Janine Blunt

Peer Group Leader

Janine was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, was raised in Laurel, Maryland and attended Virginia State University in Petersburg VA, where she graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Early Childhood Education. Ms. Blunt taught Kindergarten for 3 years in Prince George’s County Maryland and then relocated to New York City where she continued to teach Kindergarten and also taught Visual and Theater Arts in Harlem and the Bronx. She has been in education for 9 years and enjoys working with children, their families and colleges. When not teaching, Janine enjoys spending time with family and close friends, traveling, exploring and eating at an assortment of restaurants, attending and participating in plays and listening to music.

Phylicia Bridgewater

Peer Group Leader

Phylicia is a native of the Bronx in New York City. She has been in Washington DC since 2006. She is a Spring 2010 graduate from Howard University, with a B.S. in Human Development. Phylicia currently works at E.L. Haynes PCS full-time and is excited about joining Best Kids. Some of her hobbies are drawing, painting, and West African dance. Phylicia enjoys working with youth to help create bright futures.

Christine Dougan

Peer Group Leader

Christine recently joined the Best Kids team after having spent the past year teaching at Lycee Polyvalent Flora Tristan, a technical high school in the Parisian suburbs. She is a proud graduate of DePauw University and Teach For America Alumnus (Charlotte ’08) where she taught English at EE Waddell High School. Christine has a serious case of wanderlust; enjoys reading, theater, and new experiences; and will gladly share her love of all things midwestern if you’re interested!

Anita Elahi

Intern

Anita  is interning at BEST Kids while she attends George Washington University, studying International Affairs with a concentration in International Development. (She is most interested in South Asia and the Horn of Africa.) She graduates next spring and hopes to go to graduate school in school counseling or a related field. She also volunteers as a tutor/mentor for kids at DC Prep, a local charter school. She loves reading, traveling, and basketball.

Emily Ernes

Mentor Coordinator

Emily is excited to be at BEST Kids for her year of service with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps. She recently graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology/Anthropology from Denison University. While at Denison, Emily was part of a group that planned after-school adventures with at-risk middle-schoolers. She loves tennis, biking, spicy food, languages and swing sets.

Jayson Green

Peer Group Leader

Jayson Green joined BEST Kids at the end of 2010. Originally from New York, he recieved his undergraduate degree from Herbert H. Lehman College – CUNY in Sociology & Black Studies. He began his Masters in Public Administration at Bernard M. Baruch College – CUNY and will complete it at the the University of District of Columbia, where he is also currently the Campus Coordinator for the Office of Community-Based Learning, Research & Service. Jayson says that he joined BEST Kids to become a role model for young people and open their minds and eyes to new opportunities that are out there for them.

Nicole Harrison

Mentor Coordinator

Nicole Harrison is a new Mentor Coordinator for BEST Kids. She graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with a BA in Biology. While at UVA, Nicole gained experience working with youth through her volunteer coordination experience and her involvement in community service efforts in Charlottesville. She was born and raised in the DC Metropolitan area, and is a diehard Redskins fan. Nicole also loves basketball and is always up for a pick-up game.

Rachel Kohl

Supervisor of Mentoring Services

Rachel Kohl has been a Mentor Coordinator with BEST Kids since spring 2010. She graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies. Rachel has extensive experience working with youth in the child welfare system in both direct and in-direct service positions. She is a big fan of  the Detroit Red Wings, cookouts, camping, and all things Michigan.

Cedric Loiseau

Mentor Recruiter

Cedric Loiseau is the newest addition to the BEST Kids staff in the capacity of Mentor Recruiter.  Cedric is a proud graduate of Howard University’s class of 2010 where he earned a B.A. in Administration of Justice and a B.S. in Psychology. During his time at Howard University, he spent time organizing clean-up efforts in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina as well as various other programs around the District of Columbia. A lover of radio and music, he hopes to one day start his own non-profit related to the two.

John Palinski

Executive Director

John Palinski has worked in the nonprofit sector for most of his career and has served BEST Kids for more than two years.  John has a B.A. in Economics from Grinnell College and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Service.  He is a proud AmeriCorps alumnus (Public Allies Chicago 2003), an avid traveler, a supporter of the US Mens National Soccer Team, and an uncle to two great kids in New York.

Krystal Speed

Peer Group Director

Krystal Speed has been the Peer Group Leader for BEST Kids for more than two years. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University and a Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instructional Leadership from Vanderbilt University. One of Krystal’s goals is to demonstrate to mentees that there are people who genuinely care about them and are willing to put in time to ensure their success in life.

Fria Wilson

Mentor Coordinator

Fria Wilson is thrilled to be at BEST Kids for her year of service with Public Allies D.C. AmeriCorps. She is currently working towards her B.A. in Communication at Trinity at THEARC, and has also gained experience working with youth in foster care through her previous connection as a program coordinator at First Wings Peer Mentoring program, as well as being a former foster care participant herself emancipating yr. 2007. Fria has a passion for youth in care and her involvement in her community while still finding the time to engage herself in hobbies such as dance, music, arts, and being a full time mother of two.