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Marjie Rich, MPH - Executive Director
Marjie has worked in the field of women and children’s health her entire career. She received her Masters degree in Public Health from Columbia University, and her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan.
Marjie directed the former Doula Teen Parent Program for over three years. After a two year hiatus, she returned to direct the revamped and renamed Generations Ahead. Marjie recognizes and respects the challenging situations teen and young adults face, and loves helping them grow and develop into strong parents and fierce advocates for their children.
In the Grand Traverse area, Marjie has managed adolescent health clinics, directed a breastfeeding program, and conducted community health assessment work at the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Marjie has taught at Grand Valley State University, including courses on Health Care and Women’s Studies.
In addition to her direct work in public health, Marjie also served on the TCAPS school board for six years, including two as president. Her earlier professional work was in New York City, working in International Women’s Health.
Marjie and her husband, Roger Gerstle, have lived in Traverse City since 1994. They have three adult daughters and a well-loved dog. Marjie spends her downtime doing most anything outdoors: kayaking, biking to the farmer’s market, gardening, cross-country skiing, backpacking with her family, and traveling around the world.
Sarah Payette, MEd. - Program Director
Sarah grew up in Southern Michigan on a farm with acres of outdoor play. At an early age she learned the value of nature and hands-on exploration. Higher education was spent on the east coast studying Therapeutic Recreation and Experiential Education which placed her in overnight and day camp leadership positions. A return to Michigan sent her and her family to Traverse City where she soon found herself in education as an administrator at The Greenspire School. There, she worked not only with students and educators but also community members and parents to facilitate a unique, rich education.
One of Sarah’s values that brought her to Generations Ahead is her love of community. Her belief that everyone is in need at some point and that there is always someone available to help, encourages her to connect people to each other. Sarah’s experience raising 4 children and her love for coaching others makes her excited to support young parents navigate parenting.
When not working, Sarah can be found watching (or dancing to) live music, repotting plants, jogging on a trail or lounging with her cats and a good book. She also likes creating opportunities for people to meet each other and build friendships (aka parties).
Robin Lagerquist- Case Manager
Robin brings a wealth of experience working most recently as a contractor with the MI Department of Health and Human Services in their Foster Care and CPS Parenting Time Support programs, as well as providing Direct Family Assistance.
Robin is a long time resident of Traverse City and is in love with all of the beauty that this region has to offer. In her down time, she enjoys taking hikes with her husband and her dog Milla. She also loves to read, travel, and learn about other cultures. When she can't travel she enjoys living vicariously through travel blogs on Youtube.
She is excited to be able to continue her work helping families and children in our Community.
Lauren Brandstatter- Office & Communications Manager
Lauren has worked in a variety of industries and positions throughout her career including: training manager for a start-up software company, project manager for the innovation department of a Health Network, assistant college soccer coach, and elementary school teacher. Most recently, she she served as the Director of Community Engagement at the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (TBCAC).
Lauren moved to Traverse City in 2021 with her husband (Ben) and two children (Kolby, 5 and Beau, 2). In her free time (which rarely exists with 2 young kiddos), she enjoys taking on a home renovation project, thrifting, hiking, and listening to some good tunes with her family and friends.
Lauren manages the office, including overseeing our baby pantry. She also leads our communication efforts.
Mike Opper- Fatherhood Advocate
Mike Opper is proud to call Traverse City home. A graduate of Traverse City Central, Mike has always felt a strong connection to the community that raised him. With a diverse professional background spanning military service, law enforcement, and federal work, Mike brings a unique blend of experience and perspective to his current role.
A U.S. Army veteran, Mike has also served as a law enforcement officer and a federal employee, working alongside federal agencies on peacekeeping missions abroad. These experiences have given him the opportunity to help people navigate a wide range of situations—something he is passionate about continuing in this new chapter of his career.
Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University and a Master of Business Administration from Lawrence Technological University.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his son Keegan, who currently plays football at Cornell University. He also loves being outdoors—whether that’s paddleboarding, running along the Boardman Lake Trail, fishing, or spending time with his dog, Sydney. Mike has a deep passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is always up for an adventure on the water.
Emmy Schumacher- Development Coordinator
Emmy Schumacher is a Traverse City local with a passion for community work. She graduated from Oakland University with a journalism degree and kicked off her career as a sports reporter and anchor in Mid-Michigan where her love for community blossomed. After moving to Traverse City with her husband, she made a switch to public health, working as the Public Information Officer for the Grand Traverse County Health Department. In 2023, looking for a change, she decided to dive into nonprofit development and fundraising.
In July 2024, Emmy joined Generations Ahead, where she’s thrilled to work with the amazing community to support young parents in the area. When she’s not working, Emmy loves spending time with her family, hunting for Petoskey stones, listening to true crime podcasts, exploring the UP, and taking full advantage of all the great things Northern Michigan has to offer.