Meet our Specialist of the Month winner for December, Rachel Spalvieri-Kruse, a Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) out-of-school specialist from Michigan Works! Southwest, Career Connect - Kalamazoo County. Rachel has been a JMG specialist for nearly two years and has been making a huge impact in the lives of the youth she serves. Rachel has a strong background in youth-focused roles. She gained experience at an alternative high school, helping students with online coursework, and with Communities in Schools of Kalamazoo, focusing on credit recovery. She currently works at KRESA in Kalamazoo, where she guides career pathway planning for youth ages 14 to 24. She values JMG’s holistic approach to engaging youth through unique experiences and skill-building opportunities beyond academics. We asked several questions so you can get to know Rachel better:
Why did you become a JMG Specialist?
I was drawn to how much the JMG program focuses on leadership skills for youth, and I was eager to get the youth I work with involved as quickly as possible. I knew it could benefit many of them and get them involved with unique experiences.
What inspires you about your job?
Seeing a youth achieve a goal that at one point they weren't sure if they were able to achieve. I love seeing their confidence grow and it reminds me why I do the work that I do.
Recall a favorite memory about being a specialist. (an event, a youth accomplishment, etc.)
One of my favorite memories was from Leadership Day last year. I brought two youth that I work with. One of the youth, Shionnia, was reluctant about the activities at first but by the end of the day she was on the zipline. I loved seeing her step out of her comfort zone and try something new.
What is one of the greatest challenges you face in your job?
I think one of the biggest challenges youth are facing today is the feeling of uncertainty about the future and next steps in life after high school and beyond. I think JMG helps to address this by focusing on different things like pathway planning, life skills, community building and leadership development. All of these things work to give youth new perspectives and often they are more excited about the future and their goals after getting involved.
What is one of the most prominent highlights/joys of your job?
I would have to say seeing youth overcome challenges or reaching their goals is a huge highlight. It is as simple as that.
Why do you think JMG is so important for youth?
JMG is important for today's youth because JMG provides leadership and growth opportunities to youth not only through a screen, but through events, conferences and field trips that give youth the opportunity to interact with each other in person and gain hands-on experience. JMG also creates a very welcoming and friendly environment at youth events. I think this culture of acceptance helps youth develop a stronger sense of self as they are able to be themselves.
Share your hobbies, do you have any pets, what do you like to do in your spare time, etc.
My hobbies include reading, running, golfing and I'm going to try to take up gardening this Spring. I have one cat named Cannoli.
A couple random facts to get to know you better.
I have run a half marathon. I collect matchboxes, new and old. I love olives.
Fun fact:
I dress up for Halloween every year.
Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to nominate them as our January Specialist of the month.
Nominate a specialist who deserves to be recognized, here.
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