We envision an Appalachian Kentucky where 13,000 more young people are on the path to economic mobility by 2030—powered by bold action, local partnerships, and national momentum.
About Us
The Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C) is a place-based, people-centered initiative working to create brighter futures in Appalachian Kentucky. As part of the national StriveTogether movement to put 4 million young people on the path to economic mobility, APPC2C is focused on supporting 13,000 more young people across our region by 2030.
We partner with schools, libraries, and local organizations to align solutions around our four strategic priorities: reducing chronic absenteeism, strengthening youth mental health, expanding access to paid work experiences, and improving early childhood education.
Our approach is grounded in collaboration. We support local grant writing, expand broadband access, and align resources to improve outcomes for children and families from cradle to career.
We commit to championing place-based work by uplifting local voices, aligning community-driven solutions, and investing in the long-term well-being of people and places. As champions, we foster cross-sector collaboration, honor the unique identity of each community, and take bold, sustained action to ensure that every place—and every person—has the opportunity to thrive.
Proven Partnership. Lasting Impact.
APPC2C is in the systems transformation phase of StriveTogether’s nationally recognized Theory of Action™—a rigorous framework used to measure the progress of place-based partnerships across the country. This designation signals that our region is not just improving programs but changing the conditions that hold back progress—aligning partners, policy, and resources to get better results for kids and communities.
Partners
Our Team
DR. MELISSA NEWMAN
AVP for Place-Based Partnerships: Investment & Sustainability and Executive Director of the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership
Learn more about Melissa
Dr. Melissa Newman leads national and regional work to strengthen rural communities through strategic investment, sustainable partnerships, and systems-level alignment. As Executive Director of APPC2C and Associate Vice President for Place-Based Partnerships at Partners for Rural Impact, she works with local leaders in Appalachian Kentucky and beyond to create long-term solutions that improve outcomes from cradle to career.
Melissa’s career spans journalism, public relations, community relations, and higher education. She is a published novelist and academic whose research focuses on media narratives, Appalachian identity, and the impact of storytelling on social and economic outcomes. She co-authored a chapter in The Routledge Companion to Media and Poverty and teaches communication at Eastern Kentucky University.
Her work is grounded in the belief that changing the story of a place can help change its future—and that systems transformation begins with people.
“This work is personal. I believe rural places are rich with promise—and when we shift the narrative, we shift what’s possible for generations.”
RIAN JOHNSON
Associate Director of Content Development
Learn more about Rian
Rian Johnson leads communications and storytelling for the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership, helping to elevate the voices of rural communities and highlight the progress made through place-based collaboration. As Associate Director of Content Development for Partners for Rural Impact, she shapes strategic messaging and outreach across multiple initiatives.
With a background in education, public relations, and nonprofit strategy, Rian’s experience includes social media marketing, media training, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She has worked closely with educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and community-based organizations to design campaigns that move people and programs forward.
Rian also serves as president of the Bell County Chamber of Commerce. Her passion for rural storytelling is grounded in lived experience and a belief in the power of authentic narratives to inspire action.
“I believe stories spark change. When we tell the truth about what’s possible in rural places, we shift mindsets—and futures.”
ROSIE STAFFORD
Project Manager
Learn more about Rosie
Rosie Stafford is a seasoned project manager and connector, guiding cross-sector collaboration to support children and families across Appalachian Kentucky. In her role with APPC2C, she leads sustainability planning, partner convenings, and grant alignment to advance cradle-to-career outcomes across the region.
With more than two decades of experience in grant writing, family resource coordination, and nonprofit leadership, Rosie has a long track record of impact. As the Director of Development and Volunteer Services at the Paramount Arts Center, she increased youth engagement and secured vital funding. Previously, she spent 12 years as Coordinator of the South Ashland Family Resource Center, where she helped remove barriers to education and brought in over $15 million in grant funding.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Kentucky and is certified as a Trauma-Informed Trainer and national trainer with the National Family Support Network Standards of Quality.
“I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right resources can change the course of a child’s life. I’m committed to helping families build brighter futures—starting right where they are.”
HANNA GABBARD
Director of Partnerships
Learn more about Hanna
Hanna Gabbard serves as Director of Partnerships for APPC2C, leading efforts to build strong, sustained relationships across Martin, Johnson, Floyd, and Lawrence counties. Her work focuses on aligning partners, programs, and funding around locally driven solutions that improve outcomes for young people across the cradle-to-career pipeline.
Hanna brings a strong academic foundation in public administration and Appalachian studies and pairs it with real-world experience in rural development, federal grant management, and partnership strategy. Her leadership includes managing large-scale initiatives, supporting community capacity-building, and driving results through regional collaboration.
A graduate of the BRIGHT Kentucky leadership program, Hanna is deeply connected to the communities she serves and committed to ensuring that rural students have access to opportunity—right where they live.
“I believe rural places hold endless potential. When we invest in our own people, we create futures that reflect the strength and spirit of our communities.”
Cheryl Grogg
Program Manager, Data and Grant Integration
Learn more about Cheryl
Cheryl Grogg brings a rare combination of analytical expertise and deep empathy to her role as Program Manager of Data and Grant Integration for APPC2C. She supports the team by designing and implementing systems that track outcomes, guide continuous improvement, and connect data to the lived experiences of students and families.
With more than a decade of experience spanning education, instructional technology, and client success, Cheryl draws on a wide range of roles—including math teacher, department chair, missionary educator in Honduras, and customer success specialist. Across these positions, she has focused on empowering underserved communities through data-informed decision-making and collaborative support.
Cheryl holds a master’s degree in instructional technology and dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and secondary education from Duquesne University.
“Data tells a story—and I believe every student deserves a story that leads to opportunity. That’s why I do this work.”
Mary Ann Keck
Program Coordinator
Learn more about Mary Ann
As Program Coordinator for APPC2C, Mary Ann Keck plays a key role in keeping the team organized and moving forward. She manages administrative operations, supports communications through social media scheduling, and helps plan meetings and events that connect local partners around a shared goal: creating better outcomes for young people in Appalachian Kentucky.
Mary Ann is a graduate of Bauder Fashion College with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and holds FAST and GCD certifications. Her passion for helping others is rooted in personal experience and a deep belief in the power of community.
“I love helping my local community and families, because there were times I needed that help. It feels good to know that we make a difference.”