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A New Program Serving Youth Statewide

At the Youth Navigator Network (YNN), we believe youth are inherently capable of finding solutions to the circumstances and challenges they face. YNN takes an inclusive, engaging, and genuine approach to strengthen youth and their networks. We help young people who have been in care or recently transitioned out to navigate systems, access resources, and build an expanded network of support.

Learn more by visiting the YNN webpage. 

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Youth Navigator Network Staff

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Arlene Jones, Program Manager

Bio
Arlene Jones came to Kinnect with a broad arrange of experience in human services, all tied to her lived experiences in the housing and child welfare systems. Using her lived experience to benefit others, she has served as a founding member of the OHIO Youth Advisory Board, a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a child welfare caseworker, a youth housing specialist, and a workforce development program coordinator. She has also worked with the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program as a trainer, consultant, and curriculum content developer. Arlene also works with the Capacity Building Center for States as a senior family consultant, providing coaching support and technical assistance and identifying opportunities to integrate the perspective of persons with lived experience. Arlene joined Kinnect as the Youth Navigator Network Program Manager in 2022. A very proud graduate of Wright State University, Arlene holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She enjoys being in nature & outdoors, working out, exploring new places, music, and spending time with her husband and family.
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Roxana Bell, Statewide Program Trainer

Bio
Roxana has a breadth of experience serving children, youth, and families in clinical and educational settings. Prior to joining Kinnect, Roxana worked for the Mobile Crisis Team at FrontLine Service in Cuyahoga County, where she conducted clinical assessments to children and youth experiencing suicide crises. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in an intertribal Native school and mentor for incarcerated youth. As a transracial, transnational adoptee from El Salvador, Roxana has a passion for working with multicultural adopted, foster, and kinship populations. She earned a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s in Cultural Studies and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and is a licensed social worker.
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Marissa Tuma, Program Coach

Bio
Marissa joined Kinnect with over 7 years of experience working with young people. She has worked as a secondary school educator with Cleveland City Schools, as well as working at a youth-centered non-profit focused on career readiness. She has also coached high school volleyball and basketball for 8 years. Marissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Baldwin Wallace University and an MBA from Ohio Dominican University.

Join New Statewide Young Adult Advisory Council

The Youth Navigator Network (YNN) was developed in partnership with young people. The Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) is a great opportunity for youth and young adults to shape framework of YNN. We are still seeking young people to join the council. YAAC experience allows young people to use their lived experience to make change. Benefits of being a council member include:

  • Earn $20/hour for their time
  • Peer support and opportunities for professional networking
  • Assistance with council meeting preparation
  • Develop professional skills while partnering to build the Youth Navigator Network framework

If you are interested, or know someone who may be interested, please complete the form below: