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Family is at the center of everything we do
Our Mission
COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports families, and builds strong and resilient communities — one child, one family, one community at a time.
COA’s programs are designed to meet the needs of Amani and Riverwest families through the advancement of our three core areas of focus: early education, youth development, and community engagement.
our vision
To provide child-centered, family-focused, community-connected opportunities that expand possibilities, change lives, and build futures.
CHildren
Early Childhood Education
COA’s Early Education Center gives Milwaukee’s youngest learners a strong start. Licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, COA provides high-quality early childhood education for learners aged 6 weeks to 5 years. For those who qualify, we also provide Early Head Start and Head Start programming in partnership with Next Door. Through this collaboration, COA’s teachers and administrators have access to continuing education, classroom support, and a network of resources that uphold Creative Curriculum’s Gold Teaching Standards—ensuring every child receives the best possible foundation for lifelong learning.
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Teens
Teen Impact Program
COA’s Teen Impact Program (TIP), located at COA's Goldin Center on Burleigh, helps teens build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to succeed in school and beyond.
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Community
Outreach & Events
We engage our community in meaningful ways through outreach that responds to the voiced needs of residents in the neighborhoods we serve-- Riverwest & Amani-- creating lasting connections between families and children. Together, we work towards building a brighter future for all.
Youth
Youth Development Program
COA’s Youth Development Program empowers children to reach their full potential - academically, socially, and emotionally. Our program provides a safe and enriching space where youth ages 5 to 12 can receive homework help, enjoy a healthy dinner, explore through field trips, and engage in active outdoor play. We accept both Wisconsin Shares and private pay.
Families
Family Support
We provide essential family support services that include the Samson Family Resource Center drop-in programs for parents and children ages birth-7 as well as programing at COA Goldin Center that includes a food pantry and healthcare support alongside community events for families with children of all ages. These initiatives are designed to strengthen family units and enhance overall well-being.
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At COA Youth & Family Centers, our team is a diverse group of passionate professionals committed to making a difference. Each member brings unique skills and experiences to foster positive change.
Our senior leadership team
Dr. Amy J. Rowell
Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Gappa
Camp Helen Brachman Director
Christine Flores
Chief Operating Officer
Shameka Phillips
Human Resources Director
Lisa Wojczak
Chief Programs Officer
Jenissee Volpintesta
Goldin Center Director
our program leadership team
Dorothy Bass
Riverwest EEC
Senior Manager
Demetria Batton
Food & Nutrition
Services Manager
Laurie Busch
Executive Assistant
Elena Burke
HIPPY Program Coordinator
Alyssa Cabreza
Donor Relations & Community Engagement Coordinator
Nick Howard
Grants Manager
Takayla Canady
Amani Neighborhood Referral Specialist
LaResha Love
Teen Impact Program Manager
Maria Robbins
COA Goldin Center Food Pantry Coordinator
Leti Martinez
Samson Family Resource
Center Manager
Jenna Smith
Youth Development
Program Manager
David White
Facilities Manager
Diablo Williams
IT Manager
Debbie Wright
Riverwest Enrollment & Billing Specialist
(As of 9/1/2026)
our dedicated staff
Our Dedicated Board
Dina Abercrombie
President, Northwestern Mutual
Jason Eggert
1st Vice President & Treasurer, Old National Bank
Amanda Boynes
Immediate Past President, U.S. Bank
Nancy Farino
2nd Vice President, Community Volunteer
David Feiss
Secretary, Milwaukee County Circuit Court (Retired)
Maggie Atkinson
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Robert Barnard
Black Maple Capital
Timothy F. Busalacchi
Morgan Stanley
Michael Gilbert
Gap Inc.
Andrew Komisar
Community Volunteer
Jack Jacobson
Newmark
Kellen Kasper
SC Johnson
Mindy Kramer
Alverno College
Vanessa Morgan
Community Volunteer
Diana Pathammavong
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago
Chanell Royston Župac
Mahler Sotheby's International Realty
Iesha Sanders
Community Volunteer
Jeff Schaefer
Associated Bank
Sean Scullen
Quarles & Brady LLP
Angela Stenklyft
Baird
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