 | Brian D. Philson, LMSW, ACSW President/CEO bphilson@highfields.org Brian started with Highfields in July 2006 as the director of residential services. He was promoted to vice president of programming before being promoted to President/CEO in August 2008. Brian earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work at Michigan State University and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Spring Arbor College, where he currently serves as an adjunct instructor. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, a Board Member of the Association of Social Work Boards, a Governor Appointee to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice and a member of the National Partnership for Juvenile Services. Brian loves to backpack, hike, and spend time with his kids and grandkids. |
 | Brenda Cotton, BS Out-of-School Time Programs Director bcotton@highfields.org Brenda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Lake Superior State University and has worked with clients in both the substance abuse and domestic violence fields before coming to Highfields. Brenda started with Highfields in August of 1996 as a residential counselor before moving into human resources for nine years. After that she became a part of the leadership team overseeing the Breakthrough program and the zip line. Brenda has been the project director of the Reaching Higher out-of-school time program since its infancy in 2007. Brenda considers herself a homebody that likes to do home improvement projects and loves spending time with her family and pets. |
 | Joanna Hayes, LMSW Juvenile Justice Alternative Programs Director jhayes@highfields.org Joanna began her career at Highfields in 2006, working with at-risk youth as a residential counselor. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University in 2013 and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the same institution in 2020. In 2010, Joanna transitioned to the Ingham County Family Center, working alongside the Ingham County court in a collaborative effort with Highfields Inc., the Ingham County Family Division, Ingham Intermediate School District, and Peckham Industries to facilitate programs for adjudicated youth. Joanna remains passionate about supporting at-risk youth and helping them achieve positive outcomes. In her free time, she enjoys making music, creating art, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at churches, where she contributes to music and youth programs. |
 | Tyler Jones, MBA Residential Director tjones@highfields.org Tyler completed his undergraduate degree at Albion College. Tyler then began working with at risk youth in 2010. Tyler began his Highfields career in 2013 as a Residential Counselor. During his time at Highfields, he has served in various roles in the Residential Program. Tyler earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management from Eastern Michigan University, graduating in 2020. In addition to his work with Highfields, Tyler has worked as a mentor based out of Jackson, MI, working with youth at varying ages. Tyler enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and sports. |
 | Laura Jurasek, BA Fund Development Director ljurasek@highfields.org Laura joined Highfields in 2015 as the Communications and Marketing Specialist. In 2019, Laura was promoted to Fund Development Director. She enjoys meeting with donors and exploring new ways for Highfields to partner with organizations in the community. Laura has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Spanish from Albion College. She serves as Secretary on the Capital Area Chapter Association of Fundraising Professionals (CAC-AFP) Board of Directors. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading, exercising and baking. |
 | Ed St. John, MBA Finance Director estjohn@highfields.org Ed came to Highfields in 2015 as Director of Finance. He has over 30 years of non-profit accounting, auditing and management experience. From 2009-2015 he was the Finance Manager with Peckham, Inc. in Lansing, Michigan. From 1993-2009, Ed held various positions at TechnoServe, in Norwalk, Connecticut as Internal Auditor, Manager of Accounting, and Corporate Controller. From 1988-1993 he served as Senior Accountant for Save The Children, Inc. in Westport, Connecticut. Ed earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Spring Arbor University, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont. Ed currently serves on a number of local, regional and national non-profit boards, including the Team USA Advisory Committee for the Kettlebell Lifting Olympic Team. He is a part-time adjunct professor at Spring Arbor University and has over 25 years as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts. |
 | Becky Womboldt, LMSW Director of Quality and Education Mindfulness and Meditation Coordinator bwomboldt@highfields.org Becky is a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker (LMSW). She has worked for Highfields for over 17 years in multiple capacities including Home Based and Multisystemic Therapy (MST) therapists, MST Supervisor and currently as the Director of Quality and Education. Becky has been practicing mindfulness and meditation since 2018 and has completed the 300-Hour Mindful Teacher Certification Program through Mindful Schools, a leading organization in the International Mindfulness Movement. Becky is also a certified instructor of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T) along with certification as a Workplace Mindfulness Instructor through Mindful Leader. |
