Awards & Recognition
Our research-driven strategies and validated outcomes have earned our team these awards:
- NREPP Certification- National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices, 2016
- NASADAD Award-National Exemplary Award for Innovative Programs, Practices and Policies, 2014
- Service to Science Award for Building Evaluation Capacity for Evidence-Based Interventions, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2013
- Service to Science Award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2011
- Governor’s Traffic Safety Award for Long-term Achievement 2011
Our Team
With collective experience that spans a century, our team’s dedication to the health, safety and empowerment of youth is unparalleled. We stand firmly in our belief that when you capture the passion of youth, give them focus, support and agency, you change lives. SLS has been doing just this since 1982 and our commitment has never waivered.
Meet Our People
Staff
Pamela Voss-Page, M. Ed.
Executive Director, Research & Development
Pamela Voss-Page has served SLS since 1984 and was a founding member of the SLS Board of Directors. Over the years, Pam held various roles in the organization and became the Executive Director in 1994. As a result of Pam's dedication, Michigan led the nation in effective youth-led health and safety programming. Pam's ongoing commitment to prevention research and evidence-based practice continues with annual evaluation and a validation study that led to our national recognition and replication.
Dawn Flood, LMSW-Macro CPC-R
Program Director
Dawn joined the SLS team in 2004 and has been involved in peer education and youth-led prevention programming since 1998. Prior to SLS, Dawn served as the Substance Abuse Educator at Saginaw Valley State
University. Dawn works directly with chapter advisors and students throughout Michigan. She combines her school social work background with a cognitive behavioral approach and applies it to prevention. Dawn incorporates changing students’ thoughts (cognitive), to change their actions (behavior) and build
skills.
Mindy Willis, M. Ed.
Curriculum & Communications Specialist
Mindy Willis joined Student Leadership Services in February of 2020. She began her career as a middle school teacher in 1994 in Pinckney, MI and served as a STAND advisor. In 2006, Mindy moved abroad and worked first as a classroom
teacher at Frankfurt International School, then as a Curriculum Coordinator at Yew Chung International School in Shanghai, China. Upon returning to the US in 2018, Mindy served as a Curriculum Consultant for Pinckney Community Schools. She is also a certified teacher and school administrator in the state of Michigan.
Board of Directors
Brad Simmons, President (since 1994)
Director, Government & Stakeholder Relations Ford Motor Company
Ward Bartlett, Vice President (since 1997)
Teacher & Advisor, Warren Mott High School
Diane Bostic Robinson, LMSW, Strategic Planning Chair (Since 1997)
Diane Bostic-Robinson & Associates, LLC
Zane Sami Hatahet, Media Spokesperson (since 2016)
Legal Counsel, Magna Electronics
Tammy Wilson Technology Chair (Since 2016)
Engineering Analyst, Ford Motor Company
Toni Laurentano, Fund Development Chair (Since 2019)
Development Generalist, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
Garrett Zimmerman, Web Manager (Since 2016)
Student, Central Michigan University
Student Interns
Benji
Mt. Vernon Nazarene University
Benjamin first started his journey with SLS when he was a sophomore at Waterford Mott High School and has served as an intern over the last 4 years. Benji has made great contributions to the organization and is a valued member of our team. In addition to creating a series of mini-handbooks, Benji wrote and received several grants, served on our Student Advisory Board, managed social media, and led student workshops. We are proud of Benji’s integrity and persistence and how he is using the skills he’s acquired to pursue a career in children’s ministry.
Jillian
Marian High School
Jillian first became involved with SLS when she was a fifth-grade participant in our Peer Resistance Program. Since then, she has served in many different roles in the organization both as a volunteer and as an intern. Jillian has written newsletter articles, created videos and graphic designs, and served as the photographer and videographer for our 2018 Conference. Jillian is a natural leader which is evident as she teaches Botvin Life Skills to younger students. We are inspired by her energy and initiative which will certainly bring her success in whatever challenges she takes on!
Meet Our Student Advisory Board
Established in 1986, we train each passionate group of emerging leaders to lead and teach their peers and younger students. They work with our team and member schools to promote youth involvement, networking and stakeholder partnerships. The Student Advisory Board (SAB) develops and leads conferences, assemblies and workshops. These students are dedicated to creating healthy, safe and inclusive schools and communities across Michigan and we are proud to help them do this important work!
Alexandria
Carrollton High School
Alexandria, by Mariam: It is year #2 that Alexandria and I are serving together on the SAB. First, Alex is ambitious, intelligent and dependable, traits that will serve her well in her dream job as a therapist. She admires Iyanla Vanzant, a famous life coach, & inspirational speaker because of her determination & how much effort she puts forth to help others. Finally, Alex and I have a lot in common, including our bucket list desire to take in the beautiful sights of Paris.
Mariam
Clarenceveille High School
Mariam, by Isabelle: This is Mariam's second year as an SAB member. If you know Mariam, it is no surprise that she is a natural leader who believes strongly in using her voice for good. We have no doubt she is well on her way to do just that. She aspires to be a social worker. Her hero is a personal mentor, Mrs. Venessa, who she said inspired her to become the best version of herself. Mariam loves BBQ and the movie, The Hate You Give.
Isabelle
Valley Lutheran High School
Isabelle, by Alexandria:
This is Isabelle's second year on the SAB. Her dream job is to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Working as a CMA would provide Isabelle the opportunity to better nurture those in need of medical attention. When asked what is one thing she would do if she could not fail? She said she would become a surgeon or a doctor. Isabelle's fun quirks include chewing ice cream and water.
Loretta
Taylor High School
About Loretta, written by Gia:
Loretta is very energetic, outgoing, and adventurous, traits that serve her well as a second-year SAB Board member. She has dreams of cliff jumping (into water) and traveling (especially to Cancun). She’s very determined, but she also enjoys her relaxation time as one of her favorite summer activities is sleeping! She has aspirations of becoming a lawyer or a computer forensic analyst. Loretta is super dependable and she’s an amazing sister.
Gia
Taylor High School
Gia, by Loretta: I have known Gia for years. She is outgoing, smart, down to earth and has a great sense of humor. She has an interesting outlook on life and questions the strangest things. When asked who she would trade lives with for a day, she said our AP Government teacher because she wondered what it would be like to be tall and bald. It was great to talk and learn more about her, like how she once ate a fly on accident as a kid, although I still haven’t gotten an answer to that story and how it happened. We are glad to welcome Gia as part of our team on the SAB!
It makes us proud that former Student Advisory Board (SAB) members and other young adults who have benefited from SLS programs continue to support us after they graduate. They return because they want to pass on the strength, skills, and knowledge that they acquired as members of SLS programs. As part of our team, our alumni volunteers help with financial contributions, event planning, technology support, student and chapter mentoring, and fundraising. We are inspired by and incredibly grateful for their ongoing involvement!
Alumni Volunteers
Sponsors & Partners
