STAFF

---

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 program. 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 overseeing research on international family planning programs.   

    Marjie and her husband, Roger Gerstle, have lived in Traverse City since 1994. They have three 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. 

Jen is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ferris State University and her Master of Social Worker from the University of Michigan.  She has over 15 years’ experience working with children, families, and individuals as an agent of support and guidance. Jen has a passion for working with children and family in many different capacities. 

    Jen believes change can happen in a secure and trusting relationship. She finds it important to reflect on family relationships and family cultures to begin a healing journey. This has led her to focus on child and family therapy. Jen is currently working on her Infant Mental Health Endorsement with the state of Michigan and her certification in Theraplay. Jen is rostered in the state of Michigan in Child Parent Psychotherapy. She specializes in supporting those in the prenatal, postpartum, and early parenting. Jen has experience in providing therapy for those who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal mood disorders, attachment struggles, and emotional regulation.

    Jen loves to enjoy the outdoors! Jen likes to go hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and going to the beach.  She recently began doing small art projects and has found a lot of delight in creating. Jen is an avid animal lover and will show off pictures of animals she cares for whenever asked.  

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). 

Kaili is a fifth generation native to Traverse City. She attended college at Michigan State and Grand Valley, graduating with a degree in business from GVSU’s Seidman College of Business. She spent a decade in Grand Rapids operating a family business with her husband. After having children they built a home and relocated back to Traverse City. Kaili has spent the last few years raising her children.

   Kaili recently worked as an Office Specialist for the 86th District Court. She comes to Generations Ahead with a passion for helping people and an understanding of the difficulties many of our young families face without the support of an involved family. Searching for some community involvement and ready to get back to work, Kaili joined Generation’s Ahead as their Operations and Marketing Coordinator. 

   Given Kaili's busy home life with two young children, she is always on the run. Together, they spend time doing arts and crafts, digging in the garden, and on a warm day they can be found playing on the water- kayaking, beaching, and building sand castles. She rescues and rehabilitates dogs and cats, and currently lives with their dog Huckleberry, and their cat Tornado, who help walk Kaili walk her children to school!

Lisa has many years of experience working with adolescents, and is sharing her expertise this summer as our Career Internship Coordinator.  

   During the school year, Lisa works for the STEP Program (Students in Transition Empowerment Program) at Traverse City High School. In this capacity, she  provides services to students and their families experiencing homelessness. She also works in the classroom, supporting students and teachers. At the same time, Lisa is concurrently working on her Endorsement in Special Education.    

    Lisa and her husband stay very busy with their three sons, watching them play sports and enjoying lots of time outside.