to find their own truth. 

Our Story

Our story begins with Executive Director Michele Kern’s vision to create a place where teens are guided to understand how their passions can become a purposeful plan.  Our team is brought together by a desire to create an atmosphere that is brave, where young people can express themselves openly as we work with them to develop college and career readiness skills they need to engage in the world. As a group of educators we recognize that teens and parents are seeking crucial life skills needed for that step into college and the workforce, and so we came together to create Future Ready Education Initiative. 

We know that students' full potential comes through making connections and having their voices heard. Future Ready Education Initiative operates based on a passion to educate, motivate, and develop teens as they explore the world beyond high school. Our approach is to guide and listen as we walk teens through the process of discovering their values and goals. We aim to prepare them to take on challenges in life and in society through their own unique lens.
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Photo credit Lydia Hadley
We couldn't do it without our Board of Directors, Advisory Team and the families and schools in our community. Thank you!