Last September, we announced the launch of the Family Advisory, a trusted circle of family, civic, and community leaders who help shape our work from the inside out. Today, we are proud to introduce the members who have stepped into this role.
The Family Advisory serves as a sounding board and strategic thought partner on NPLI’s efforts around family leadership, democracy-building, and systems change. Members bring lived experience, professional insight, and community perspective to conversations that inform our internal strategy, organizational priorities, and long-term vision.
Representing communities across the country, this advisory reflects the depth and diversity of the broader parent leadership network.
The Inaugural Members
Alan Kerzin — California
Former NPLI Board Member and longtime advocate for children and families. Alan previously served as Executive Director of the Children’s Network of Solano County, where he focused on strengthening services for children through advocacy and collaboration. With a background in disability advocacy and parent leadership development, his work centers on elevating family voice in policy and community systems.
Alberto Verde — Massachusetts
Family leader and advocate committed to strengthening parent voice in community systems. Based in Massachusetts, Alberto brings lived experience shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to fatherhood. Through advocacy and community engagement, he works to build more inclusive and supportive spaces for families.
Alisha Jean-Denis — Georgia
Creative leader, scholar, and PLTI alumna committed to youth advocacy and arts-based healing. Alisha serves as Executive Director of Creative Healing for Youth in Pain (CHYP), working at the intersection of nonprofit leadership, social justice education, and community healing. She holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and believes deeply in the power of creativity to support young people navigating complex challenges.
Crystal Littlewolf — Minnesota
Ogiimaagiizhigookwe indizhinikaanigoo. Maa’iingan indoodem. Gaawaabaabiganikaag indoonjibaa. Gaa-niizhogamaag indaa. Indayaa niizhing ingozisag Waabinoo Bines miinawaa Gitigaan. Crystal is raising two sons in Naytahwaush on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. She has worked in Indian Education for more than 20 years and currently teaches sixth grade at her local school. A recent graduate of the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative, Crystal brings deep commitment to cultural preservation, language revitalization, and community-based leadership.
Jacob Schwartz — Missouri
PLTI Alumnus and active community leader based in Kansas City. After graduating from PLTI, Jacob brought his leadership to local education systems, serving on the school board and engaging in parent association work. He advocates for meaningful family participation in school governance and community decision-making.
Monique Tookes — Florida
PLTI Alumna, facilitator, and longtime education advocate based in Jacksonville. With more than 20 years of involvement in Duval County Public Schools, Monique has advanced parent engagement and educational advocacy through advisory councils, community leadership, and board service. She also mentors parent advocates and equips families with tools to engage confidently in education systems.
Nadine Lund — Idaho
Former NPLI Board Member and leadership development practitioner. Nadine is a certified facilitator and Master Trainer through the Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI), with extensive experience guiding boards, community groups, and organizations through strategic planning and consensus building. Her work centers on cultivating leadership capacity and strengthening collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Rachel Chaleski — Connecticut
Former Connecticut State Representative and longtime education leader. Rachel served five years on the Danbury Board of Education and is a 2016 PLTI graduate. She has continued her involvement as a Civic Design Team member and Phase II Facilitator. Her leadership focuses on advancing educational equity and access across Connecticut.
Sara Elisa Peña — Washington
CLTI Alumna and high school student based in Snohomish, Washington. Since graduating from CLTI in 2018, Sara has applied her leadership skills through school clubs, community engagement, and facilitating workshops at national conferences. She brings a youth perspective to the advisory and remains committed to strengthening her community through dialogue and action.
Silas Alvarez — New York
CLTI Alumnus and senior at Greece Odyssey Academy. Silas founded and serves as president of his school’s Black Student Union and has held leadership roles in student government and district advisory councils. As the district’s first student board member, he brings youth voice into school governance and continues mentoring future student leaders.
Grounded in Lived Experience
Advisory members meet virtually to reflect on emerging needs in their communities, offer recommendations to staff and board leadership, and contribute to initiatives aligned with their expertise and interests.
Their insights strengthen NPLI’s internal decision-making and deepen accountability to families and community leaders nationwide. By centering lived experience, the Family Advisory helps ensure that our work remains grounded, responsive, and forward-looking.
We are deeply grateful to each member for stepping into this role. Their leadership, perspective, and commitment will continue shaping the future of NPLI’s work.
