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.

Peter Witham

DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION

Peter brings over 25 years of experience supporting educational organizations in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies. Peter’s foundational experience as a 4-7th grade teacher has instilled a passion for supporting education communities in the implementation and continuous improvement of programs and policies which equitably develop the competencies of all learners.

Peter is the most recent addition to the Future Forward team, but he is already quite a familiar face. He has worked for the last five years as a consultant for Future Forward and brings a wealth of education knowledge to the table.

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.

Shana Hutchison

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Shana is a seasoned administrative professional with over 20 years of experience. She received her Associate degree in Business. After receiving her Associate degree she began her administrative career, where she was offered the opportunity to work in human resources, payroll and light accounting capacities. It was then that she discovered she truly had a passion for business. She deepened this passion by returning to school and obtaining her Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She worked for several organizations, including the State of Louisiana, PepsiCo and Oxy Chemical.

In 2019, she began a freelancing career, ultimately leading her to a contract position with Future Forward that turned into a full-time position.

Kasia Ostrowski

ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Kasia started her journey with Future Forward as a Marketing Communications intern the summer of 2023 after graduating from the University of Denver with a BA in Communications and Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She joined the Future Forward team as a full-time employee in September, and now works as our Engagement Specialist – a dual role focused on both resource development and marketing communications strategies. As a newcomer in the nonprofit and education fields who is just starting her career, Kasia is excited for the opportunity to develop her skills, be a part of education innovation, and create connections with those who share her passion for equitable access to education.

A Wisconsin native, Kasia remained in Denver, Colorado post-graduation and still lives there with her dog.