KIDS RANK STAFF
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Founder & Executive Director
Kelcey Liverpool
Kelcey Liverpool is the Founder and Executive Director of Kids Rank, a nonprofit organization established in 2012 to support the social and emotional well-being of military and veteran children. As a proud Army spouse who has moved with her family nine times, Kelcey brings firsthand experience and deep empathy to her work. Her volunteer service across various military installations reinforced the importance of focusing on the whole child—acknowledging both their strengths and the unique challenges they face. Under Kelcey’s leadership over the past 13 years, Kids Rank has become a trusted resource within Illinois’ military and veteran communities, with strategic plans underway for expansion. She has built strong partnerships with organizations such as the National Veterans Art Museum, USO of Illinois, the American Red Cross, and the Military Child Education Coalition to further the Kids Rank mission. Kelcey is a 2019 Aspen Fellow, a Summit Fellow, and most recently, a 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar. She continues to lead with purpose and passion as a mother of two military-connected children, currently residing in Chicago, Illinois.
Director of Communications & Branding
Shawn Michael Pridgen
Shawn Michael Pridgen is an award-winning documentary photographer, creative consultant, and communications professional who joined Kids Rank in 2024. His journey to Kids Rank began at a photography exhibition, where he connected with Founder Kelcey Liverpool over shared military family roots—Shawn is the proud son of a U.S. Marine. Shawn brings a rich background in visual storytelling and public service. His photography has appeared in Harper’s, The Guardian, Outside Magazine, and The Washington Post, and his work was featured in the #ICPConcerned: Global Images for Crisis exhibition in New York. He was awarded the Archive of Documentary Arts Collection Award by Duke University in 2021 for his powerful coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement. As the founder of a mission-driven photography L3C, Shawn amplifies underserved communities through visual media, advocating for racial equity and representation. Prior to his creative career, Shawn spent over 15 years in legal administration, working with institutions such as the U.S. Department of Justice, the IRS, CNN, and Target Corporation. Shawn holds a B.A. in Political Science & International Relations from DePaul University and completed graduate coursework toward an MPA at DePaul’s School of Public Service. Outside of work, he’s a marathon runner, mentor, and dedicated volunteer with a legendary sweet tooth—just ask him about his gummy bear collection.
Program Manager
Megan Kerby
Megan Kerby is the Program Lead at Kids Rank, where she helps lead programs that support the social-emotional development of military-connected youth. A proud military spouse and mother of two daughters, Megan brings nearly two decades of experience working with children, including her work as a Special Education teacher with a focus on behavior management. Her teaching journey began in 2015 when she and her husband relocated to Japan. Since then, she has worked in school districts both abroad and stateside, including District 187, where she first discovered Kids Rank. Inspired by the organization’s mission, she quickly became a valued member of the team, supporting its efforts to uplift and empower military families. Outside of work, Megan enjoys playing volleyball and singing—two passions that reflect her energy, creativity, and commitment to community.
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Program Lead Assistant
Maria Espinosa
Maria Espinosa is the Program Lead Assistant at Kids Rank, a proud military spouse, and a dedicated mom of three. With over 15 years of experience working with children of all ages, Maria is passionate about creating spaces where kids feel supported, seen, and inspired. After relocating to North Chicago, Maria began working with NCCP in partnership with District 187, which allowed her to immerse herself in classroom settings and witness firsthand the powerful work Kids Rank was doing in the community. It was this experience that sparked her deep connection to the organization’s mission and ultimately led her to join the Kids Rank team. Maria finds joy in baking and crafting—activities that allow her to unwind, recharge, and bring creativity into every part of her life. Her passion for working with children continues to drive her purpose and impact every day.
Senior Pride Leader & Camp Coordinator
Nina Liverpool
Nina Liverpool serves as a Pride Leader at Kids Rank, bringing a full-circle perspective to her role—having grown with the organization since its founding in 2012 by her mother, Kelcey Liverpool. As one of Kids Rank’s original members, Nina has participated in every stage of the program, from pride groups to the entrepreneurial program and summer camp leadership, before joining the team full time. A proud military child, Nina’s lived experience includes growing up in a Navy family and having a sister who serves in the U.S. Coast Guard. These experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for the importance of connection, identity, and community among military families. From living abroad to learning cultural traditions—like singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in Japanese—Nina carries with her the spirit of global citizenship and service. Through her work, Nina is committed to empowering the next generation of military-connected youth and helping them navigate the unique journey of military life with resilience and pride.
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Mental Health & Wellness Coordinator
Hannah Leavitt
Hannah Leavitt supports Kids Rank’s program initiatives by helping plan mental health-focused events, developing program evaluations and surveys, and contributing to the social media team. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with an concentration on Child and Adolescent Therapy. Hannah brings a strong passion for child development and youth mental health, aligning with Kids Rank’s mission to serve military-connected children. With a personal appreciation for the military and a family legacy of service in the Air Force, she is proud to contribute to the organization’s meaningful work. When she’s not working or studying, Hannah is learning how to crochet and enjoys creative activities that bring balance and joy to her daily life.
