News from the WCS Neighborhood Outreach Team

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a colleague -- especially when that person has been such a champion for her team, our work, and all of Memphis. 

Later this month, the Whole Child Strategies team will say a difficult goodbye to Susannah Bartlow, Ph. D., our senior project manager and leader of our incredible outreach team. Since joining us as a network partner in 2017, then becoming a WCS leadership team member in 2019, Susannah has been the coach, mentor, and strategist responsible for growing our neighborhood outreach program, cultivating key stakeholder relationships, and helping to build the community trust essential to our mission. Not only did she do all of that and more, every day Susannah demonstrated her deep commitment to the parents, students, and residents of Klondike and Smokey City — and for building the antiracist systems and institutions necessary to stop the perpetuation of poverty across Memphis.

She will be missed, but there’s no question her amazing journey will continue as she returns to her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be closer to family and friends. Susannah has accepted an opportunity to be the new community outreach and engagement associate for the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network. 

Still, we want our partners to know that the talented people behind the Whole Child Strategies neighborhood outreach team will continue to put their energy, compassion, and focus toward this important work. 

We’re excited to say that Reginald Johnson, Jr. will be moving into the new role of outreach manager as of May 1st. With more than 30 years of experience in community outreach and organizing following a proud military career, Reginald brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to ending family and community violence and impoverishment and building relationships to withstand any test. As our new outreach team leader, he’ll be responsible for providing hands-on guidance to Sheila Williams and Justin Brooks, as well as managing all aspects of our neighborhood programs. 

As a member of our team, Reginald has always been a ready listener and vocal advocate for members of the communities we serve. We’re positive he’ll bring all this and more to his new role. 

Congratulations, Reginald. And best of luck to our friend, Susannah.