By: Emily Klonicki, Executive Director of Alignment Rockford
At Alignment Rockford, we believe in the power of partnership to create lasting change for students and families. As a collective impact-oriented organization dedicated to youth advocacy, we work closely with Rockford Public Schools and critical community partners to align resources, remove barriers, and build stronger systems of support from cradle to college or career.
The core principles of Alignment Rockford are:
Collaboration: Alignment Rockford brings together various stakeholders, including educators, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community members, to create a unified effort in supporting student outcomes in Rockford.
Data-driven decision-making: We use data and evidence to identify student needs and gaps and develop initiatives aimed at addressing those needs.
Collective impact: We recognize that improving educational outcomes requires the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders, so we strive to create a shared vision for change and a common agenda for action.
Sustainability: Alignment Rockford focuses on building long-term partnerships and securing resources to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives.
Our work has a strong focus on equity, whole-child development, family support and collaborative problem-solving. Through our community-wide early learning initiatives like Ready to Learn and Winning Start Winnebago and our pilot work with RPS 205 that introduces and integrates trauma-informed school practices through Strong Schools, our goal is to build stronger community systems that ensure that each and every child in our community has what they need to thrive.
Meet the Alignment Rockford Staff:
● Emily Klonicki, Executive Director “As Executive Director of Alignment Rockford, I work to bring people together around visions for innovation and success. I believe that the most powerful solutions come from collaboration, and I’m passionate about building systems that put youth and families at the center, focus on equity, and create lasting opportunities for the youth in our community. It’s a privilege to do this work alongside such an amazing team and such talented and dedicated community members.”
● Kristine Correa, Operations Manager
“As Operations Manager at Alignment Rockford, I strive to keep things running behind the scenes so our team can stay focused on their work helping students and families thrive. I am passionate about making sure every child and family feels supported, heard and valued. Before stepping into this role at Alignment Rockford, I spent a lot of time volunteering in my children’s schools, which really showed me how important it is to be involved and build strong community connections. Now, I am proud to be part of a team that is working together to create real, lasting change for Rockford’s youth.”
● Antonio Ramirez, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator
“Volunteering for me has always been about taking action, being consistent, and supporting families so they can thrive. Over the past 25 years, I’ve volunteered in many capacities for our community—through projects, organizations, committees, and events—including 15 years with District 205’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee as both a member and past president, twice on the Facilities Planning Committee, and since 2011, as Co-Lead of the Education Committee for the Coalition of Latino Leaders—where I’ve coordinated quarterly meetings with the Superintendent. I currently serve as Chair of the Board for Comprehensive Community Solutions, continuing my commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community. In my role as Community Outreach & Education Coordinator for Alignment Rockford, and as the 2024 Excalibur Award recipient, I use my experience and community partnerships to help young people and families succeed.”
● Jillisa Bondurant, Early Childhood Mental Health and Data Project Manager
“Volunteering to me, is standing in the gaps and making an investment. Investing our time, talent and treasure for the betterment of our community. The seeds we plant through giving not only grow into blossoming programs, but they also develop strong root systems keeping us tied to the mission of others. As the Early Childhood Mental Health and Data Project Manager I am honored to facilitate community volunteers and stakeholders in engaging and executing the Early Development Instrument and facilitating steering committees that aid in launching new community programs such as, Winning Start Winnebago. The work we are fortunate to do in our office could not be done without volunteers and committed community stakeholders.”
● Larissa Currier-Brown, Ready to Learn Project Manager: “As the Ready to Learn Project Manager at Alignment Rockford, I work closely with community partners, striving to build awareness of early childhood resources while managing programs aimed at supporting families throughout the Rockford Region. I’m deeply passionate about community development and committed to uplifting diverse populations. I actively support nonprofit organizations through service and leadership, currently serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors at Brooke Road Community Center and as a Board Member at Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford. “
The core principles of Alignment Rockford are:
Collaboration: Alignment Rockford brings together various stakeholders, including educators, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community members, to create a unified effort in supporting student outcomes in Rockford.
Data-driven decision-making: We use data and evidence to identify student needs and gaps and develop initiatives aimed at addressing those needs.
Collective impact: We recognize that improving educational outcomes requires the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders, so we strive to create a shared vision for change and a common agenda for action.
Sustainability: Alignment Rockford focuses on building long-term partnerships and securing resources to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives.
Our work has a strong focus on equity, whole-child development, family support and collaborative problem-solving. Through our community-wide early learning initiatives like Ready to Learn and Winning Start Winnebago and our pilot work with RPS 205 that introduces and integrates trauma-informed school practices through Strong Schools, our goal is to build stronger community systems that ensure that each and every child in our community has what they need to thrive.
Meet the Alignment Rockford Staff:
● Emily Klonicki, Executive Director “As Executive Director of Alignment Rockford, I work to bring people together around visions for innovation and success. I believe that the most powerful solutions come from collaboration, and I’m passionate about building systems that put youth and families at the center, focus on equity, and create lasting opportunities for the youth in our community. It’s a privilege to do this work alongside such an amazing team and such talented and dedicated community members.”
● Kristine Correa, Operations Manager
“As Operations Manager at Alignment Rockford, I strive to keep things running behind the scenes so our team can stay focused on their work helping students and families thrive. I am passionate about making sure every child and family feels supported, heard and valued. Before stepping into this role at Alignment Rockford, I spent a lot of time volunteering in my children’s schools, which really showed me how important it is to be involved and build strong community connections. Now, I am proud to be part of a team that is working together to create real, lasting change for Rockford’s youth.”
● Antonio Ramirez, Community Education and Outreach Coordinator
“Volunteering for me has always been about taking action, being consistent, and supporting families so they can thrive. Over the past 25 years, I’ve volunteered in many capacities for our community—through projects, organizations, committees, and events—including 15 years with District 205’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee as both a member and past president, twice on the Facilities Planning Committee, and since 2011, as Co-Lead of the Education Committee for the Coalition of Latino Leaders—where I’ve coordinated quarterly meetings with the Superintendent. I currently serve as Chair of the Board for Comprehensive Community Solutions, continuing my commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community. In my role as Community Outreach & Education Coordinator for Alignment Rockford, and as the 2024 Excalibur Award recipient, I use my experience and community partnerships to help young people and families succeed.”
● Jillisa Bondurant, Early Childhood Mental Health and Data Project Manager
“Volunteering to me, is standing in the gaps and making an investment. Investing our time, talent and treasure for the betterment of our community. The seeds we plant through giving not only grow into blossoming programs, but they also develop strong root systems keeping us tied to the mission of others. As the Early Childhood Mental Health and Data Project Manager I am honored to facilitate community volunteers and stakeholders in engaging and executing the Early Development Instrument and facilitating steering committees that aid in launching new community programs such as, Winning Start Winnebago. The work we are fortunate to do in our office could not be done without volunteers and committed community stakeholders.”
● Larissa Currier-Brown, Ready to Learn Project Manager: “As the Ready to Learn Project Manager at Alignment Rockford, I work closely with community partners, striving to build awareness of early childhood resources while managing programs aimed at supporting families throughout the Rockford Region. I’m deeply passionate about community development and committed to uplifting diverse populations. I actively support nonprofit organizations through service and leadership, currently serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors at Brooke Road Community Center and as a Board Member at Spectrum Progressive School of Rockford. “
Together, we’re proud to stand with Rockford Public Schools and the many community leaders who share our commitment to student success. We invite you to learn more, get involved, and join us in building a stronger future for Rockford’s children.