ABOUT GROWING TOGETHER

Neighborhoods matter.
Research proves it.

Growing Together is known as a community quarterback. That means we guide and support community members, organizations and funders to create vibrant communities for children. To be a successful neighborhood, children must have the right conditions to live, learn and thrive. We work to change the fundamental conditions of a neighborhood to benefit kids, making it a more attractive, mixed income neighborhood for families and businesses.

But we don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Our job is to be the connection between businesses, non-profit organizations and other programs. Together, we can all improve our neighborhoods.

Learn more about the science and research of developing neighborhoods here. 

Planning for the future

2023-2026 Strategic Plan

This 3-year Strategic Plan represents Growing Together’s vision for a thriving, equitable and inclusively-grown neighborhood, centered in a set of results that describes the future state of what we are trying to achieve alongside our community. 

Read the full Strategic Plan here.

OUR MISSION

Eliminate inequalities that stand in the way for families in vulnerable neighborhoods to succeed. 

OUR METHOD

Working alongside community members in Tulsa to create the conditions that we all want for our own kids: great schools; quality, affordable housing; safe and amenity-rich public spaces, and are invested in the economic development and vibrancy of the community.

2011

  • The “Growing Together” collaborative was formed and the name created by neighborhood residents
  • Replaced Archer Park playground equipment and renovated pavilion
2011

2012

  • Remodeled Admiral Park: added new playground and converted tennis court to multi-use court and added pavilion
2012

2013

  • Launched partnerships with City Year, Reading Partners, Communities in Schools, CS, TDS
  • First phase of Capital Homes completed (10 homes)
  • West Park, Tulsa’s first mixed-income apartment community, completed 128 units
  • Kendall-Whittier park remodel completed
2013

2014

  • Growing Together became its own, independent entity solely focused on comprehensive neighborhood revitalization
2014

2015

  • Created a longitudinal data system to track student progress both in school and connected to Extended Learning Time activities
2015

2016

  • Recruited focused partnership of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
2016

2017

  • Assisted obtaining a $7m commitment from Zarrow foundation for affordable housing to expand the capacity of Tulsa Habitat for Humanity
2017

2018

  • Launched Coffee with Parents
2018

2020

  • Partnered with the Tulsa Immigrant Relief Fund (TIRF) to support families that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19.
  • Partnered with Elote to create Food for Families to provide weekly meal kits to families in need during COVID-19.
  • Launched the Mi Gente Loan Fund. This fund is is for Latinx small business owners and independent contractors who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Mi Gente offers funds up to $15,000 with 0% interest and no collateral required.
2020

2021

  • Celebrated our 10th Anniversary
  • Continued COVID-19 support through the TIRF, Mi Gente Loan Fund, the RESET Grant and Food for Families
  • Launched the Community Leadership Institute
2021
LEADERSHIP

Dedicated to fostering
thriving communities.

Kaitlin Williams Garrett

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kaitlin joined Growing Together after working at Zarrow International School for six years. During her time at Zarrow, she gained prospective to what students, schools and families deserve and what can happen in school and communities when it is a place where children can thrive. Kaitlin’s skills lie in organization, planning, coordination and project management. Now, she uses her skills to help children get access to the educational and life experiences they deserve.

Kirk Wester-Rivera

FOUNDER

Before founding Growing Together, Kirk Wester-Rivera studied social work and psychology
and became a Clinical Director at Human Skills & Resources. He is a licensed
psychotherapist and addictions counselor. During his previous career, Kirk learned to
understand the obstacles that individuals face and how to help them navigate toward
good health. As Founder of Growing Together, Kirk was ready for the challenge of
drawing experiences of living in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood for several years. He
loves that Growing Together is centered around people and is an avenue for a drive to
change communities.

Eva Peña

Managing Director of Kendall-Whittier Neighborhood Trust 

Eva holds several master’s degrees ranging from energy and fuel engineering to environmental engineering. Originally from Spain, Eva has worked in several countries, including a career as an e-reporter where she had the opportunity to travel and write. She has also helped design toothpaste tubes and has worked as a consultant for Accenture in Madrid. Now Growing Together utilizes her strengths in flexibility, organization and project management skills to help move the needle. This is her first job working in the non-profit sector and loves being an ambassador for the organization.

