What Great KIDS is about…

Our mission statement

Great KIDS empowers youth-serving adults by providing education and training on the application of positive youth development frameworks and strength-based practices to ensure that our community’s children have the opportunities and relationships they need to grow into productive and healthy adults.

Our story

The Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES (Great KIDS) initiative traces its roots back to the very first Annual Conference on Youth (now the Annual Conference on Youth, Families and Communities), held at then Indiana Purdue University, Fort Wayne as a project of Allen Superior Court's Family Relations Division. Judge Charles Pratt spearheaded this effort in order to train court staff and those working with youth and families through the scope of the legal system in positive youth development principles. The conference continued to grow in size and breadth over the next several years.

As the conference continued to serve more, the training initiative of Great KIDS was born in order to oversee and coordinate other training events throughout the years. In its early years, the program explored different approaches to promoting positive youth development and strengths-based work with young people. After examining the substantial research behind it, Great KIDS adopted the 40 Developmental Assets framework created by the Search Institute.

The organization moved its offices in 2004, relocating from the historic Journal-Gazette building to the Allen County Courthouse. This period also saw the Great KIDS Community Advisory Board grow, broadening its membership to more accurately represent Allen County's community makeup along with the various agencies serving local youth and families.

In 2020, Great KIDS moved out from under the auspices of the court, with fiscal agency support offered by community partners. From that grew a board of managers, who continue to oversee the strategic partnerships formed, including the acquisition of the Indiana Mental Health Summit. In 2026, Great KIDS began to administer the Summit as the primary steering partner with a committee of engage community mental health advocates. Welcoming over a thousand attendees at each of the two flagship yearly trainings, Great KIDS continues to also maintain a Leadership Academy as well as a robust curriculum of trainings offered monthly to support the need of ongoing education and resources.

What we do

With the 40 Developmental Assets as its key tool, Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES uses these three strategies to improve the lives of youth in Allen County:

Train youth, families and community serving professionals in positive development concepts
Support the work of youth, family and community-serving organizations
Create household recognition for the 40 Developmental Assets

In this way, Great KIDS seeks to multiply its influence by supporting and training the agencies and workers directly responsible for impacting the lives of youth and families.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES holds a Category 1 license through the State of Indiana’s Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. One unit equals one hour of education.

Our team

Amanda Miller

Executive Director
Amanda joined Great KIDS in February 2018 serving as Executive Director, where she leads the organization's strategic direction, programming, and community partnerships. She holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue University. Prior to joining Great KIDS, Amanda worked in advertising and marketing for over fifteen years at both a nonprofit organization as well as in the financial industry.
Amanda brings a diverse professional background that includes experience in project management, event planning, volunteer coordination, various support roles and organizing community events. Her skills help support the mission of Great KIDS by strengthening programs and engaging the community in meaningful ways.
Under Amanda's leadership, Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES has expanded the organization's reach to host not just one, but two major annual events: the Annual Conference on Youth, Families and Communities, which brings together practitioners, case workers, educators, and advocates to share best practices in youth and family services, and the Indiana Mental Health Summit, which addresses critical mental health needs across the state.
Beyond these signature events, Amanda and her team continue to build out a robust calendar of ongoing monthly trainings and workshops, giving local professionals consistent access to skill-building and continuing education. She also oversaw the launch of the Leadership Academy designed specifically for individuals working in serving professions, helping to develop the next generation of leaders in youth, family, and community-focused work.
Through these efforts, Amanda has positioned Great KIDS Make Great COMMUNITIES as a vital resource for the professionals and families it serves, extending the organization's impact far beyond its original scope.
Michelle Castle

Development & Community Engagement Coordinator
Michelle Castle joined Great KIDS in March 2026. She earned her BSW from Valparaiso University in 2006 and has dedicated her career to supporting children and families in her community.
Her background includes work in case management, serving in elementary schools as a classroom assistant, and most recently teaching preschool. Through these roles, she developed a deep appreciation for the impact strong relationships and supportive communities have on young learners.
In her current role, she enjoys connecting with community partners and helping advance the mission of Great Kids Make Great Communities.
Joelle Schrader

Training Assistant
Joelle Schrader rejoined Great KIDS in March 2026 and previously helped launch the Great KIDS Leadership Academy in 2018. She holds a BS in Communications from Ball State University and brings more than 25 years of experience in training and professional development. As an entrepreneur, Joelle founded a training company focused on inspiring teams, developing leaders, and helping organizations build cultures that make a lasting difference. She is a certified presenter on the 40 Developmental Assets and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), equipping educators and community leaders with tools to support youth development.
In her current role as Training Assistant, Joelle provides program and training support for Great KIDS, helping strengthen initiatives that empower young people and the communities that support them.