We believe that while nurturing kids’ writing can give them access to the world, fostering their creativity may allow them to change the world.
Our mission is to prepare kids for life’s adventures by supporting their writing and amplifying their voices.
At the CYC, kids become published authors, leading to a strong sense of identity and an enthusiasm for learning. Our programs are offered, at no cost to families, to students aged 6-18 attending Grand Rapids Public Schools or living in Grand Rapids.
Staff
Kait Polzin
Expert Necklace Untangler
M.A. in French Literature
Non-Profit Administrator
Community Outreach Afficionado
Foreign Language Teaching Experience (for ages 2-72)
Moonlights as a Stage Performer
Brianne Carpenter
Unicorn Catcher
MFA in Writing
Published Author
Lit Magazine Publishing Experience
ESL Educator
Master Canner and Preserver
Mike Sikkema
Board of Directors
Sarah Jean Anderson
Artist, Writer, & Performer
Host and Art Judge, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Grand Rapids
Counselor and Band Coach, Girls Rock Grand Rapids (GR!GR)
West Michigan Pride ACE Award Recipient for Coalition
Tony Campbell
Associate General Secretary for the Reformed Church in America
Published Author
Member of several community boards
Indiana Track & Field Hall of Fame and Recovering Ex Athlete
Lydia Clowney
CPA, BDO USA, LLP
B.B.A., GVSU
Member, Early Career Council, BDO USA, LLP
Common Plant Enthusiast
Steven DePolo
Director of Foundation Giving, GVSU
Writer, Revue Magazine
Parent of GRPS Students
Vice President, Grant Writers Roundtable
Spinner of Yarns
Jordoun Eatman
Project Lead Neighborhood Connector at City of Grand Rapids
Housing Analyst for City of Grand Rapids
President Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eta Nu Lambda Chapter of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Aspiring (Friendly) Pirate
Cecile Fehsenfeld
President/Co-owner, Schuler Books & Music
Board Member, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
First Steps Commission
Advisory Board, ACLU, West Michigan
Marathon Runner & Reader
Regis Fox
English Professor, GVSU
Published Author
Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Lover of Sweets and Fitness!
Eternal Mama’s Girl
Kailie Pillard
Community Initiatives Administrative Assistant, Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation
Recent Aquinas College Graduate
CYC Creative Writing Volunteer
Passionately Involved in Community Outreach & Leadership
Eternal Dreamer & Doer of Dreams
Chris Sain
Educator, Activist, Speaker
1st Vice President NAACP, Grand Rapids Chapter
Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work
Author
Social Entrepreneur
Co-Founder and CEO of Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports
Courtney Simmons
Inclusiveness & Diversity Talent Manager, Herman Miller
Product of GRPS
LGR Class of 2018
Longtime volunteer for youth-serving organizations
Mother of young daughters
Keeper of Many Journals & Speaker of Many Words
Chimere Williams
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI
Graduate of Davenport University
Mother of two beautiful daughters