Staff

Staff Directory

Executive Director

Chandler Nutik founded Community Works of Louisiana, Inc. in February of 2009 and has served as the organization’s Executive Director for the last 9 years. Chandler has secured over $4,000,000 in federal, state, and foundation grants that benefit youth in Community Works programs throughout New Orleans. He has successfully built numerous mutually beneficial partnerships and works tirelessly on creating new project and programmatic opportunities for youth. Academically, Chandler has received a JD from Tulane Law School and an MBA from the Freeman School of Business. In addition, he is licensed to practice law in the state of New York. Chandler has served as Co-Chair on the Advisory Board for Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) and recently completed a fellowship with the W.K. Kellogg Community Leadership Network. Chandler is extremely passionate about the work that Community Works does and his role in helping to improve the educational landscape in New Orleans. He has helped to change the lives of many youth and continues to advocate for support for afterschool and summer programs in Louisiana.

cnutik@communityworksla.org

Director of Development + Communications

ToniAnn Laborde has been with Community Works for the past 7 years. She works to implement strong programming, develop new partnerships, and increase funding to help impact the lives of youth throughout our city. ToniAnn has help Community Works more then double the number of youth served on a daily basis. She has secured over $2,000,000.00 in funding and manages all foundation grant support. ToniAnn was chosen as an inaugural Emerging Leader through the Greater New Orleans Foundation and Kresge Foundation in 2014. She graduated from American University in Washington, DC. While at American she gained valuable experience in the non-profit industry working with First Book and The National Kidney Foundation Serving the National Capital Area. She also worked for the AU Abroad office, helping students and parents gauge the international landscape. After finishing school, she returned to her hometown of New Orleans and worked in the marketing department at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots. In addition, ToniAnn also teaches ballet locally and currently performs with Ballet Hysell in New Orleans. She is very proud and believes strongly in the work done by Community Works.

toniann@communityworksla.org

Program Manager

Branna Elenz recently graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa with a double major in Sociology and Psychology. After being a part of the office with Serve Louisiana and experiencing her first year in New Orleans she realize she was not done with all this city and Community Works had to offer and is excited to take on her next year here. In addition to playing her part in social justice movements, Branna is very passionate about the arts: music, dance, writing and painting. She looks forward to utilizing all she has learned from the past year at Community Works and continuing forward with personal and professional growth in and around all the work being done in New Orleans.

branna@communityworksla.org

Development Coordinator

Hannah Ashe is from Cambridge, MA and graduated from Lesley University where she studied Expressive Art Therapy and Human Services. She’s danced for the majority of her life but also enjoys collaging, taking photos, and reading in her free time. She’s taught dance, yoga and interdisciplinary classes in summer camps and after schools growing up, so she is no stranger to the spirit and importance of these programs. Her strong belief in the powers of art making to heal and build community is one reason why she moved to New Orleans, and was attracted to Community Works. She has been building new partnerships, facilitating the CW Advisory Council, and fundraising over $20,000 for Community Works. She is really grateful to be part of this team.

hannah@communityworksla.org

Communications Coordinator

Jessie Caines is originally from Chicago and recently graduated from Tulane University where she focused on public health and environmental studies. She worked with students in schools and afterschool programs for four years in New Orleans during her undergrad and Jessie is currently serving a term with AmeriCorps Serve Louisiana. She has loved having this opportunity to continue working in and learning about this incredible city. She spent much of her life in a range of arts and athletic-based classes, afterschool programs, and summer camps so she’s happy to be a part of making those opportunities happen for young people in New Orleans.

jessie@communityworksla.org

Director of Education and Outreach

Megan Easely is a practiced educator and community organizer with over 10 years of experience in both formal and informal classroom settings. At the Health Museum in Houston, Texas, Megan taught a wide range of health and science related classes to guests of all ages. She also developed curriculum and public programs for the Health Museum’s education department, targeting the STEAM approach. More recently, she worked as a teacher and Outdoor Education Specialist at the Becker School, a private preschool in Houston. Outside her role as an educator, Megan is also a community organizer focusing her efforts in social and environmental justice. She has volunteered extensively with several community organizations such as Girls Rock Camp Houston.

megan@communityworksla.org

YouthForce Intern

Mya Curtis is an upcoming senior in the class of 2020! She attends Sophie B. Wright High School and is a part of the varsity cheer squad. She is currently a YouthForce intern at Community Works. Mya is from New Orleans, LA and has lived here all her life. After high school, she plans to attend Louisiana State University (LSU) and major in pre-nursing. Mya’s future career is a Neonatal Nurse. She has a huge passion for babies! In her free time, she enjoys shopping, listening to music, and hanging with friends. She defines herself as helpful,
caring, and determined.

mya@communityworksla.org