STAFF
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Yarrow Brown - Executive Director
Yarrow Brown joined Generations Ahead in February 2026 and has over 20 years’ experience working for a non-profit. For over five years, Yarrow served as the Executive Director of a regional nonprofit known as Housing North.
She brings a diverse background of nonprofit leadership, project management, strategic planning, fundraising, and grant writing. Her background includes working with diverse groups of people from individuals to government employees, nonprofit partners, township officials and many more.
Yarrow is excited to join the Generations Ahead team and support the important mission and vision of the organization. She sits on the Board of the Fair Housing Center for West Michigan and is working on her certificate in Fundraising Management. Yarrow attended Antioch College and Antioch New England University.
When not working, she enjoys knitting, cooking, biking, travelling and swimming. Yarrow recently moved to Traverse City from Leelanau County and lives with her 10 year old daughter.
Sara Culbertson - Lead Case Manager
Sara Culbertson is a dedicated professional and community member. She is passionate about helping young families build strong stable futures. New to her role at Generations Ahead Sara brings a wealth of experience and deep commitment to community support. Prior to joining Generations Ahead, Sara spent nearly two decades working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from 2008-2026. During that time, she contributed across multiple programs, gaining extensive experience in public service, family support systems and community-based care.
Sara grew up in Northern Michigan and attended Northern Michigan University, where she developed a strong connection to the outdoors and an appreciation for active living. Outside of her professional work, Sara enjoys downhill skiing, boating, traveling, swimming, and going to the beach with her dogs.
Sara is known for her compassionate approach, strong work ethic and dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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- Director of Strategic Operations and Communications
Lauren has built a diverse career across multiple industries, holding roles such as training manager for a start-up software company, project manager within the innovation department of a health network, assistant college soccer coach, and elementary school teacher.
Most recently, 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 their three children. In the rare moments of free time that come with raising three young kids, she enjoys tackling home renovation projects, thrifting, hiking, and listening to good music with family and friends.
Lauren manages operations, oversees the baby pantry, and leads 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 Director
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.