Onelia Macchia Anzola

Executive Director Avanzando Juntos

Onelia comes to Growing Together with a deep passion for families and children living in Kendall-Whittier. Before working for our team, Oneila worked as a Director of Family Service at Tulsa Educare. She also served as a Communities In Schools of Mid-America Lead Site Coordinator at Kendall Whittier and Sequoyah Elementary school. Each day Onelia works at being a trusted advocate among families in our Latinx and Hispanic community. She has a desire to create a lasting change at a deeper scale and sees her role at Growing Together playing a huge role in creating this change.  

cfqAnahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. ewf

Jessica Noonan, Ph.D

Senior Director of Impact and Family Experience

Before joining the Growing Together team, Jessica was a teacher at Kendall-Whittier Elementary school for eight years. During that time, she was awarded teacher of the year and became a National Board-Certified reading specialist. Since her time at Kendall-Whiter Elementary, Jessica has worked as an instructional coach with Tulsa Public Schools and a graduate research and teaching assistant at Oklahoma State University. With her experience at the school site level, district level, and in higher education, she has an in-depth understanding of how these various systems interact within the local context. With this understanding, Jessica plans to make a difference in the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood by helping to break down barriers between schools and the families they serve.

Lenora Enlow

Director of Finance and Administration

Lenora holds her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Prior to joining Growing Together, she gained experience in her previous roles as an investment operations analyst, project coordinator, and grant staff manager. These positions taught her the value of relationships inside and outside the workplace. Lenora believes meaning is found in giving and serving others, and she is honored to be a part of Growing Together’s commitment to Kendall-Whittier.

Alfredo Marcelo

Community Mobilization and Leadership Manager

Alfredo joins Growing Together with extensive experience serving Tulsa’s Latino community. He moved from Mexico to Tulsa in 2008 to join the University of Tulsa’s ESL program and has since worked in multiple organizations and positions, including starting his own interpretation and translation services company and becoming a registered court interpreter through the Oklahoma Court System. Through his prior roles, he gained knowledge about the needs and challenges faced by the Latino community. Alfredo is excited to serve his community and looks forward to developing stronger relationships within the neighborhoods Growing Together serves.

cfqAnahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. ewf

Mary Grace Marshall

Administration Coordinator

Mary Grace is passionate about impacting the lives of families and children. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Life and a Master of Arts in Child and Family Studies. With her previous experience serving the community at Tulsa Educare, Mary Grace looks forward to utilizing her organizational and interpersonal skills to help make Kendall-Whittier a thriving neighborhood.
 

cfqAnahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. ewf

Jessica Contreras

Small Business Specialist - Avanzando JUntos

Jessica joins Avanzando Juntos with extensive experience in supporting individuals and businesses. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Entrepreneurship with a minor in Business Administration from Oral Roberts University and is passionate about empowering Latino business owners and educating the community to help them succeed in their ventures. Jessica is excited to bring her interpersonal and operational skills to the organization and make a positive impact in the growing ecosystem of Latino small businesses in Tulsa.
 

cfqAnahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. Anahi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology from the University of Tulsa. Being connected to the KendallWhittier neighborhood, she is ready to utilize her efficiency and listening skills to help solve problems and overcome obstacles to support students and families at Sequoyah Elementary School. Anahi feels she has a passiontofurther people’s future and help those that need it the most, and that’s why she is so excitedto behelping studentsthrough the CIS program at Growing Together. She aspires for to help her students reach their goals and impact the next generation. ewf

Perla Rodriguez

Junior Small Business Specialist - Avanzando JUntos

Perla brings her extensive business expertise to Avanzando Juntos. She graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas with a Bachelor in Finance and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business at the University of Phoenix. With over ten years of financial experience from her previous roles in banking and credit, she uses her knowledge to support her clients in making the best financial decisions. Perla believes making a difference in people’s lives begins with small steps toward serving them and is thrilled to be a part of the Avanzando Juntos team. their goals and impact the next generation. ewf

Bree Decker

CIS PROGRAM Director

Bree works as the CIS Program Director, overseeing the CIS Program and ensuring site coordinators have what they need to help students succeed. Bree previously worked as the site coordinator at Eugene Field Elementary School, where she helped equip students with resources they needed to feel empowered to achieve their goals. With an interest in helping others, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Lit with an emphasis in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Advocating for her students and creating a positive impact are two things she feels passionate about.

Alex Rosales

CIS Site Coordinator - Dolores Huerta Elementary

Prior to joining Growing Together, Alex worked for a mental and behavioral health non-profit organization where he helped youth with their behavior management skills. With a passion for helping others, he obtained an Associate’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Oklahoma State College and is currently in the process of finishing his Bachelor’s degree. Growing Together’s mission of aiding students in an effort for them to be successful in school brought Alex to our organization. He is excited to collaborate with Sequoyah Elementary School and the community to help improve the wellbeing of his students.

