Join us in welcoming Kristin Brace to the CYC as our new executive director. Kristin comes to us as an experienced writer, teacher, and nonprofit professional. We are excited to see where her creativity and passion for our community takes the CYC!
We would also like to take a moment to thank Lori Slager. As co-founder and executive director, Lori took her dream of creating a safe, silly place for children to find their voices and made it a reality. Her vision and excitement are the reasons the CYC exist–and for that, we are forever grateful.
Read more from Kristin and Lori below.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing stories and making art, and now I get to lead a band of adventurers in doing just that! With two weeks at the CYC under my belt, it already feels like home. I’m excited to draw on my experience teaching writing to kids, college students, and adults and to grow even deeper roots in the community after three years working with the Community Literacy Initiative. I focused on fiction while earning my MFA in Writing from Spalding University, but enjoy all kinds of writing and am a firm believer that everyone has a story to tell.
I’m so grateful to Ms. Lori and her fellow adventurers. They’ve set the stage for hard work and good fun, and have welcomed me aboard with open arms. Each morning I pack my bag with pen and paper, crayons and kazoo, and wonder what adventure is in store for me today. I may not ever meet the elusive Captain H. Tanny, but I hope the adventure includes getting to know you!

Ahoy, Adventurers! After making countless memories and leading many new expeditions over the last two years, the time has come for me to pass the executive director torch to a new and worthy explorer, Kristin Brace. Working with CYC students and witnessing their excitement and joy for learning has taught me more about strength and bravery than any other experience I’ve had thus far. I am forever grateful for every moment spent with our fearless crew, and I am certain that Ms. Kristin will continue to support them and lead them toward success. I am excited to say I will remain on the Board of Directors, and will also continue to volunteer at the CYC when possible. As I set sail for new and daring adventures, I bid you farewell, leaving you in only the most capable of hands. ONWARD!