Top row (left to right): Coleman McDonough, Principal – Rush City High School; Brent Stavig, Superintendent – Rush City Schools; Brian Dietz, Superintendent – Chisago Lakes Schools; Clint Link, Principal – North Branch; Sara Paul, Superintendent – North Branch Schools; Nicole Woodward, Executive Director – SCRED; Janet Reiter, Chisago County Attorney
Bottom row (left to right): Michelle Hooper, Education Engagement Coach – Lakes Center (Chisago Lakes and Rush City); Tim Cryer, Executive Director – Lakes Center; Kelly Schabert, Education Engagement Coach – Lakes Center (North Branch and Rush City); Jamie Prettner, CFO – Lakes Center

Lakes Center for Youth and Families has been named a recipient of the 2025 Ambassador of Education Award from the St. Croix River Education District (SCRED). The award honors the impact of the Education Engagement Program, co-led in partnership with Chisago County.

This recognition highlights the work of Engagement Coaches Kelly Schabert and Michelle Hooper, who support students in North Branch, Chisago Lakes, and Rush City Schools. The program helps students overcome barriers to school success by strengthening their connection to learning, providing access to mental health and social supports, and building positive, trusting relationships within their school communities.

“This recognition speaks to the strength of cross-sector collaboration,” said Tim Cryer, Executive Director of Lakes Center for Youth and Families. “Kelly and Michelle are doing powerful work—meeting students where they are, listening without judgment, and helping them reconnect with school and with themselves. We're grateful to SCRED and to Chisago County for believing in this model.”

Each year, the Ambassador of Education Award celebrates individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support student well-being and educational outcomes. This year, Lakes Center and Chisago County were jointly honored for their innovative and effective approach to student engagement.

“We’re just so proud to walk alongside these students,” said Kelly Schabert, Engagement Coach. “We see their potential every day—they just need someone who sees it too.”

The Education Engagement Program reflects Lakes Center’s broader mission to support youth and families across the region through mental health services, early intervention, and restorative programming.