New Faces at East Side Aligned

If we’ve learned anything about facilitating systems change, it is that

1) the work is incredibly complex; 

2) it requires dedicated staffing to keep the engine going!

Thanks to significant investments from entities like Associated Bank, Deaconess Foundation, Dynegy and Mission & Ministry, we've hired new people who will increase our ability to support coalitions and collaborative action. Meet our new (and one familiar!) team members:

Liz Brookshire: Manager, Systems Change Strategies

As our systems change specialist, Elizabeth (Liz) will coordinate continuous learning opportunities and provide technical assistance to area coalitions working to facilitate systems change. Liz was born and raised in East St. Louis (Alorton, Centreville) and obtained a Masters of Human Services Degree at Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, where she also lived for nine years. Welcoming the opportunity to return home to the East St. Louis community, Liz originally returned to serve at Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation, where she administered the Crime Victims Assistance grants, and provided services to special populations through the Public Housing Primary Care and Healthcare to the Homeless programs. Liz was selected to build and facilitate the Health Reform Coalition in Downstate Illinois as part of the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, Liz has led the Healthy Start Consortium and other Maternal Child Health efforts, including the Father Friendly Initiative. Passionate about answering the call to community engagement, Liz completed the Gamaliel Foundation’s Leadership Training, hosted by the United Congregations of Metro East.

Email: Elizabeth.Brookshire@stl.unitedway.org | Phone: 618-857-7702

Hannah Allee: Systems Specialist, Out-of- School Time

Hannah Allee is now East Side Aligned's systems specialist for out-of-school time. For the past 18 months, Hannah has been a Community Engagement Coordinator for East Side Aligned and Ready by 21 St. Louis. In this role she has supported the efforts of after school providers to share data with the East St. Louis School District and to pilot the Youth Program Quality Intervention process. Previously, Hannah ran a job and college readiness program at Kingdom House in St. Louis and received her Masters in Social Work from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. While in graduate school, Hannah learned about the emerging East Side Aligned movement serving as a practicum student at District 189 and United Way where she spent a good deal of her time hearing from young people participating in the development of the Roadmap. 

Email: Hannah.Allee@stl.unitedway.org | Phone: 618-857-7703

Dr. Thomas Trice Jr.: Systems Specialist, Public Safety

In support of the Metro East Police District Commission and other coalitions, Dr. Trice will facilitate systems change activities to reduce violent crime, strengthen law enforcement accountability and community relations and improve environmental conditions that impact public safety. Dr. Trice holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice and Pre-law from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, two Master’s Degrees in Human Resource & Development and Leadership Management and a Doctorate of Management with a focus in psychology and sociology from Webster University. Dr. Trice has more than 20 years of experience in local, county, state, and federal law enforcement. Dr. Trice retired with the rank of Captain, and has received numerous commendations for his public service, which includes being named “Illinois Top Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.” Dr. Trice currently is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences Division–Criminal Justice Department. His combination of practical experience, education and teaching pedagogy is unique and has aided him in becoming a transformational leader of teams. 

Email: Thomas.Trice@stl.unitedway.org | Phone: 618-857-7699