Our Leadership Team

Executive Leadership

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  Jeffery Grant

  Vice President of Finance and Administration

  Jeffrey Grant joined Next Door in October 2023 to lead our finance department. He brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fiscal departments; including executive leadership positions at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, Kenosha Community Health Center, Milwaukee Center for Independence, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. He has in-depth expertise in numerous administrative and financial functions; including accounting, audits, taxes, investments, budgets, human resources, payroll, benefits, insurance, contracts, compliance, technology, information systems, purchasing, fleet and facilities. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and his Master’s Degree in Taxation; both at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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  Kristin Ward

  Senior Director of Development and Marketing

  Kristin Ward joined us as our Senior Director of Development and Marketing in October 2025

  She is dynamic and mission-driven nonprofit leader with over 12 years of experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, and strategic communications.

Program Leadership

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  Darlene Grant

  Director of Childcare Partnerships

  Darlene Grant joined Next Door in 2015 and has served as a Childcare Partnerships (CCP) Family Support and Eligibility Supervisor as well as a Family Services Coach. She has 15+ years of experience in the Education and Human Services fields. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Business and Management and a minor in Pre-Law, English and Communication from Alverno College, a Master of Science Degree in Human Services and Organizational Leadership and Management from Springfield College, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from UW-Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Work. Darlene’s "Why" is helping children, families and employees, both leaders and direct service staff, come into their full potential. Her passion lies in valuing all people while committing to a life of helping others thrive.

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  Tanisha Johnson

  Director of Educational Services

  Tanisha Johnson is a devoted and experienced Early Head Start Director with an insightful commitment to fostering the development of infants, toddlers, and their families. With a proven track record of successful program development and implementation, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, she has fostered supportive and enriching learning environment. With over 21 years of experience in early childhood education, including 8 years in leadership roles, Tanisha brings a wealth of expertise to her position. She has successfully managed comprehensive early childhood programs, overseeing curriculum development, staff training, budget management, and community engagement initiatives. Tanisha holds a Master's degree in Science and Management from Cardinal Stritch University. She also hold an undergrad in Early Childhood Education from Milwaukee Area Technical College.

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  Tomeka Jones

  Director of Student Support Services

  Tomeka Jones has been a dedicated member of Next Door for over 7 years, starting her journey as a K4 floater and later becoming an Assistant Teacher in K3. Over the years, she has held various roles within the organization, including Parent Educator (PNCC), Special Education Teacher, and EHS Education Manager. Tomeka holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from MATC, a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Cognitive Studies from Ashford University, and a Master's of Science in Special Education from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She is currently planning to pursue a Doctoral Degree in K-12 Leadership at Alverno College (Milwaukee Campus). As the new Director of Student Support Services, Tomeka aims to build a team dedicated to the success of children and families.

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  Patrice Knox

  Director of Home Based Programs

  Patrice Knox has been with Next Door since November of 2011. With 28 years of experience in her field, she has previously worked as a PNCC/Early Head Start Home Base Parent Educator Supervisor. Patrice holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Upper Iowa University. Patrice’s previous role as Parent Educator Supervisor for the past 12 years has cemented her passion for helping Children and Families. She enjoys seeing the Children and families potential to grow. She is dedicated to the development of her staff, ensuring they are equipped with the support, trainings and community resources to successfully service our families while also fostering a positive, Team focused, work environment.

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  Donna Morris

  Director of Family Engagement and Enrollment

  Donna Morris has been with Head Start since 2004 and joined Next Door in August of 2013. With 20 years of experience in her field, she has previously worked as a Family Support Supervisor. She holds a Master's in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. Donna is deeply committed to the mission and goals of both Head Start and Next Door.

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  Danielle Nelson

  Chief of Staff

  Danielle Nelson serves as Chief of Staff at Next Door, working closely with the President and Senior Leadership Team to strengthen cross-team alignment, support agency operations, and help advance strategic initiatives. Often described as a “dot connector,” Danielle helps ensure priorities stay clear, teams stay connected, and key work moves forward across the organization. Danielle brings experience in education-based advancement, fundraising, marketing, and operations, with past roles at Macalester College, University Lake School, and Western Oregon University. She has also supported startups and entrepreneurs through consulting and is a licensed Realtor with Mahler Sotheby’s International Realty. Danielle lives in West Allis with her husband and two dogs.

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  Ann Oberdorf

  Director of Education Services HS/K4

  Ann Oberdorf joined Next Door in 2016 and has served as an Instructional Coach before moving into this Director Role. She has 30+ years of experience to draw upon in the Education. She has been a teacher at all age levels (HS/Pre-k- grade 12) and an Instructional Coach working with Head Start and K4 teachers. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from UW-Whitewater and a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee. Ann’s "Why" is to contribute to the mission and vision of providing excellence in early childhood education, so all children and families are ready for school and set up for a lifetime of learning.

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  Latrice Robinson

  29th St. Campus Site Director

  Latrice is an experienced Early Childhood Education professional with over 30 years of service in a variety of roles, including paraprofessional, K–5 teacher, assistant director, and site director. For the past nine years, she has been proud to serve at Next Door, where she continues to support high-quality early learning experiences for children and families. In addition to her work in the field, she have been an adjunct lecturer at a university for 16 years, preparing and mentoring future educators. She holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Latrice is deeply committed to helping children, families, and staff reach their full potential through education, collaboration, and supportive leadership.

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  Latrease Whitley

  Capitol Dr. Campus Site Director

  Latrease Whitley joined Next Door in 2010 as a Parent Educator in the Early Head Start Home-Based program. She has since served as Home-Based Supervisor and Family Support Supervisor at Next Door's Capitol Dr. campus. She earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2015 at Cardinal Stritch University. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in center-based and home-based programming. Her goal is to support all families and children with their child educational experience at Next Door and provide supportive services to enhance their quality of life. She looks forward to meeting and getting to know every child and its family as we collaborate for your child success. In her personal life, she enjoys attending her twin sons’ athletic events, playing video games and spending quality time with family.

Administrative Leadership

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  Lucretia Dillon

  Human Resources Director

  Lucretia Dillon joined Next Door in 2005. She previously served in Human Resources roles at COA Youth & Family Centers and Rosalie Manor Community & Family Services. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in business management systems­-human resource management from Milwaukee School of Engineering, a Master's Degree in management from Cardinal Stritch University and an additional Master's Degree in counseling from Mount Mary University.

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  Susan Murray

  Director of Workforce Development

  Susan Murray joined Next Door in 2014. Prior to becoming Director of Workforce Development, she served as a Parent Educator, Instructional Coach, and Professional Development Specialist. Susan has over ten years of Head Start experience, and has a passion for serving the children and families in our community. Susan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Community Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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  Carolyn Porter

  Director of Operations

  Carolyn Porter joined Next Door in 2015. She began her service as Director of Operations in 2019, overseeing areas including facilities, maintenance and nutrition. She previously served as Senior Associate for the Executive Office and Board Relations. Carolyn has nearly 20 years of experience in public and non-profit management. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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  Jesse Weathersby

  Director of Information Technology

  Jesse Weathersby currently oversees Information Technology across all of Next Door's campuses. He came to the agency in 2000 and began working as an IT Manager. Before Next Door, Jesse served as a Project Manager for the BancTec Corporation, which provided technology services for the Midwest region.