Kate Bauer-Jones

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kate Bauer-Jones is an experienced educator and strategic leader with a demonstrated history in the nonprofit sector. She knows firsthand that building a solid foundation for a young person’s future success by supporting their families is the keystone to a strong, healthy community.

Kate has spent her career in service to young people and the community that surrounds them, and is passionate about the collective success of each of us. From her work in early intervention serving toddlers newly diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, to her success securing funding to expand childcare scholarships for working families, Kate understands the importance not only of direct, intense intervention for the most vulnerable young people in a community but also the need for effective, efficient systems that work for all families in need. ‍

Kate received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Astronomy from the University of Virginia before starting her career as a New York City Teaching Fellow in the South Bronx. She holds a Masters’ degree in Education, Management, and Innovation earned while teaching special needs middle school students. After seven years as a classroom teacher, Kate moved to full-time nonprofit work, including with the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Pinellas Early Learning Coalition, and served as President and CEO of the United Way of the Florida Keys.

Nick Masada

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Nick Masada is the Deputy Director of Future Forward. Nick manages relationships between the national team and site-based staff, school leaders, and district partners while helping guide the organization in its strategic long-term planning for growth and sustainability. Nick has worked in many educational capacities: Following the completion of a Fulbright teaching grant in Turkey, he spent time with DC Public Schools, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, and the International Rescue Committee where he collaborated with education entrepreneurs in Amman, Jordan. Nick is a graduate of Hastings College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education where he focused on political change and impact evaluation of education interventions in historically underserved communities. Nick resides in Denver, Colorado where he enjoys finding new hikes, coaching youth soccer, and any activity that allows him to enjoy the sunshine (preferably with a coffee in hand).

Tia Hatchett

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Tia Hatchett has a diverse background that includes experience in leadership, community and family engagement, project coordination, conflict management and resolution, and strong organizational abilities. A dedicated, dependable professional, Tia has spent more than a decade working in educational, community, and social service settings,demonstrating proven ability to provide excellent service with enthusiasm and high drive.

Tia’s roots are in education and child development. She began as a mentor and tutor at Master Service Empowerment Ministries, where she worked with at risk teens, tutoring and conducting home visits to ensure their success at school. She then joined the Next Door Foundation, where she began as an assistant teacher and quickly moved into the Program Coordinator role for Leaders of Tomorrow. It was in this position that she deepened her work with youth, directly acting as an advocate and tutor while providing oversight of the overall program.

In 2009, Tia joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, where she began work in the early literacy program that laid the foundation for her current work with Future Forward. Along with engaging the community and staff, Tia was also responsible for monitoring program objectives and outcomes. Tia joined the Education Analytics team in 2018 to continue leading family engagement for Future Forward as the program grows across the country

Tia currently holds an Associate’s Degree in Child Development and is studying to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. When not working, Tia enjoys decorating,event planning, rummaging, relaxing at the spa, spending time with family and friends, and planning for the next adventure with her sons Jaden and Jacob.

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Kris Bischoff

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION

Kris Bischoff began her career as an elementary school teacher at a private school in Hartland,Wisconsin teaching first and second grades. Soon she began working in adult education, as well, serving as a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. While at UWM, Kris focused on helping new teachers understand the science and practice of instruction in reading comprehension, while also helping students prepare for the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test.

Later in her career, Kris joined the team at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, drawing on her background in reading comprehension to become the Senior Program Manager of the clubs’ early literacy program that would lay the foundation for Future Forward. Here, Kris oversaw the growth of the program by conducting performance reports and monthly observations and reviews for eleven Club locations throughout the city, ensuring success with a focus on data driven analysis. Kris served briefly as a Director with BGCGM before moving on to help launch Future Forward with Education Analytics in 2018.

Kris is an accomplished speaker and presenter and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She also obtained a Post Baccalaureate Teaching Certification in Elementary Education and Social Studies Education from Cardinal Stritch University-Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kris and her husband have been married for 28 years and have 2 adult children. Their daughter works as an athletic trainer and their son is a pilot. In her free time, Kris enjoys reading, being outdoors and playing soccer.

Andreana Watkins

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

As a Family Engagement Manager for nearly a decade, Watkins helped countless children with literacy and beyond, supported and promoted the needs of families, managed staff, and maintained productive relationships within the Milwaukee Public Schools System. As Milwaukee Regional Coordinator, she will oversee one of Future Forward’s largest community implementation sites in the country.

Watkins graduated from Concordia University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Michele Gile

INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST

Michele Gile is a passionate educator with a track record of dedication and service to her community. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in Beloit, Wisconsin, serving hundreds of diverse students in grades 3-5 over the course of 13 years. Michele joined Future Forward as Instructional Specialist in 2022, bringing with her the knowledge and expertise gained in the classroom of how to improve student outcomes through quality instruction. She works alongside the Director of Instruction to assist in the development, training, and implementation of curriculum in the Future Forward program. Along with her years of service as a veteran teacher, Michele brings to the organization a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Cardinal Stritch University – Milwaukee, Wisconsin.