2024 LOA Champion Bios

Boise (10/2025) – The Idaho Out-of-School Network today announced the names of six Idaho Afterschool Champions for 2024, as part of National Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week. This national celebration highlights the importance of more than 850,000 people who provide academic support, social support, and enrichment activities for youth outside of classroom time. 

Each year, ION requests nominations from across Idaho to identify Afterschool Champions and recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to youth programs and communities. 

Winners will receive their award at the annual Power Up Summit 2025 at JUMP in Boise on October 9. Idaho’s Afterschool Champions for 2024 are as follows: 

Jessie Williams, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Magic Valley – Rupert Unit, is a passionate advocate for youth. Since graduating from Idaho State University, she has built a career focused on empowering kids through strong community partnerships and impactful programs. A devoted mother of two, Jessie brings the same care and commitment to the youth she serves, driven by her belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive. 

Dr. Kristen McAdams, Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, has delivered programming to over 5,000 girls and volunteers across South Central Idaho. With 10+ years in education, she champions youth empowerment and educator development through strong community partnerships, believing that access to education is key to building life skills and future leaders. 

Ken Price has led Marsing School District’s 21st CCLC program since 2005, continuing a 35-year tradition of quality K–8 afterschool programming. With support from certified teachers, Marsing Academies fosters lasting friendships and positive connections through innovative activities. In 2012, they introduced Chromebooks and Khan Academy, later helping other programs adopt similar tools. Their guiding principle: always do what’s best for kids. 

Daniel Hidalgo Daniel Hidalgo is the Director of Education for the Idaho Art Lab. The Wiz-STEM program at the Idaho Art Lab provides STEM in a fun interactive art project involving students and their parents. Some program highlights include the use of centripetal force and the viscosity of paint to create predictable outcomes in spinning art as well as a pin hole camera class explaining how light waves work. Aaron Bronson is the executive director at The Space Idaho, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the equity gap in education and creating opportunities for high-quality academic support and college counseling for students in grades 6 through 12. Bronson brings years of experience in education, 
program development, facilitation, and leadership. 

Kristal Kangas-Hanes has lived by her personal mission of “Joy” for over 40 years, dedicating herself to family, education, and community service. Her diverse career—from pastry chef to educator—reflects her passion for connecting with youth and families. As former Director of the Cascade Afterschool Program, she led a thriving learning center serving over 40% of Cascade’s K–5 students, where academic growth and community engagement go hand in hand. 

Marie Haverfield founded After, a free nonprofit serving 5th–8th graders, to provide greater support beyond the classroom. The program offers a safe, nurturing space where students are valued, challenged, and inspired to grow. Through enrichment, mentorship, and community connections, After helps youth build confidence, discover new interests, and expand their vision for the future. 

Aaron Bronson of Forward Learning Scholars (FLS), serving 6th–8th grade students, provides a safe, supportive after-school environment where curiosity is celebrated, and challenges become pathways to growth. Students build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and discover new possibilities through academic support and enrichment. FLS equips students not only to succeed in school but to chart their own pathways with purpose and possibility.