our mission
Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
our history
1982
Colorado UpLift
Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.
2008
National Expansion
Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.
2017
Elevate USA Contacts KC
Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.
2019
Elevate Metro KC Launches
Elevate Metro KC becomes the 10th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.
2020
COVID-19
On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.
2022
School Transition
Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.
our history
1982
Colorado UpLift
Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.
2008
National Expansion
Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.
2017
Elevate USA Contacts KC
Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.
2019
Elevate Metro KC Launches
Elevate Metro KC becomes the 11th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.
2020
COVID-19
On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.
2022
School Transition
Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.
staff
Chris Jehle
Executive Director
Tiffany Green
Site Director
Andrea Smith
Teacher/Mentor
Canaan Parham
Teacher/Mentor
Kia Buckner
Teacher/Mentor
Sara Stauffer
Administrative Coordinator
Sara Hinckley
Fund Development Coordinator
[email protected]
Chris started as Elevate Metro KC’s first executive director in 2019. Prior to this, Chris served as the Director of Education Initiatives for the United Way of Greater Kansas City. Chris also founded The Hope Center, a community development organization serving on Kansas City’s East Side. Under Chris’ leadership, The Hope Center launched a youth development organization, a charter school named Hope Leadership Academy and Hope Family Care Center. Chris earned his Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Kansas and his Master of Arts, Theological Studies from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Chris is the father of three, and spends as much time outdoors as possible.
Tiffany Green is a teacher-mentor and the Site Director for the Elevate Metro KC program located at Southeast High School (KCPS). Before coming to Elevate, Tiffany served as a youth development specialist for the University of Kansas in the Kansas City area where she trained, assessed and provided professional development for youth care workers. Her heart lies in mentoring and growing relationships with youth which began long ago when she served the youth of her church.
Tiffany earned her BA from Park University in Child and Family Studies, and an MA in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
Tiffany is a mother of two and a wife of 13 years.
Andrea Smith is a Teacher-Mentor for the Elevate Metro KC program at Southeast High School. She is excited to be a part of a team that will give hope and inspire our youth. Before coming to Elevate, Andrea was a Volunteer Leader for nine years with Kansas City Young Life, partnering with the Center School District and KCPS. Meeting kids where they are and showing them Christ’s love has always been her passion. In her spare time Andrea loves to dance, eat, fellowship, and raise her amazing daughter.
Canaan Parham comes from corporate America. Now he is able to use his long history of teaching and mentoring youth as a teacher-mentor at Elevate Metro KC. Canaan is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams and brings optimism, enthusiasm, and knowledge to the organization. Canaan earned his Personal Financial Management bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Canaan is a native Kansas Citian and the father of one.
Kia Buckner is the newest Teacher-Mentor to join the Elevate family. She has been a dedicated educator working in the private sector since 2016. Her passion for education was birthed during adolescence, and she continues to be passionate about shaping tomorrow’s future leaders.
Kia has pursued her education at various institutions, including Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City), University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Carver Baptist Bible Institute. These educational experiences helped her develop a strong foundation in teaching.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kia has a diverse range of interests. She is passionate about education and equally shares her love with the arts, experiencing lifestyles of diverse cultures and exploring historical sites.
Kia is a mother to three wonderful boys. Parenthood has heightened the importance of education for the urban core and has secured her dedication to nurturing young minds.
Overall, Kia Buckner is an inspiring individual who combines her passion for education, faith, and personal interests to impact those around her positively.
Sara started working for Elevate Metro KC as the Administrative Coordinator, following a two decade career as a Kids Director at Heartland Community Church in Olathe, Kansas. Right out of college she was a classroom teacher for three years, and has always felt education is one of the best ways to change people and communities.
She and her husband are empty nesters, with three adult sons who live with their families in Colorado and Oregon. She keeps herself busy gardening, and botanical drawing.
Sara Hinckley became the Fund Development Coordinator for Elevate in August 2022. Sara spent six years as a teacher in a Title-One School in the Shawnee Mission School District before transitioning to this position with Elevate. She taught Kindergarten for five years and First Grade for one year. She received an Elementary education Degree and Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Kansas State University. Sara has a passion for Education and investing in the lives of students. She believes Elevate is a place where she can continue to encourage and serve public education. Sara and her husband, Chris, are expecting a baby in October 2022. As a family, we enjoy traveling to new places, eating lots of food – especially queso, and going to Football and Baseball games.
Chair/Treasurer
Vice Chair
Secretary