Crystallee Crain, PhD.
Director of Non-profit Impact Consulting

Jessica Chipman
Office Manager

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Zoe Lyons
Capacity Builder

I am proud to be the newest member of the incredible team at Nonprofit Network. After 34 years dedicated to public service with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), I am inspired to continue my journey. Graduating from Michigan State University (Go Green!) marked the beginning of my commitment to serving others. My first role involved working with families and individuals on assistance programs like Medicaid, Food Assistance, and Cash Assistance, igniting my passion for ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect—a value instilled in me by my parents.

Jessica Chipman
Office Manager

Tracey Wilson
Program Coordinator

Tracey Wilson
Program Coordinator

Crystallee Crain, PhD.
Capacity Builder

Sharon Castle
Capacity Builder

          "Communication is one of the most important skills you require for a successful life.”
                                                                                                       — Catherine Pulsifer

Katena Cain, PhD.
Nonprofit Management Consultant

Are you feeling SAD?

My work, in the Nonprofit sector, began over 35 years ago and started at a young age with my dad taking my sister and I along with him as he would volunteer in local elder care facilities, food pantries and doing odd jobs for free for people who were under resourced and unseen in our community.  The spark that I saw in his eyes and those being served were priceless and I wanted to always be in spaces where I could assist – nonprofit spaces, mission-driven spaces, and community-organized spaces.

Jessica Chipman
Office Manager

Many people can relate to sitting in an unproductive meeting.  However, meetings do not have to be a waste of time. If accurate minutes are kept and clear-cut action steps are identified, then hours spent in a meeting can lead to a productive outcome. 

 Sharon Castle
Capacity Builder

 “The fitting Board of Directors is less about physical strength, more about mental toughness, with fitting minds and fresh eyes.” ― Pearl Zhu, Digitizing Boardroom: The Multifaceted Aspects of Digital Ready Boards

Crystallee Crain, Ph.D.
Capacity Builder

My Approach to Nonprofit Consulting: Fostering Self-Determination, Integrity, Care, Belonging, Solidarity, and Trust

  

As a nonprofit consultant, I am committed to providing a holistic and pragmatic approach that centers around key values: self-determination, integrity, care, belonging, solidarity, and trust. As a young person growing up in Flint, Michigan I saw firsthand the power of community led efforts to meet the needs of people that the system failed. I learned early in life that it was people in the community that made the decision to give, share, and lead that changed our lives. Later in life I learned about the opportunities nonprofit organizations bring to the actualization of our community of care. 

Leading a nonprofit organization is a lot like preparing for an athletic competition.  It requires consistent training, practice, and a plan to succeed. An athlete never gets to check the box off next to a basic skill. It doesn't matter how many times you've run that drill—you still review, practice, and adapt when necessary, and yes, keep on training. And it is the same for a board of directors.

A board is never past the need for training.  Seasons, needs, pandemics, growth, and experiences are just some of the variables that change the environment in which a nonprofit lives. All board members benefit from regular governance training.  So, let's talk about what some of those benefits include:

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

In addition to my role as a consultant for nonprofit and public sector organizations, I am also a mental health professional. I’ve been a licensed clinical social worker for over twenty years. I served as the deputy director of a community mental health authority, and I occasionally see clients in my private practice.

Katena Cain, PhD
Nonprofit Management Consultant

“Far too often, people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” – Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

As humans, we operate within many different networks, all of which influence our perspectives and serve different purposes in our lives. While most networks are formed around a shared experience – such as the organization we work for, the city we live in, or identities that we hold – it is important to be cognizant of the networks we are part of and the diversity that is present within them. Given that our networks influence the way we think and the opportunities we give and receive, lack of diversity within these networks can propagate inequitable systems and create echo chambers of perspectives.

As nonprofits, we cannot meet our missions without having courageous conversations about inclusion and anti-racism in the systems, programs, policies and procedures that govern our organizations. It’s all fine and good to have these conversations in silos, but it is much more impactful when community leaders can come together to engage in conversation about their strengths, barriers and ideas. When we do this, we can learn from each other, share stories and have accountability partners.

Renell Weathers
Advocacy and Public Policy Consultant

It's Time to Activate the Levers of Power for Your Mission.

Life has a way of interrupting our plans, making you either frustrated because you hate change or exhilarated because you embrace change. You may also be confused about which direction to channel your efforts. Whichever best describes you, this is not the time to put your head under the covers. It’s time to engage.  

Happy New Year!

We at Nonprofit Network are so grateful for all the blessings that we received in 2022 – even the ones wrapped as challenges, puzzles, and barriers.  Each of us is so honored to walk and work alongside our nonprofit partners to build better communities, and most importantly, better outcomes for those you serve.

With deep gratitude, thank you for the passion you bring to your work. 

We’d like to take a moment to share the impact you have had on us. 

Regina Pinney
Executive Director 

Have you ever had one of those board meetings—the kind that makes you question if you are the right person for the job, if you have the stamina to continue, or if anyone in the room is on the same page about anything? The kind of meeting that makes you wonder if working at one of those 9-5 for profit jobs is fulfilling?

You know—one of "those" meetings.