OAYA
Orion
Area
Youth
Assistance
Orion Area Youth Assistance
CERC Building Room 8
455 East Scripps Rd.
Lake Orion, MI 48360
oaya@lok12.org
Phone: (248) 693-6878
Fax: (248) 693-1494
Thank you to our Volunteer Board of Directors
Dawn Ames, Chairperson—I have served on the OAYA Board of Directors since June 2017 and have held the position of Chairperson since 2019. My most recent role was as Executive Director of the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP), an organization dedicated to anti-human trafficking education, awareness, and advocacy. Prior to my tenure at MAP, I was the Director of Family Ministry and Community Outreach at the Lake Orion United Methodist Church. I possess extensive experience in program management, particularly in the coordination and development of programs and events for children and youth. Notably, I established the Blessings in a Brown Bag FREE Summer Lunch Program at Lake Orion United Methodist Church, which addresses food insecurity among children during the summer months. In recognition of my contributions, I was named Lake Orion’s Citizen of the Year in 2018, received the Youth Impact Award from the Orion Chamber of Commerce in 2019, and was honored with the Unsung Hero Award by Zonta of Pontiac-North Oakland County in 2019 for my advocacy work on behalf of children in our community. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University and have accumulated ten years of experience in Human Resources at General Motors Corporation.
I became engaged in the anti-human trafficking movement in early 2017 and quickly recognized the link between trafficking and various childhood vulnerabilities, including homelessness, poverty, child abuse, juvenile delinquency, and substance abuse. To maximize my impact in the Lake Orion community, I chose to partner with Orion Area Youth Assistance, as I am convinced that their effective casework services and prevention programs are essential in mitigating risk factors and fostering protective factors that enable youth and families to flourish.
Jennifer Vezina—I’ve lived in Lake Orion my entire life, moving here in the early 70’s when this area was still very much a small community heavily populated with corn fields and dirt roads. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education but only taught for a handful of years before finding a full-time position with Orion Parks. I’m married with two sons and a stepdaughter. When we are not working, we enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking with our 4 legged companion. I’ve been a recreation programmer with Orion Parks for the past 25 years. Recently, I started volunteering with Orion Area Youth Assistance, and I find that making a positive impact to our community through Orion Parks and OAYA is very fulfilling and helps me to develop strong connections to others.
Lauren Smith—I currently serve on the Orion Area Youth Assistance Board of Directors and am the Principal of Paint Creek Elementary in Lake Orion Community Schools. I am passionate about access and equity in regards to the resources, services and programs available for children and families in our community. I am committed to life-long learning and community service and was honored to receive the 2023 Champion of Youth Award from Oakland County Youth Assistance Coordinating Council for my work.
I have two adult children who I am so very proud of: Ryan, who is a 2nd year HS teacher and Reagan, who is in her 2nd year of graduate school. When not enjoying time with my families, I love to work in my garden, read anything and everything and spend time traveling to new locations.
Hailey Reighard-- I am the student board member for OAYA. I joined Orion Area Youth Assistance because i wanted to help the youth in the community. I feel that OAYA positively impacts so many people in the community and it has helped me grow so much as an individual.
Jillian Nolan, Treasurer—Born and raised in Scotland, I have lived in Michigan since 1999 and in Lake Orion since 2005. I live on the border of Lake Orion/Oxford with my husband, Michael (an Irishman). Our two “kids” are now grown and flown but both went through Lake Orion schools right from Kindergarten and are Dragons through and through. I consider myself an “adopted Dragon.” In a prior life, I was a risk analyst for a large, international insurance and risk management company, working in Scotland, London (UK, not Canada!) and finally Detroit. Currently, I work at the local chamber of commerce. Outside of work, when I get the time, I enjoy reading, walking our dog, gardening (although I don’t exactly have a green thumb) and watching UK crime dramas.
I was very lucky to have had a wonderful childhood and I hope my kids feel the same way about their younger years. But I am very aware that there are others who are not so lucky. Via my work at the Chamber, I got to know more about OAYA, the work they do and the fantastic people who make it all happen. When the opportunity to be on the Board came about in 2020, I saw it as a great way to help support OAYA and all the great things the organization does in our community.
Nicole Quandt, Secretary—I received my undergraduate degree from Oakland University in 1996 and my Juris Doctorate from Wayne State Law School in 2000. I began my legal career working for the Legal Aid and Defender Association in Detroit, where I focused on indigent criminal defense. In 2004, I entered private practice, first as a partner in a small firm and then in my own solo practice, practicing predominantly criminal, family, probate and juvenile law, including significant work in child abuse and neglect cases. In 2009, I was hired as an attorney-advisor for the Department of Defense at TACOM in Warren, Michigan. In 2017, I was appointed to my current position as a Federal Administrative Law Judge, where I primarily hear disability cases. I reside in Oakland County with my son, Kam, and dogs, Matilda and Ingrid. I am a licensed foster parent and a member of the Michigan Foster Care Review Board. My interests include tennis, child and animal welfare, outdoor activities and the Detroit Tigers.
I joined OAYA because I am passionate about supporting and empowering young people in our community. Through this role, I strive to contribute to initiatives that provide essential resources and guidance to help youth thrive.
Julie Monroe--I am a retired LOCS Special Education teacher and school counselor. Having had the privilege and joy of serving this wonderful district for 35 years, I felt the need to stay connected. OAYA was an incredible support and resource for my students and myself throughout my career. In May of 2018, I presented one of OAYA’s student scholarship awards at their Youth Recognition ceremony. The presentation of this camp scholarship was as exciting for me as it was for the deserving student. That evening, on the verge of retirement, I asked to be considered for membership on the board. I have been serving for over 6 years and today I am just as committed to OAYA’s mission of helping strengthen our youth and their families through community involvement.
Jesse Sampson—I grew up in Oxford, then moved to Lake Orion after college, and recently relocated to Ortonville, although I still spend a lot of time in Lake Orion. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2013 with a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration. After completing my studies, I worked in the event industry until I found my home at Orion Township Parks and Recreation. I am married and have a daughter named Olive, who was born in July. In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding with my horse, Murphy, as well as kayaking, hiking with my dogs, Milo and Mumford, and golfing with my husband, Bob. I've been a recreation programmer at Orion Parks for the past eight years. Recently, I began volunteering with Orion Area Youth Assistance, and I find it immensely rewarding to make a positive impact in our community through both Orion Parks and this organization, which helps me forge strong connections with others.