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Social Media Coordinator
David Michael Collins
David Michael Collins is the Social Media Coordinator at Kids Rank, where he oversees the organization's digital outreach to support its mission of empowering military-connected youth. He brings an extensive background in digital communications and nonprofit marketing strategy, with a track record of fostering youth engagement and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Over more than five years in social media marketing, content creation, and strategic communications campaigns, David has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering underrepresented communities. In a previous role as Marketing and Communications Coordinator at YWCA Evanston/North Shore, David spearheaded strategic campaigns that advanced the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. He led communications for initiatives like the annual Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate, integrating powerful anti-racism messaging to engage the community. Under his leadership, the YWCA’s social media presence saw accelerated growth – in just one month he achieved an engagement increase double the industry standard – and he streamlined internal marketing processes to improve efficiency by 35%. ​ David also served as a Social Media Coordinator at City Colleges of Chicago’s Malcolm X College, where he drove a significant expansion of the college’s digital engagement. He increased Malcolm X College’s online following by 29% and reached over 2 million people across platforms in under a year. He accomplished this by implementing innovative content strategies – for example, repurposing long-form videos into short-form social media reels – to broaden the college’s reach among students and the community. Beyond his work within institutions, David launched his own consulting venture – DMC Designs and Brand Management – in 2020 to help mission-driven clients enhance their brand identity and digital presence. Through DMC Designs, he has guided small businesses and nonprofits through rebranding initiatives and implemented targeted social media campaigns that boosted client engagement and visibility. David also dedicates his expertise to youth-focused organizations: he has managed social media for The Happiness Club, a Chicago youth arts nonprofit, and served as a Youth Advocate with Young Invincibles to amplify young people’s voices on critical issues. David earned his B.A. in Mass Communication (Public Relations) from Loyola University New Orleans and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications at Roosevelt University to further hone his strategic marketing skills. He credits his personal journey with shaping his passion for service and inclusion: growing up in a low-income household taught him the importance of accessible resources for marginalized communities, and navigating life with multiple marginalized identities instilled in him a lifelong commitment to equity and representation. Guided by these values, David actively mentors youth and seeks to create inclusive platforms where every voice is heard. Through all of his work, he remains focused on uplifting underrepresented communities and fostering positive change.
KIDS RANK PRIDE BOARD MEMBERS
Board Chair
Denise Bryant
A long-time advocate and supporter of military-connected youth, Denise brings over 15 years of leadership experience in marketing, strategic outreach, and nonprofit engagement. Her dedication to community-driven impact aligns seamlessly with the mission of Kids Rank. As Vice President and Director of Marketing and Community Outreach at First Bank Chicago, Denise oversees the development of creative campaigns and partnerships that uplift communities and promote financial literacy. She also manages the First Bank Chicago Foundation, focusing on philanthropic giving and volunteer initiatives across Lake and Cook counties. Denise has been deeply involved with Kids Rank for years, previously serving as Board President and currently as an Advisory Board Member. Her return as Board Chair reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting the unique experiences of military children and fostering programs that connect, lead, and serve. Outside of Kids Rank, Denise lends her expertise to several community organizations in Gonzales, Texas, and is widely recognized for her collaborative, creative leadership.
Board Member
Hughes Turner
Hughes Turner brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Kids Rank Board of Directors. A retired Army Colonel, Hughes proudly served for 23 years, including combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Horn of Africa. Growing up as the child of a career Army non-commissioned officer, he spent his early years in Germany and later graduated from Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan. He holds degrees from the University of Washington, the University of California at Berkeley Law School, and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Following his military service, Hughes continued his commitment to public service as a senior executive across multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He retired from federal service in May 2020 after 18 years of leadership at the national level. In addition to his work with Kids Rank, Hughes serves on the Board of the National Veterans Art Museum. He and his spouse, Dawn Collins, divide their time between the Canton/Ann Arbor area of Michigan and Chicago. Dawn is the Chief Operating Officer of a Michigan-based company and continues to lead full-time in her field, while Hughes enjoys his retirement and volunteer service. Together, they share a blended family that includes Hughes’ two adult children, three grandchildren, and Dawn’s adult daughter.
Board Member
Dan Tennett
Dan Tennett serves as Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest, where he oversees construction operations for mixed-use, residential, and commercial projects across the company’s portfolio. With more than 25 years of experience leading construction activities in the Chicago area, Dan has managed over $1 billion worth of construction and more than half a billion square feet of physical build-out. He is especially proud to have directed millions of safe man-hours in a dynamic construction environment. His expertise has contributed to several notable projects, including the renovation and reimagination of the historic Lathrop community along the Chicago River, One Bennett Park—a Robert A.M. Stern-designed residential tower—Campbell Terrace in Logan Square, and The Row Fulton Market.
Board Member
Margaret Skrmetti
As Director of Global Community Impact at Gensler, Margaret partners with the firm’s 55+ offices worldwide to drive positive social impact through philanthropy, service, and pro-bono design. Previously, she led community engagement and social impact initiatives for Morton Salt and its affiliate companies across North and South America, shaping a purpose-driven agenda for iconic brands. Her leadership in corporate social responsibility is grounded in her early nonprofit experience, where she spearheaded sponsorship and fundraising programs in higher education and cultural institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and The Field Museum. She began her career in public relations consulting, serving clients in technology, finance, and retail. Margaret currently serves on the Board of Kids Rank as Fundraising Chair, where she brings both her professional expertise and her personal experience as a military child whose father served 19 years in the U.S. Army. She is also a former Board Member of the ACE Mentor Program of America. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise & Responsibility. Outside of work, Margaret enjoys Chicago’s lakefront, restoring her 1908 northside home, and traveling with her husband and two children.