Meet the Team

HI!
I'm Alison Lauderdale, Program Director at NEXT Success. I love supporting people, leveraging partnerships and leading teams to strengthen communities. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Western Washington University and 10+ years experience directing youth development and social service programs with other non-profit organizations.

When I'm not at work, you'll find me exploring the outdoors on my paddle board, traveling the world, volunteering in my community, growing my own food, and finishing jigsaw puzzles on my kitchen table. Oh, and I love board games and escape rooms too!

My Favorite Quote: ``Teamwork is the secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results.`` Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha, author of Overcoming the Challenges of Life

alison.l@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7759

Hi there! I'm Christy, the Office Manager/Program Support Lead at Next. I am thrilled to be a member of this fantastic team of individuals who are dedicated to providing young adults with the chance to shape and create a future they can take pride in.

I hold a BA in Technical Journalism and Business Administration from Oregon State University, along with an associate’s degree in paralegal law. Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience across diverse fields, including education, brand marketing, social media, report writing, environmental sciences, and nonprofit social services. Currently, I serve as Vice President on the board of directors for PAX Learning Center here in Vancouver.

I have resided in Vancouver for the last seven years and am a proud mom of four kids (two married). I enjoy the mountains, fall weather, spending time at Disneyland, indulging in roller coasters, all things techy, and I am currently in the process of designing a steampunk-themed office at home that reflects the essence of my persona as an airship captain! Little secret – you never really grow up completely.

My Favorite Quote:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin

christy.w@nextsuccess.org
360-207-2628

Hello!
My name is Maddie Hennerty, and I am the business navigator here at Next. Half of my job is establishing connections and internship opportunities with local businesses and organizations, and the other half of my job is doing career readiness activities with young adults, from resume development to mock interviews.

My professional background is in student support services and nonprofit work. I currently serve as a youth mentor and also sit on the board for a behavioral health nonprofit in Longview. I am a first-generation college student with a BA in Sociology from Washington State University and minors in History and Criminology. I also hold an AA degree from Clark College. I worked at both of these institutions, which is what sparked my passion for working with youth.

I always stay busy in my free time. I enjoy making art, baking and cooking, lifting weights, hanging with my bulldog and loved ones, and watching movies and anime. I also love sushi and trying new restaurants.

My favorite quote: ``Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage.`` - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

maddie.h@nextsuccess.org
(360) 890-7419

Hello, my name is Kari Walker. I am the Outreach Specialist for Clark and Cowlitz/Wahkiakum counties for the NEXT Success program.

I am excited to bring my unique skills and networking experience to service for NEXT participants, employers, and community service organizations. My prior work experience includes management of similar grant funded youth and adult career exploration and retraining programs in Wyoming, as well as work in K-12 education, and volunteer roles serving youth in the community.

In my free time I can be found paddleboarding, hiking, and pal-ing around with my black lab.

A Quote I Love:

“I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual. A flame that's worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it. When we learn to foster what's unique in the people around us, we become better able to build compassionate communities and make meaningful change.”

― Michelle Obama, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

kari.w@nextsuccess.org
(360) 890-7768

He/Him

Hi, my name is Jered and I am a Career Coach at NEXT. I am thrilled to be part of this amazing team.

Prior to my time here I worked as a Technology Navigator assisting and educating individuals in all aspects of computers with the goal of boosting their skills and using those skills to secure good jobs.

I live to serve my community and will continue to find new ways to do so. In my free time I love spending time and traveling to fun outdoor destinations with my wife and daughter. I’m also obsessed with superhero movies and hip hop.

My Favorite Quote:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” - The Great Dr. Suess

jered.k@nextsuccess.org
360-820-5683

Coming Soon!

They/She

Hello, I'm Megan! I went to Eastern Washington University and received my degree in social work. I have a passion for helping others! Whether it's helping you set goals or just being there as a cheerleader, I'm your person! I'm excited to collaborate and help inspire youth through Next Success. I love that Next has so many opportunities and encourages growth. I look forward to meeting so many diverse people and helping along the way!

Outside of work I love makeup, coffee, friends, and my cat, Olive! I also enjoy exploring the PNW and finding new places to eat at! I can usually be found trying something new to try to spark my creativity.

My favorite quote:
``I knew you were light as soon as you graced my presence. And my flowers began blooming one by one as if they'd seen the sun.`` -leo

megan.s@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7765

She/Her

Aloha! My name is Lisa, and I'm a Career Coach here at Next. I was born and raised in Hawai'i, where I grew up in a large, close-knit family. Eight years ago, I made the move to Washington.

My professional background is in customer service, where I've held various leadership roles, including trainer and mentor for both new hires and existing employees. I've also spent several years involved in community service, particularly with youth programs that serve diverse communities. I'm passionate about working with my community and helping people reach their full potential, and I'm excited to do just that with all the resources our Next Success program has to offer.

When I'm not working, I cherish time spent with my 'ohana—my wonderful husband and our four amazing children. Whether we’re attending a sporting event, enjoying a barbecue, playing cards or board games, or just hanging out and listening to music, we love making the most of our time together. And whenever we can, we head back home to Hawai'i to relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

One of my favorite quotes:

``Life is like a Camera...
Focus on what's Important.
Capture the Good Times.
Develop from the Negatives.
And if Things Don't Work Out
Take Another Shot.``

lisa.r@nextsuccess.org
360-890-7766

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and retail industries, my journey began at the age of 16 and has been defined by passion for service, continuous learning, and adapting to new challenges. My career path has led me into management and leadership roles, where I could make a real impact while fostering personal growth. Along the way, I expanded my skills through training in Administrative Medical Assisting (MA1) and Massage Therapy/Spa (LMT), working briefly in these respective careers. However, my heart has always gravitated back to hospitality and leadership.
In pursuit of a new challenge, I followed my personal joy of woodworking and construction, becoming a Carpenter Apprentice enrolled at the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute. During this time, my son was born, and I embraced the role of stay-at-home mom but continued to satisfy my interest in carpentry as a hobby.
As I reentered the workforce, I started part-time as an Executive Assistant, eventually transitioning into a full-time position. This led me to work with DCYF and a variety of non-profit organizations across several counties in the Pacific Northwest ignited my passion for serving diverse, underserved populations.
Throughout all of this, my passion for hospitality, leadership, and supporting these communities has only grown stronger. I’m excited to continue this meaningful journey and contribute to the next chapter with a heart full of purpose and dedication.

My favorite quote is:
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.”~ Coretta Scott King

kelly.c@nextsuccess.org