Northville Youth Network announces change in leadership

After nearly a decade of dedicated service, Northville Youth Network Director Amy Prevo will step down from her role, with her last official day set for April 3, as she and her family prepare for an exciting new chapter on the west side of the state.

Ensuring a continuity of service, Northville Township will promote longtime Youth Support Specialist Kerri Ann Sondreal to the role of Director, also on April 3.

Prevo joined Northville Youth Network (NYN) as the interim youth assistance director on July 10, 2017. She was promoted to director Jan. 1, 2018. During her tenure, she led the organization with a strong focus on supporting youth and families, particularly those facing challenges, while strengthening partnerships throughout the community.

Another goal was to expand prevention programs rather than be a response-only operation. Today, that prevention signature now sets NYN apart from any youth assistance programs.

“I have searched a lot and I don’t know of any other community that has a program like NYN,” Prevo said.

The Impact of Leadership

Under her leadership, the organization experienced significant growth in community engagement. Annual referrals increased from approximately 40 to nearly 200, a reflection of growing awareness, trust and the community’s willingness to seek support.

With more than 30 years of experience supporting youth and young adults, Prevo built her career around helping students reach their full potential. She began in the classroom, teaching for two years before pursuing a master’s degree in guidance and counseling.

Her passion for working with youth was evident early on — from “playing school” as a child to coaching youth soccer in college, where she realized the impact she could make beyond academics.

While attending graduate school, Prevo worked in under-resourced schools and communities, an experience that helped define her career path.

“I realized my passion for supporting children, youth, students and families who need extra guidance and encouragement,” Prevo said. “I knew I wanted to be someone in their corner, uplifting and empowering them as they navigate their journey.”

Prior to joining NYN, Prevo held several leadership roles in higher education. She spent 10 years at Eastern Michigan University supporting college-bound students through the Upward Bound program.

She also served at Schoolcraft College and the University of Michigan, where she developed programs and partnerships to support student success across Michigan communities.

A Northville High School graduate, Prevo has deep roots in the community she served.

Having grown up in the city and later raising her own family in Northville Township, her connection to the community — both personally and professionally — has remained central to her work and impact, making her departure a meaningful transition.

As she prepares to step away, Prevo expressed confidence in the future of the organization and the leadership transition ahead.

She has worked closely with Sondreal, her mentee, to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition into the director role. Prevo emphasized the importance of mentorship and continuity, noting the strong professional foundation they have built together.

Both Prevo and Sondreal were originally connected through the program’s mentor structure, a shared experience that has shaped their approach to leadership and collaboration.

Prevo said she is confident in Sondreal’s abilities and the positive impact she will have in continuing to grow and strengthen the program.

Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo agrees.

“Over the past several years, Amy Prevo has provided exceptional leadership to the Northville Youth Network, assisting youth and families throughout our community,” Supervisor Abbo said. “Her vision, dedication and passion for prevention-focused support have helped shape NYN into a truly unique and trusted resource.

“We are equally excited to welcome Kerri Ann Sondreal into the director role. Kerri Ann brings deep experience, compassion and a strong connection to our community, and her collaborative approach positions her well to build on Amy’s legacy and lead NYN into its next chapter.”

A History of Helping Others

Sondreal brings eight years of experience with NYN, having served as a Youth Support Specialist since joining the organization during its transition from Northville Youth Assistance to its current model. A Northville Township resident who has raised her family in the community, she is deeply connected to the families she serves and the mission of the organization.

Sondreal said her passion for supporting youth is rooted in her own lived experience. Growing up in Wisconsin, she navigated anxiety and depression as a teenager at a time when mental health support was more limited and often stigmatized.

After beginning therapy, she realized the impact that support could have — and knew she wanted to be that person for others.

“It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to support people in their time of need,” Sondreal said. “Working in the community where I live and have raised my children has allowed me to encourage and support young people as they grow into their best selves.”

Building on the strong foundation established under Prevo’s leadership, Sondreal said her vision is to expand access to personalized, compassionate support for families.

“In a world that can feel increasingly impersonal and automated, we want Northville Youth Network to be a place where families can find real solutions in real time, with real people,” she said. “We want to be a welcoming space and a soft-landing place for anyone who needs support.”

Looking Forward

Sondreal also plans to strengthen community partnerships and increase the organization’s visibility both online and in person, ensuring families — including those new to the area — are aware of available resources and feel connected to the broader Northville community.

Her approach centers on fostering an environment where all youth feel supported, encouraged and equipped with the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.

As one of her first actions in the role, Sondreal strengthened the team by promoting Bridget Drzewicki to Youth Support Specialist and transitioning both Drzewicki and Christine Spangler from contracted NYN roles into expanded positions as Township employees, enhancing its capacity to serve Northville youth and families.

“This leadership transition reflects a thoughtful and strategic investment in the future of the Northville Youth Network,” said Township Manager Glenn Caldwell. “Kerri Ann Sondreal’s promotion, along with the advancement of Bridget Drzewicki and the expanded roles for both Bridget and Christine Spangler, strengthens an already dedicated team and enhances our ability to serve youth and families.

“These changes reinforce our commitment to collaboration and ensuring every young person in our community has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.”