Jenn Fazekas - Program Coordinator

About 10 years ago, Jenn’s story began much like any other Corpsmember. She first came to New Jersey Youth Corps as a young adult that needed a diploma. She dove right in,  followed the program, got her diploma and then went off to college. After she received her Associates in Environmental Studies, she came back to the Youth Corps for a career. Jenn says “I  wanted to help people whose shoes I once lived in.” She’s been giving back ever since.  

 “The last 3 years I have worked here have been so rewarding, and I feel like I can relate to our Corpsmembers in a very unique way because I lived through so many of the same struggles that our Corpsmembers face on a daily basis. If I could give potential applicants a piece of advice, it would be to just allow yourself to have this experience. You are worthy and capable of this opportunity, don’t sell yourself short!”  

In her spare time, Jenn enjoys camping and hiking with her partner Nicholas and their 3 cattle dogs Django, Rue and Maeve.

Thea Muckle - Instructor

Thea came to NJYC straight from her AmeriCorps experience. Now, with over two decades of experience and a bachelor’s degree in social work, Thea provides Corpsmembers educational and emotional support as they navigate the obstacles of an ever-changing world. A staff member from our beginning in 1998, she has been directly connected to the over 450 diplomas we have hanging on our walls. Though she spends most days solely in the classroom, she’s no stranger to the rigors of Service Learning days, often working side-by-side with Corpsmembers. Working with young adults is a big part of who Thea is. “I learn and grow with them each and every day. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than seeing them succeed!”

David Smith - Crew Leader

David found New Jersey Youth Corps through his background in AmeriCorps service programs in Colorado, California, and Wisconsin.

Having struggled socially and emotionally while in school, these programs gave him the opportunity to learn experientially, address community needs, and be part of a caring team. Now as a staff member, he is excited to facilitate that kind of experience for others.

When he's not at work, Dave can be found hanging out with his family or yelling at the TV because his favorite sports teams (Mets, Jets) always lose.

June McGrath - Counselor

June began as the Counselor at the NJYC of Phillipsburg 8 years ago.  Her organizational skills and attention to detail has proven to be invaluable to the program as she discovers and manages many resources & contacts to help our students.

“It makes me happy to see the students learn and grow from their experiences here.  Seeing the students move on to the next chapter of their lives makes me incredibly satisfied and proud of them.”

A creative spirit herself (June is quite ‘crafty’) - Whether she is helping a Corpsmember navigate through the systems of social service agencies,  or simply spending the time to listen to a student and help talk them through their difficulties, June enjoys  connecting with the students as she has a passion for people and the need to help others, as well as motivate and encourage them. 

Farard Johnson - Activities Coordinator

Seeking a new lease on life with the goals of homeownership - Farard relocated from the Bronx to the Lehigh Valley some 20 years ago.  He enrolled in NJ Youth Corps because he needed his diploma and wanted to be a part of helping the community - and the family-style atmosphere immediately appealed to him.  

Farard graduated from the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg in 2002, and then secured employment at Resident Assistant & Mentor at a shelter in the Lehigh Valley - aiding and mentoring young men and women who found themselves homeless.  Little did he know then, but that was preparing him for a job with us starting back in 2013.  

Politically minded, passionate about issues facing youth, Farard is a fierce advocate for the youth he works with, willing to step into any role when needed. He is honest and direct.  Drawing on his own Youth Corps experiences, his wisdom and guidance are sought out by many a Corpsmember. He is the embodiment of a Corpsmember come full circle to give back to the program that gave him so much. 

Dawn Gares - Grants Manager/Admin. Asst.

Dawn has been with us since 1998. She was looking for a part-time job after having her son that was 2 years old.  She found out about NJ Youth Corps through a family member.  Having a background in the accounting field for 10 years prior - she really enjoyed the challenge of managing the Youth Corps and other grant programs.  Over the years, she has proved to be an invaluable resource to the NJYC program.

Managing our grants is hard work, so while she is not always working directly with the students, her duties ensure the YC operation is a well-oiled machine.   She has been nicknamed “check lady” and “Mom” by some of the Corpsmembers.  She is known to have her door open for anyone that needs an ear to listen or advice if one should seek it. Dawn always says ‘the best part of the job is to see the Corpsmembers faces when we tell them they passed their HSE tests.  The smile that comes on their faces, that tells it all!! It is great to see them succeed and move on with their lives.”

When not in the office, Dawn is enjoys being with her family and friends with campfires and camping with her husband Brian and son Chad.

Michael Muckle - Director

Michael found his way to the Corps movement through his term of service as an AmeriCorps member at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in 1997. During that time, he caught the public service bug and never looked back. As a hands-on Director, oftentimes you can find Michael working alongside his Corpsmembers on a variety of environmentally-themed service projects, he never misses an opportunity to turn service into a teachable moment. “Our work lends itself to easily understood metaphors for our youth,” he says, “Creating suitable habitat to thrive, constructing a clear path so others may benefit. It’s in the doing where we learn!”

His passion for the Corps Movement runs deep. He provides a unique perspective as a Corps Director having valuable insights into the dynamics of crafting programming for the very youth he serves, drawing from his own corps experience, providing advocacy for youth removing systemic barriers and creating equitable spaces for them to learn and grow.

Michael is a product of the Corps Movement. He has embraced a life of service and can testify to the fact that you often get more out of a Corps experience than you bring to it. “It defies the Laws of Conservation of Matter. Everything good in my life has come as a result from my service with AmeriCorps – through service I found my purpose: to serve others”.