Jeffrey Lewis, Executive Director

Jeffrey Lewis conducts participatory research, evaluation and programming in schools and communities with a focus on inclusion, equity, and organizational change. Jeffrey brings a strengths-based approach to his work and seeks to support and build on the existing assets in schools—especially those found in students, teachers and families. Centering the experiences of students, he and his colleagues have developed Natural Circles of Support to help shift school climate and culture to foster support, positive school identities, and school engagement for African American and other marginalized students.

Jeffrey has a doctorate in Sociocultural Studies in Education from the University of California-Davis, an MS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oregon and a BA in Economics from Drury College. He is an avid cyclist and gardens for joy.

Abdul Thoronka, site coordinator & support

Abdul Thoronka works collaboratively with stakeholders in schools (Principals, committee members, site facilitators), district administrators, students and families to undertake situation analysis, design and deliver NCOS students’ programming to promote inclusion and equity. He engages his experience in the use of participatory methods and natural relationship building ability to draw out the indisputable strengths (within our students of color, families, teachers) and linking those strengths to improve on school climate and culture.

Abdul holds a Master of Science degree in International Primary Health Care from the University of London and a Diploma for Public Health Superintendent from the National School of Hygiene in Sierra Leone (West Africa).

Jaida Kroning, site coordinator & support

I just graduated from Clarke University with my bachelor's in social work and am currently obtaining my master's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in social work. I enjoy bringing light into people's lives and helping them become the best possible version they can be. Through helping people, I heavily depend on the strength perspective. We have to allow people to see the things they can do so that we can build successful people who can enter society and find their purpose in life. Working with Natural Circles will allow me to present our lessons and discussions with some creativity. Providing fun activities while children find themselves and develop their own identities. Working with Natural Circles will allow me to work with individuals, groups, and families all in one. I am excited to work with children of all ages and develop relationships to watch them grow throughout their time with circles. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. As well as staying active and baking when the time presents itself. I believe in living every moment, laughing every day, and spreading love into this world.

Shelton Evans, facilitator support & training

Shelton Evans is currently a Lead Facilitator for Natural Circles of Support with over two decades of facilitating affinity groups for minority populations in learning environments. Shelton specializes in affirming, validating, and empowering youth and adults in various learning environments. Shelton regularly creates culturally relevant curriculum to empower students towards a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence in their learning environments. Developing strong sustainable relationships is the foundation of everything he does. Culturally bridging perceptions is critical to Shelton, he dedicates his efforts solely to provide a purposeful opportunity to learn. Shelton enjoys alone time, laughing, listening to music, writing, a good run, and fulfilling his purpose.

Eunhee Kim, evaluator & program manager

Eunhee Kim’s professional interests explore the social and emotional development of racial and ethnic minority children and their families.  Her evaluation work brings focus to the individual, family and institutional processes that help explain intended and unintended outcomes. Employing an ecological systems lens, Eunhee combines qualitative and quantitative research design to help organize and make sense of complex data. Natural Circles of Support has provided her many opportunities to support the equity work of schools through evaluation, as well as to grow personally and professionally.

Eunhee has an MS and is ABD in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has a BS in Child and Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia.