Meet The Staff

Channon Nunn

Administrative Assistant

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Channon comes to us with almost 10 years of Administrative Assistant knowledge under her belt. She’s the mom of 1 spicy little girl. Together they love to rock climb, cook, play outside, and enjoy movie nights. She’s always ready & available to help with any questions you may have about WAY.

Loren Adams

Paraprofessional

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Loren Adams is a first-year paraprofessional who is excited to begin her journey in education. She is a graduate of Cass Technical High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Illinois Chicago. Prior to her role in education, she gained valuable experience working with youth through the Boys & Girls Club, where she developed a passion for mentorship and student growth. She is also a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and brings with her a strong commitment to service, leadership, and community.

Lekeysha Byrd

Social Emotional Learning Counselor

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LEKEYSHA BYRD IS CURRENTLY A COUNSELOR AT WAY ACADEMY IN DETROIT/SOUTHWEST DETROIT WHERE SHE PLAYS A PIVITAL ROLE IN THE SUPPORT THAT’S NEEDED FOR THE CHILDREN AT BOTH SCHOOL LOCATIONS. LEKEYSHA HAS AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND IN SUPPORTING CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULTS. SHE GRADUATED FROM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY IN 2010 WITH A BACHELORS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE. SHE STARTED HER JOURNEY WORKING WITH OUR YOUNGER COMMUNITY WHEN SHE BEGAN WORKING WITH GROW DETROITS YOUNG TALENT (GDYT) BACK IN 2016. THAT LED TO HER CHANGE IN CAREER WHERE SHE STARTED WITH THE STATE OF MICHIGAN WITHIN THE FOSTER CARE DEPARTMENT. AFTER ALMOST 5 YEARS OF GROWING AND LEARNING IN THAT POSITION SHE BEGAN SCHOOL COUNSELING WHICH HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT ON HER AWARENESS OF HOW PASSIONATE SHE IS ABOUT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. FOR THE PASS 2 YEAR SHE HAS WORKED 2 JOBS THAT IMPACTS OUR YOUNGER GENERATION. WHILE COUNSELING AND SUPPORT DURING THE DAY LEKEYSHA WAS ALSO A SUICIDE CRISIS COUNSELOR AT NIGHT. LEKEYSHA CONTINUES TO PUSH FURTHER IN HER OVERWHELMING LOVE TO BE THE SUPPORT THAT’S NEEDED FOR OUR CHILDREN. LEKEYSHA MAKES SURE SHE IS SPEAKING ON SUICIDE AWARENESS AND MENTAL HELTH WHENEVER SHE GETS A CHANCE.

Kenneth Pierce

Engagement Coach

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Kenneth C. Pierce II, a passionate pastor, educator, and community leader, serves as a College and Career Coach at W.A.Y. Academy Detroit while pursuing his Master of Divinity at Virginia Union University. He is the founder of the Hopewell Community Development Corporation and My Brother’s Keeper mentorship program, dedicated to empowering Detroit’s youth through education, leadership, and character development. Kenneth also serves as 1st Vice President of the NAACP Detroit Branch, Chair of the Advisory Board of Clergy for SEIU Detroit, and as a Wayne County Sheriff Chaplain, continuing to inspire and equip the next generation to reach their fullest potential.

Alexandra Guzman

District Pupil Accounting Specialist

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‭(313) 627-7971‬

My name is Alexandra Guzman and I am the District Compliance Coordinator/ Pupil Accountant for WAY Program. I grew up in Southwest Detroit and attended Wayne State University. I have worked in schools for around 13 years. Throughout these years I have worked in many positions; as a Special Education aide, Bilingual Paraprofessional, Office Assistant, Parent/Community Liaison, Office Manager, School Accounting, Payroll and Pupil Accountant. I started working at WAY Academy in Southwest Detroit as an Administrative Assistant in 2018. Within all of the different positions I have held I have really enjoyed working with both students and parents but most importantly the community of Southwest Detroit. It was difficult for me to move positions because I had a special place in my heart when it came to working with both the parents and students from the community. I now work at a district level because it was a better fit for my family but I do try to stay involved with the community.