Destinee Cherry

Community School Site Manager - sequoyah elementary

Before working for Growing Together, Destinee worked in a variety of education fields, first as a high school science teacher and middle school girls’ basketball and volleyball coach, then as a site coordinator at a local community-based educational partner for their elementary after-school program and more recently worked at as elementary school as a guidance counselor. Destinee is currently working on her EdD in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Teaching. She is eager to serve students and families through a community perspective and to be able to address the needs of some of the most vulnerable students in her school.

Alexandra Muñoz

CIS Site Coordinator – Sequoyah Elementary School

As a former Tulsa Public Schools teacher, Alexandra believes in being a resource for student success. She studied at Northeastern State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and minors in Applied Linguistics and Creative Writing. She later graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts in Teaching in TESOL. Alexandra grew up visiting Tulsa and fell in love with Kendall-Whittier. She is excited to use the skills she developed in the classroom to continue supporting students in our community.

Clarinda Earl

CIS Site Coordinator - Webster Middle School

Clarinda holds her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Langston University and master’s degree in management from Southern Nazarene University. After growing up in Tulsa, Clarinda is passionate about making a difference in her community by being visible and present for her neighbors. Before joining our team, she worked as a special education teacher, where she developed her strengths in adaptability, empathy, communication and time management. Her time working in schools has prepared her to help the students and families at Webster Middle School, and she is excited to help them grow and succeed.

Monique Darden

CIS SITE COORDINATOR - Webster High School

After graduating with a master’s degree in professional counseling from Oral Roberts University, Monique first began working with kids as a behavioral interventionist for children with autism.  In this role, she learned how to hold space for the children she was serving and developed her passion for helping kids. Monique looks forward to bringing her skills in empathy and encouragement to her new role as a site coordinator at Webster High School, where she will work to plant the seeds of positivity and motivation to help the students succeed in school.

Alicia Keathley

Community School Site Manager - Kendall-Whittier Elementary

After graduating high school, Alicia began her career dedicated to supporting children and families. She previously served as Program Manager for the Life Launch program at Stand in the Gap ministries, where she provided mentorship for at-risk youth. As a resident of Kendall-Whittier, Alicia is passionate about the impact Growing Together is making on children and families in the community. She is eager to use her relational skills to help the students and neighborhood residents reach their full potential.

Norma Gonzalez Lopez

CIS SITE COORDINATOR - KENDALL-WHITTIER Elementary

For the last four years, Norma was an AmeriCorps member and served as a parent educator as well as a Literacy Lead with Reading Partners. During these positions, she realized that several Tulsa families in need do not know how to get help or support. This is what brought Norma to Communities in Schools. With a heart full of respect, empathy and compassion, Norma can work to connect students with resources to help improve their lives and stay motivated. She studied business administration in Chihuahua, Mexico, prior to joining AmeriCorps.

Omar Sánchez

CIS Site Coordinator – Cooper Elementary School

Omar has served with Tulsa Public Schools since the beginning of his career. He holds his Associate’s of Arts in Elementary Education from Tulsa Community College and is working towards a Bachelor’s of Elementary Education at Northeastern State University. His experience in various leadership roles in the community and serving TPS students helped Omar realize his passion for helping students and families find successful futures. His work with Growing Together is important to him because he sees his upbringing resembled in many of the students he works with. Omar is honored to advocate for Tulsa’s vulnerable communities and help others reach their full potential. 

Susan Mulvaney

Community School Site Manager - Will rogers Middle & high school

Previously working as a DHS social worker and then as a pre-school teacher, Susan has always had a passion for helping children. Now, she is a site coordinator at Rogers College High School. Susan believes that every child deserves to be accepted and given encouragement to achieve success. Each day she works to provide students with resources to help their families while reminding students to focus on graduation, providing encouraging along the way. Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology of Organization and Administration with a business minor from the Oklahoma State University.

Harriet Williams

CIS SITE COORDINATOR - Will rogers Junior high school

Harriet has always had a passion for serving others, leading her to pursue a degree in Social Work from Northeastern State University. Prior to joining the Growing Together team, she worked for the State of Oklahoma in the Adult Protective Services department. In that role, she learned how to work with a variety of people with different backgrounds, which allows her to really understand the needs of others. Harriet is proud to work for Growing Together because she knows our organization promotes the growth and learning of all students. She is excited to continue engaging with her community at Will Rogers Junior High School, where she hopes to lead by example for her students. 

Jasmine Alexander

CIS Site Coordinator – Will Rogers High School

Jasmine joins Growing Together with prior experience supporting children in a school setting. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language Education with a focus on Spanish. Over her five years teaching Spanish in middle school and high school, Jasmine became aware of some of the greater needs in our schools, and she is eager to tend to those needs through her work with the CIS Program. She believes in the power of learning and is eager to contribute to the positive growth and development of students.

Anna Chincon

CIS Site Coordinator – Eugene Field Elementary