OUR TEAM

Abby hails from Buffalo, NY but came to Springfield to attend Wittenberg University where she obtained degrees in Psychology and Sociology. While at Wittenberg, Abby interned with Promise where she fell in love with Springfield and the youth she served. After graduation, Abby felt called to continue her work with Promise and served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. In September 2024, Abby joined the Promise Team full-time as the Youth Empowerment Coordinator where she is delighted to continue her work as an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA).

Dr. Bob Welker began developing the concept for the Springfield Promise Neighborhood in 2010 and served as Director until 2019. He has worked with area schools and social service organizations for over 30 years and is the founder of The Institute, the graduate program in teacher improvement at Wittenberg University, as well as Youth as Resources, a grant giving organization run by area youth and adults to promote service learning in Springfield/Clark County. He previously served on the Board of Education for Graham Local Schools, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Jefferson Street Oasis Garden.

Kali is a graduate of Wittenberg University, where she first started volunteering for the Promise Neighborhood and took classes from founder, Dr. Bob Welker, while working on her music education degree. She served three terms as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, as an administrative assistant, and as Co-Director before Dr. Bob officially retired in 2019. Kali is originally from Elyria, Ohio. Thanks to her dad's love of nature, she also volunteers for People for Safe Water and enjoys spending time outdoors on her bike or in her kayak.

Coming Soon!

Jesica is a Springfield native with deep roots in our community. After moving to Columbus for a short time, Jesica returned to Springfield to direct the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Lincoln Elementary, in partnership with Promise. Since then, she has worked on Youth Development projects, expanding Promise's summer program and youth employment options. She is an active member of Restored Life Ministries, and she loves chasing after her twin boys!

Krisi is an MSW from Case Western Reserve University. She served with the Promise Neighborhood through three VISTA terms, and now is the Extended Learning Coordinator. She supports after-school and summer programs, including a yearlong mentorship and peer support program "Promise GEMS", which has expanded to multiple schools in Springfield.

Coming Soon!

Jon is from a multi-generation Springfield family and has worked in and around Springfield schools for most of his career: first working as an after-school program assistant at Fulton Elementary's 21st Century Community Learning Center, and as a paraprofessional in multiple buildings. Jon served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with Promise from 2021 to 2022, and now serves as the Healthy Families Coordinator. He has published a novel and is working on its sequel, and he loves spending time with his family.

Wayne came to Promise after taking a course at Wittenberg taught by Dr. Bob and Kali in 2019. He shifted careers away from landscaping and warehouses to educational studies, desiring to work with people with disabilities. After being a full-time caretaker for his father, Wayne completed his Educational Studies degree and came to the Promise team in the Fall of 2022. He supports the needs of our partner schools, including arranging volunteers, donations, and resources. In his free time you can catch him zooming by on his motorcycle!