Meet The Staff
A team of dedicated staff members provide supervision during program hours and serve as positive adult role models. Staff members focus on providing a safe and secure environment for this diverse group of teens. When it comes to finding an environment that works best for your children, The B.L.O.C.K. staff creates a unique gathering spot that provides plenty of fun and creative programming. To contact us please call 734/398-5570 or email Opens a New Window. .
Recreation Specialist
Laura Mortier: Laura graduate from Eastern Michigan in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science. She majored in Psychology and minored in Communication. While in college, Laura worked at The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center as a supervisor and advisor for the Youth Advisory Council. Laura has over 15 years of experience in after-school programming, youth development, and special event planning. In her spare time, she dances at Central City Dance and absolutely loves being a wife to Matt and Mom to Matilda. Some fun facts about Laura - She had a goldfish that live more than 7 years (RIP), her nails are always polished, and she loves ranch dressing!
Teen Services Coordinators
Frania (Frani) Lantigua: Frani graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor with a major in Family Life and a minor in Child Life. She completed her internship in 2017 at The BLOCK and has been here ever since! Frani has worked with kids and youth of all ages. She was also a leader of her dance team and is also part owner of A2 Fit-Kid. Frani loves to read, dance, and spend time with her husband and two dogs, Tyson and Kia.
Courtney Smith: Courtney is a student at Eastern Michigan University to earn her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She has played guitar for 10 years and has been dancing all her life. Courtney tries to always listen, learn and be inspired by kids everyday.
Chelsea Straub: Chelsea graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and in 2020 with a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She taught high school English and health for eight years and has been a programmer for the BLOCK Youth and Teen Center for six years. She currently works exclusively for the BLOCK creating and coordinating our youth leadership curriculum. Chelsea has a passion for youth empowerment working with at-risk kids to build their skills and confidence. In her free time, Chelsea loves to hang out and go camping with her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Emery.
TEEN SERVICES Supervisors
Chelsea Murphy: 
Chelsea Murphy is a graduate of Michigan State University (Go Green!) where she earned her degree in art history with a specialization in museum studies. After six years working as a museum educator, she is excited to use her experience in informal education to benefit kids in the local community. She especially enjoys thinking of fun and creative ways to help kids learn new things or engage with new topics. Chelsea lives in Canton with her husband and their two cats. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys reading, watching sports, finding new recipes to whip up, and keeping up with the latest movies and shows.
TEEN SERVICES STAFF
Gina Dossantos: Gina is a sophomore at Madonna University and is working towards getting a degree in English and Spanish. She hopes to continue with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology. Gina is extremely passionate about working with youth and kids and has been working with kids for 3 years. In her free time, Gina loves to read, write, and hike! You can usually catch her with paint on her hands or listening to music.
Tiffany Jackson: Tiffany is a graduate of the University of Michigan, GO BLUE!! She studied Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Tiffany loves sports; and actually plays basketball, softball and volleyball. One of her favorite hobbies is coaching and coaches softball and volleyball at a local high school in Detroit. Her favorite colors are purple and blue and her favorite food is Lasagna.
Fatin Jafri: 
Fatin is a student at Wayne State University doing a bachelors of science in Psychology. After she graduates, she is planning on going to graduate school for either clinical psychology or developmental neuroscience. She is really excited to start working at The B.L.O.C.K. Teen center and getting to know the kids there. Fatin has a big family and a lot of younger cousins who she spends some of her free time with. She loves to watch films and listen to music from all around the world. She enjoys dancing and singing, writing, and traveling!
Yusuf Jafri: 
Yusuf is a student at the University of Michigan Dearborn majoring in Economics and Political Science. After graduating, Yusuf plans on going to law school and practice law. Yusuf is super excited to work at the B.L.O.C.K. Teen center and getting to know the kids! In high school, he ran track and played basketball. His hobbies include playing basketball, trying new things, playing video games, listening to music, and watching movies.
Scott Kardel: Scott is back for his second go around of working at the BLOCK and is so excited to be back! He is currently studying at Eastern Michigan University where he is pursuing his masters in social work. Scott has spent seven years working with teens and adolescents and is passionate about promoting youth empowerment. Scott hopes to provide mental health services to youth and teens upon completing his masters. When he isn't working or studying, Scott loves to explore, travel, and write. 
Sarah Mallon: Sarah is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She majored in Psychology and minored in Social Work. In the next couple of years she hopes to go to graduate school for a Masters of Social Work. Sarah has a passion for disability advocacy and working with kids. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, exploring the outdoors, swimming, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!
Lauren Manor: Lauren is a graduate student at Wayne State University pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Child Welfare Certificate. She will also be an intern at Child Protective Services for the upcoming school year, which she is very excited about! After graduation, Lauren would love to continue down the path of Child Protective Services, which is her dream job, or work for another child welfare agency. Lauren loves exploring the outdoors, fishing, spending time with her husband, and playing video games in her free time. She has a passion for working with, helping, and supporting kids, and wants to work with kids long-term. Lauren loves that she is able to work with kids and see their smiling faces every day at The B.L.O.C.K.!
