Dear Need in Deed Family:
I am honored to be stepping into the role of executive director of Need in Deed. Many of you know me as a familiar face, and for those of you whom I have not met, I look forward to getting to know you!
While this is a new role for me, my roots with this incredible organization run deep. I was first introduced to Need in Deed as a teenager while volunteering in my mom’s classroom. She was one of the first Need in Deed teachers at the John Story Jenks School and saw the value of the program in its early years.
I followed Need in Deed’s progress over the years, and after teaching in a variety of settings, I came to the organization fifteen years ago, working directly with our network of teacher partners. For the past ten years, I have served as program director, working with our talented program managers and classroom educators to shape and grow Need in Deed into the vibrant community that it is.
The classroom holds a special place in my heart. The connection between Need in Deed teachers and students is a critical nexus for change. It is the crossroad where teacher expertise meets student voice. Honoring the voices of students and the communities from which they are from moves us closer to the equitable future we all desire and deserve.
I hope you will continue your support of this amazing organization as we move into the future. I am in constant awe of the staff, teachers, students, and supporters of Need in Deed. Please join me as we continue our vision of connecting the classroom with the community.
Kyra Atterbury
PS: I hope to see many of you at our annual celebration of student learning, the Shout Out, on Tuesday, May 23, and Wednesday, May 24. Stay tuned for details!