YCC Staff

Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Executive Director
laura@youthcommunityconnections.org
612.627.0161

My background: I come to Youth Community Connections after working with various non-profit and local government agencies focusing on public policy and systems development.  I had great fun working counties association and all the local public health agency directors - there are so many dedicated public servants across the State of Minnesota.  Prior to working with the counties association I earned a master degree in public health and worked as a youth advocate for a non-profit organization.  I started my career working with runaway, homeless and parenting or pregnant youth.   

What I enjoy when I'm not working: I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends.  I have two school age children who keep me active.  We like to spend time together outside in the summer riding bikes and exploring the city park systems.  I'm trying to get them interested in winter activities such as cross county skiing. The verdict is still out on that one.

Most people don't know that: I won a car in a raffle while attending college.  It was a beautiful red convertible!  Unfortunately, I had to sell it to pay my tuition.  After paying tuition, I bought a "not so new", "not so shiny" car. 

Abou Amara, Jr., Youth Policy Analyst
abou@youthcommunityconnections.org
612.627.0157

My background
I came to Youth Community Connections after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where I studied sociology and public policy. I was a member of the football team, a student senator, and president of the pre-law organization while attending UW-Eau Claire. Over the summer of 2009, I was an intern for a state legislator in Wisconsin. I also serve in the AmeriCorps Promise fellow program. I was born and raised in Madison, WI, and I currently reside in St. Paul, MN.  

What I enjoy doing when I’m not working:
I am a political junkie— so reading, listening to, or watching anything related to politics is very interesting to me. I also enjoy telling all my Minnesota friends that Wisconsin is way cooler than Minnesota.  

Most people don’t know that—
I had to take 20 credits the last semester of my senior year to graduate college in 4 years… that was a rough semester.

Ceil Meade, Office Coordinator
ceil@youthcommunityconnections.org
612.627.0160

My Background: I joined the YCC staff in September, 2005.  I am the office coordinator and provide administrative support for the executive director and AmeriCorps Promise Fellow.  Before coming to YCC, I spent 16 years providing administrative support to nonprofit management consultants in Amherst H. Wilder Foundation's Management Support Services, Community Services Group and Wilder Center for Communities. 

What I like to do in my down time:  I enjoy hanging out with family and friends and spending as much time as I can with my 6 year old grandson. I also enjoy reading, sewing, quilting, playing tennis, and riding bike on the Gateway Trail.

Most people don't know that: I coordinated an American Red Cross Blood Drive for 6 years.  I was dubbed the "The Blood Lady," or "Vampira," until a fellow-donor came up with a more kinder, gentler name ~ "Patty Platelet."