Orion
Area
Youth
Assistance
OAYA
Orion Area Youth Assistance
CERC Building Room103
455 East Scripps Rd.
Lake Orion, MI 48360
oaya@lok12.org​
Phone: (248) 693-6878
Fax: (248) 693-1494
Thank you to our Volunteer Board of Directors
Chris Reighard, Board Chair
Bill Kokenos, Vice-Chair
Jillian Nolan, Treasurer—Born and raised in Scotland, I have lived in Michigan since 1999 and in Lake Orion since 2005. I live on the border of Lake Orion/Oxford with my husband, Michael (an Irishman). Our two “kids” are now grown and flown but both went through Lake Orion schools right from Kindergarten and are Dragons through and through. I consider myself an “adopted Dragon.” In a prior life, I was a risk analyst for a large, international insurance and risk management company, working in Scotland, London (UK, not Canada!) and finally Detroit. Most recently I worked at the local chamber of commerce but I am now retired. I enjoy reading, walking our dog, gardening (although I don’t exactly have a green thumb) and watching UK crime dramas.
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I was very lucky to have had a wonderful childhood and I hope my kids feel the same way about their younger years. But I am very aware that there are others who are not so lucky. Via my work at the Chamber, I got to know more about OAYA, the work they do and the fantastic people who make it all happen. When the opportunity to be on the Board came about in 2020, I saw it as a great way to help support OAYA and all the great things the organization does in our community.
Eve Ryan, Secretary
Jennifer Vezina—I’ve lived in Lake Orion my entire life, moving here in the early 70’s when this area was still very much a small community heavily populated with corn fields and dirt roads. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education but only taught for a handful of years before finding a full-time position with Orion Parks. I’m married with two sons and a stepdaughter. When we are not working, we enjoy camping, hiking and kayaking with our 4 legged companion. I’ve been a recreation programmer with Orion Parks for the past 25 years. Recently, I started volunteering with Orion Area Youth Assistance, and I find that making a positive impact to our community through Orion Parks and OAYA is very fulfilling and helps me to develop strong connections to others.
Julie Monroe--I am a retired LOCS Special Education teacher and school counselor. Having had the privilege and joy of serving this wonderful district for 35 years, I felt the need to stay connected. OAYA was an incredible support and resource for my students and myself throughout my career. In May of 2018, I presented one of OAYA’s student scholarship awards at their Youth Recognition ceremony. The presentation of this camp scholarship was as exciting for me as it was for the deserving student. That evening, on the verge of retirement, I asked to be considered for membership on the board. I have been serving for over 6 years and today I am just as committed to OAYA’s mission of helping strengthen our youth and their families through community involvement.
Lauren Smith—I currently serve on the Orion Area Youth Assistance Board of Directors and am the Principal of Paint Creek Elementary in Lake Orion Community Schools. I am passionate about access and equity in regards to the resources, services and programs available for children and families in our community. I am committed to life-long learning and community service and was honored to receive the 2023 Champion of Youth Award from Oakland County Youth Assistance Coordinating Council for my work.
I have two adult children who I am so very proud of: Ryan, who is a 2nd year HS teacher and Reagan, who is in her 2nd year of graduate school. When not enjoying time with my families, I love to work in my garden, read anything and everything and spend time traveling to new locations.
