We are in the heart of our community schools - Chisago City, North Branch and even Rush City!
The Education Engagement Program delivers measurable results by addressing one of the strongest predictors of long-term success: school engagement. Grounded in national best practices from Attendance Works and the University of Minnesota’s Check & Connect model, our program places trained Engagement Coaches in schools to build strong relationships, monitor progress, and intervene early. This evidence-based approach reduces absenteeism, improves academic performance, and strengthens student resilience—creating lasting impact for youth and their communities.
Read more about why these awesome ladies do what they do!
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Kelly Schabert
As an Education Engagement Coach, I create connections with students with barriers helping them be successful in school.
Michelle Hooper
Working with students and families to develop strategies to keep students engaged in school. I assist students with creating a plan to make them successful in their classes and encourage them to keep attending their classes. I provide resources and opportunities for them to receive additional sources of support through community and school programs.
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Kelly Schabert
Being in communication consistently with the student's family, encourages the healthy relationships Lakes Center strives to achieve. I am a positive adult role model who also promotes positive peer friendships.
Michelle Hooper
Keeping students engaged in their education and supporting families if they are struggling in supporting their students.
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Kelly Schabert
As a mentor and cheerleader for your child at school
Michelle Hooper
I work in the school system with helping students who have barriers keeping them from being fully engaged in their education whether it be struggling with home life or issues that arise in the school setting
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Kelly Schabert
I see the community in a very optimistic way. The collaboration through the schools, SCRED, the county and Lakes Center have been not only amazing but encouraging.
Michelle Hooper
There are many factors that affect the way students are engaged in their school career. Many students do not have the support they need to be successful. Many of the students have been labeled as "troubled" when all they need is some extra support
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Kelly Schabert
Supporters may not know that this role extends beyond the school day. Connecting students to outside activities, providing additional resources in the community, connecting with families. It is about constant brainstorming on how the entire teams available can support this student.
Michelle Hooper
Having that person outside of the school staff that is not a direct link to the school or the county to talk to and work with lets the student know they are not alone or judged for the things they do. These students may come from a troubled home where they do not have the support they need, and they do not trust the school to give unbiased support to them. That is where I can help them to get the resources that they need
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Kelly Schabert
Seeing students at risk for not graduating and helping motivate each one to cross the finish line to experience this special milestone in life.
Michelle Hooper
A student was struggling with coming to school, they felt that everyone was judging them because of their past and who their siblings were in school. This caused them to fall into the "expectations" the school had of them. When they realized that they did not have to be the person the school thought they were they began interacting more in the school and improving their grades.
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Kelly Scharbert
We are a local non-profit that has been around for 50 years. Please help continue these new programs like the Education Engagement Coach program strive and succeed.
Michelle Hooper
This is a support for the students. It is a way for them to get out of the trauma cycle their family history has and become successful.
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Kelly Schabert
Every child deserves a cheerleader. Every parent deserves support.
Michelle Hooper
The students need to have someone nonjudgmental to support them
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Kelly Schabert
Your contribution big or small goes a long way in making us continue the legacy that is Lakes Center.
Michelle Hooper
If we are not supporting the students in our schools, we are just letting the cycle continue. The well-being of the students and their success in school depends on having that person to support them and guide them through the rough times when it feels like there is no one who will listen.