About the Authors
Bettie B. Youngs, PhD, EdD,
Bettie B. Youngs, PhD, EdD, is the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of thirty-four books translated into twenty-four languages. Dr. Youngs, a former Teacher of the Year, is a university professor of graduate school education and the director of Instruction and Professional Development, Inc. Bettie has frequently appeared on The Good Morning Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and Oprah. USA Today, The Washington Post, Time, Redbook, MeCalls, US. News & World Report, Working Woman, Family Circle, Parents, Womans Day and the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) have all recognized her work. Dr. Youngs is coauthor of the nationally acclaimed Parents on Board (Active Parenting Publishers), a video-based training program to help schools and parents work together to increase student achievement. She has written extensively on the dynamics of family relationships as well as the stages of development and developmental psychology for youth, families, and educators. Bettie is also coauthor along with her daughter Jennifer of the national award-winning ten-book self-help series for teens: Taste Berries for Teens: Inspirational Short Stories and Encouragement on Life, Love, Friendship and Tough Issues. Dr. Youngs serves on the board for a number of organizations, including the Fuller Center for Housing.
Joanne Wolf, PhD
Joanne Wolf, PhD is a former clinical psychologist and founding member of Kids Korps USA. After nearly a decade in clinical practice, Dr. Wolf turned her attention to investigating how children benefit from giving, serving, and helping others. Interested in supporting projects that strive to develop the hearts, minds, and spirits of children, Dr. Wolf serves on a number of boards and service organizations that do just that. Joanne is married to David, a retired plastic surgeon. She and her husband have three grown children and take great delight in raising their fourth.
Joani Wafer
Joani Wafer cofounded Kids Korps USA in 1994. Since then, this nonprofit organization has engaged thousands of young people, ages five through eighteen, in hands-on community service. Under her leadership as CEO, Kids Korps has grown from a grassroots to a national organization, with nearly a hundred chapters throughout the United States. Redbook magazine awarded Joani and her sister, Dawn, its prestigious "Mothers & Shakers" Award in honor of their "significant contribution toward promoting peace in America to ensure a safe future for children and families." California's 38th Senatorial District selected Joani Woman of the Year. And the California State Assembly and the California Office of the Governor recognized her in regard to her work and dedication to youth volunteerism. Prior to Kids Korps, Joani spent eighteen years running a successful jewelry business. She gained her nonprofit experience volunteering for eight years with the Make A-Wish Foundation. Joani and her husband, Chuck, have six children and two grandchildren.
Dawn Lehman, Phd
Dawn Lehman, PhD, a cultural anthropologist and cofounder of Kids Korps USA, has developed Kids Korps programs for Boys and Girls Clubs, religious institutions, and schools in North Carolina, Michigan, and Illinois; and established College Korps, Kids Korps' volunteer mentor program for college students. She has conducted research and written professional articles on youth volunteers with disabilities. In 1999, Redbook magazine awarded Dawn and her sister, Joani Wafer, its "Mothers & Shakers" award for work that helps prevent youth violence, making America a safer place in which to live. Both Dawn and Joani have been interviewed by the news media in North Carolina, New York, and California. Currently, Dr. Lehman works as a senior researcher at Mather LifeWays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults. She is designing an intergenerational program that brings older adults and Kids Korps youth together to serve the community. Dr. Lehman has been a member of award-winning teams of professionals that have addressed social issues associated with youth, the environment, public health, the arts, and aging. Dawn and her husband, Charlie, have four children and three grandchildren.
