Our Leadership Team
We are “All-In” for providing the best start for our children
Next Door’s highly qualified team of more than 240 employees serve two early childhood center-based sites and a home visitation program offering prenatal services and early childhood education. In addition, our Child Care Partnership program features Next Door staff who support teachers and families at our 10 early childhood partnership sites in Milwaukee.
Our team includes classroom teachers, home-based parent educators, family advocates, special education and early intervention specialists, coaches, nutrition services, literacy and reading specialists and so many more.
The Milwaukee Business Journal honored Next Door as one of its 2020, 2021 and 2023 “Best Places to Work.” The program honors companies and organizations based on high rankings from employee surveys.
Click HERE to Join our Team.
Executive Leadership
Heather Mehring Grams
President
Heather Mehring Grams joined Next Door as President in January 2023. She has 20 years of experience in education, including 12 years as a school administrator.
Most recently, Heather was principal at St. Sebastian School, a private Choice school located in Milwaukee’s Washington Heights neighborhood.
Heather brings a wealth of experience and education to her role. Her background includes teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as coordinating a youth restorative justice program. She has also served as a hospital chaplain. Academically, Heather holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and has earned two Master's Degrees - one in Education Leadership and another in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Additionally, she possesses a PreK-12 Administrator's License.
William Hill
Deputy Director of Early Childhood Education
William Hill, the Deputy Director of Early Childhood Education, joined Next Door on June 13, 2024. With 26 years of experience in the field, William has previously served as the Assistant Director at the City of Chicago, Department of Family Support Services and was previously the Head Start Program Director for a local Chicago-based non-profit. He has also held positions in grant writing.
William holds a Master of Public Administration in Policy & Government from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Family & Child Studies from Chicago State University, and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from the City Colleges of Chicago.
William is dedicated to fostering family, school, and community connections through facilitating parent education and workshops. He emphasizes the importance of the role of men in the lives of young children by leading groups for fathers and community support groups. Additionally, he initiated the "Safe Place to Play" initiative, securing multiple grants to build playgrounds in underserved communities.
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.
Program Leadership
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.
Jenna Heinen
29th St. Campus Site Director
Jenna Heinen joined Next Door in 2001 as a kindergarten teacher for the Charter School. Since then she has worked her way through various roles including Learning Coordinator, School Readiness Coach, Education Manager, Site Manager, and now Site Director.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 1999 from Lakeland College in Education. She also earned her Masters Degree in 2013 from Cardinal Stritch University in Reading and Learning Disabilities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Administrative Leadership
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.
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.
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.
Chad Piechocki
Development Director
Chad Piechocki joined Next Door in 2017 as the Grants Administrator. He has 15+ years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising.
Prior to Next Door, he worked in various roles in the performing arts in Milwaukee.
He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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.