Laurance brings a wealth of experience in program management and a person-centered approach to workforce development. He believes that specialized training is a powerful tool for economic mobility and is passionate about helping our “new neighbors” and community members build a stable future in Louisville. His non-profit experience includes Executive Director at Falls City Community Bikeworks, COO at Tip It Forward, Treasurer at Ky Solar Energy Society. He is passionate about social justice, community engagement, and refugee career placement.
Laurance has an MBA from Bellarmine University and a Telecommunications degree from Indiana University. He and his wife reside in Louisville and have two daughters and two cats. When not at work, he enjoys the outdoors, golf, biking, travel, and playing music.
Tony Messina began his journey with JFCS in December 2023 as the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Project Coordinator.
Tony has over 4 years of experience working with international communities as an English as a Second Language instructor in both Thailand and Taiwan. Tony is also an experienced client services representative, having most recently worked with clients as a Data Experience Specialist at an energy consulting firm. He is very excited for the opportunity this role provides to make a difference in the community.
Tony also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame and in his free time enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, reading and writing comic books, and playing board games.
Originally from a town halfway between Dayton, OH and Cincinnati, OH, Kristina has been living in Louisville for over a decade. She has been with JFCS since 2014 and services as a Career Counselor for Refugees & Immigrants. Kristina helps our new neighbors reach their educational and vocational goals in the US and empower them to take a proud part in the Louisville community.
Kristina has worked with immigrants and refugees for the last 12 years. She graduated from DePauw University with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Spanish and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. In 2019, Kristina earned a master’s of science degree in Social Work.
In addition to cooking and trying new cuisines, Kristina loves to play piano, read, dance, hike, kayak and play with her two kitties, Meloso and Mancha.
Email Kristina at kmielke@jfcslouisville.org.