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Team Members

Meet the Aspires Team

*Not Pictured: Jacque Ruiz & Ogud Oman

Jayne Gibson

Jayne Gibson

Executive Director

MaKayla Oxley

MaKayla Oxley

Early Childhood Navigator

I enjoy working with ages newborn to 6 because those first few years of life are so crucial for future success and development. Being able to help children access positive, nurturing, and stimulating experiences to help them grow and succeed is an amazing feeling! I also love that my work not only connects me so closely with the children I work with but with their parents as well. It’s not easy to be a parent and sometimes we all need a little help, support, or someone that can lend their time, through my work I’m able to support parents where they need it. Early Childhood is a professional and personal, as a mom of three, love for me.

Favorite Quote: “…The things that divide us are far less IMPORTANT than those that connect us.” - Rachel Naomi Remen

Jacqi Ruhter

Jacqi Ruhter

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

I love being able to share with the community stories about all the amazing things that Austin Aspires is doing and all the things we have accomplished. It's amazing the reach that this team has had within the Austin community and I'm excited to see what is in store for the future!

Jessica Anderson

Jessica Anderson

Parent Engagement Corrdinator

Sharing, supporting, and connecting families with a warm hand off to the resources that support them is something I truly enjoy about my role with Austin Aspires. It is tough to navigate the resources in a community, especially for those who are new to calling Austin “home”. No need is too small, and I hope our community knows that you don’t have to do it alone. We are a part of a thriving community and there is a place and role for each person whether that be a parent or student. It is important to know how your role can shape the outcome for your family.

Favorite Quote: “If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive.”
― Brené Brown

Jwokamer Debock

Jwokamer Debock

Director of Student Programs

My favorite part of my job is seeing the students and families we work with succeed. I love seeing the "ohhh" moments and smiles on students faces when they do something they didn't think they could do.

Favorite Quote: “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”
― Mary McLeod Bethune

Ogud Oman

Ogud Oman

Middle School Navigator

I really like it when the students walk up to me and ask for help. I also like seeing the growth in the students. I like my job because I know I'm making a difference in a person's life for the better.
I’m looking forward to more effort and good grades.

Jesus Alvarez

Jesus Alvarez

Middle School Navigator

My favorite part of the job is ​spending time with the kids and being able to play soccer with them.

Favorite Quote: “ Failure is success in progress, never give up on what you really want to do."

Marcos Brigido

Marcos Brigido

Middle School Tutor

My favorite part of my job is being able to support students in the most varied areas, especially in the social and emotional aspect, as many of them just need someone to listen to what they have to say. Knowing that I helped form better and more aware citizens brings me peace and happiness.

Favorite quote : "Success is a sum of many failures."
It will remind you that all failures that happen in your life lead you to successful life!

Jacque Ruiz

Jacque Ruiz

High School Navigator

I previously interned with Austin Aspires and learned many techniques to engage with students and help them with their academic goals.

I look forward to meeting new students and seeing familiar faces return.
I'm excited to start helping the students and getting them the help they need to be successful in school!

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