Welcome, New Generation Hope Team Members!

We’re so excited to be growing our team. Get to know the newest members of our staff, below!

Amanda Robinson
Grants & Foundations Manager 

Hi folks! My name is Amanda Robinson, and I am the new Grants and Foundations Manager for Generation Hope. I originally hail from Saco, Maine. I attended undergrad at Hartwick College in upstate New York where I studied Political Science and Business Administration, before attending Cornell University where I graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration and concentrated on Nonprofit Management. I have always been passionate about helping others and through my degree and early work experiences I had many wonderful opportunities to explore what avenue of nonprofits I loved best. Ultimately, I am a reader and writer at heart, so being part of the storytelling of a nonprofit’s mission is what resonated with me most. Hence - grant writing! I love articulating what Generation Hope does to those that want to financially help us live out our promise to student parents. When I’m not writing grants, you can find me in my candle studio, reading a good book, traveling or watching spooky movies with friends. 

Ayanna Clay
Early Childhood Manager

Hi! I am Ayanna Clay and I am overjoyed to be Generation Hope’s first Early Childhood Manager. As a big sister and lover of learning I have been in the early education field since I was young in creative ways including babysitting and tutoring in Prince George’s County, MD. I continued my studies in Child Development and Family Studies at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I always knew that I would work with children and have a specific love of educating children in communities that look like where I grew up, which led to me teaching for 4 years in Baltimore City’s elementary middle schools. I enjoyed being a classroom teacher and I wanted to continue to make a positive impact in children's lives, however, I remembered just how important early education is and desired to find an opportunity that encourages and inspires growth in young children. Being at Generation Hope gives me the chance to honor my philosophy of education as parents being children's first teachers as well as being a positive support in their lives. I am thrilled for the opportunity to join this team of amazing individuals and hope to create lasting change for the student parents of our metro area. Outside of all things children, I enjoy doing hair, trying out brunch and dinner spots, and spending time with family and friends.

Avery Savage
Scholar Program Coordinator

Hello! My name is Avery Savage and I am the newest Scholar Program Coordinator for Generation Hope. I grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia and obtained a bachelor's degree in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems and Natural Resources and Environmental Science from Purdue University in December 2020. While at Purdue, I was able to be the resident assistant for the Gender Inclusive Living Community, a safe housing community for trans and gender non-conforming students. During my time at Purdue, I found a passion for being able to work with underrepresented communities in a higher education setting.

I found out about Generation Hope from a friend (and now co-worker!) Ashley Stant. As soon as I heard about the work being done here, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. A college degree can be life changing for underrepresented students, but the process of getting one can feel overwhelming or even impossible for students. Generation Hope’s work in supporting teen parents, connecting them to resources, and giving them a safe place to learn and grow is vital and I am so excited to be a part of this community!

When not working, I enjoy hiking, playing with my two cats, exploring new places with my friends, cooking new recipes, and watching movies.

Caroline Kassas
Learning & Advocacy Coordinator

Hi, my name is Caroline Kassas, and I’m the new Learning & Advocacy Coordinator at Generation Hope! After I graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in American Studies, I spent the last year working for a post-secondary accrediting agency. I’m lucky to have a lot of inspiration from my family, such as my Dad who immigrated to the US without knowing English so he could earn a college degree, and many other family members who have worked diligently to support low-income students. It is because of this background that I became interested in Generation Hope. This organization’s ability to see past the stigmatization of teen parenthood and to address the deep-rooted challenges and systemic inequities many motivated young people face make me excited to join the team! In my down time, you can catch me knitting, cooking vegetarian/vegan food, and pining after other people’s dogs.

Jocelyn Gould
Digital Marketing Specialist

Hi! My name is Jocelyn Gould, and I am thrilled to be the new Digital Marketing Specialist at Generation Hope. I’m so honored to join the Generation Hope team and support our mission of helping teen parents and their families thrive. My mom went back to college when I was in elementary school, and so I know how transformational college can be for parenting students and their kids. It was Generation Hope’s two generational approach, supporting Scholars and their children together, that drew me to the organization.

I recently graduated from Brandeis University with a double major in Politics and Creative Writing. I’m passionate about using storytelling and digital media to drive change and fight stigma. I’m excited to support Generation Hope’s direct service and national advocacy work and draw more people into this incredible community.

After living in Glendale, CA, for most of my life, I’m looking forward to exploring the DC area. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, walking in nature, and reading.

Sidney Walker
Scholar Program Coordinator

Hi! My name is Sidney Walker and I work as a Scholar Program Coordinator here at Generation Hope. I am originally from St. Louis, MO, but have been in Virginia since 6th grade. I am a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary where I majored in psychology. I have always been passionate about the importance of education and working with youth so I was beyond excited when I found Generation Hope. In my free time I enjoy trying new foods, exploring national parks and playing with my dog, Georgia. I have seen firsthand the impact of Generation Hope and am honored to be a part of our Scholars' journeys.

Tiffany Murphy
Scholar Program Coordinator

Hello! My name is Tiffany Murphy, and I am so excited to be a Scholar Program Coordinator at Generation Hope! I was born and raised in Fairfax County. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University where I received my Bachelors in Biology and Masters in Education. I became a mother at the ripe old age of fifteen. My daughter, Halie, is now seventeen and a senior in high school! I know firsthand it takes both individual hard work and community support for a young student parent to succeed! Earning a college degree is one of the most important things a young parent can do after they have undoubtedly been told they can't. I feel so blessed to be that support for the young parents we serve.

My family is my life and it is made up of my husband, daughter, step kids and my two beautiful pit bulls, Khloe and King. In my spare time I like to find new ways to ensure I am taking the best care of the planet possible. I am extremely passionate about the environment and yes I will roll my eyes at you if you ask the waiter for a straw.

I am so grateful to be a part of this team, and look forward to the difference we are going to make together!