Our Team
Marlaina Spivey
Co-Founder, Content Specialist
Marlaina earned her Master’s degree in Education from UC Davis, graduating at the top of her class. As a respected local business owner, instructor, and community organizer, Marlaina has applied her expertise in education both in the classroom—serving as a high school teacher for over a decade—and out of the classroom by creating academic programs that have been implemented statewide. Having received a number of accolades and awards for her innovative approach towards student growth and achievement, Marlaina is a passionate force for individual and community success.
“I have seen first-hand the somewhat glaring gaps between what the western education system provides and what is necessary for students to create a better future for themselves. It’s a problem. So we created a solution: YPE. We knew students weren’t receiving the tools they needed to help them achieve, let alone, identify and understand what their goals are. At YPE, we help them craft their own personal definition of success, and then, encourage them to get out there and make it happen. We aim to fill the gaps and set our youth up for a brighter future.” - Marlaina Schroeder Spivey
Kate Forman
Co-Founder, Content Specialist
Kate earned her Master’s degree in Education from UC Davis and her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Columbia College of Chicago. In addition to serving the West Sacramento community as an English teacher for over 12 years, Kate has facilitated a number of youth-building programs including Building Foundations for Success (Sacramento City College), Safety and Operations Task Force, and Link Crew (River City High School). She also serves as the 12th grade English department team lead, ABS Class Advisor, and Gay-Straight Alliance associate. Having experienced a long and recognized rugby career, Kate is also a current player for the national champion rugby team, Sacramento Amazons, and she serves as the Founder and Head Coach of River City Rugby.
“In my nearly 12-year tenure as a classroom teacher, I have both witnessed and played a role in the magical transformation that occurs in students between grades 9 through 12. This is an incredibly pivotal time in life that prepares our youth for the big leap forward into the rest of their lives. I have seen how the tools, relationships, and resources that they gain, in addition to, the habits and perspectives they form, stay with them into adulthood. This is why it’s so important to give our youth the best resources we possibly can, and—as early as we can. This is what we do at YPE. We prepare our youth for the successful lives they were destined to create.” Kate Forman
Marchesa Schroeder
Co-Founder, Business Development Specialist
Marchesa has been recognized as an entrepreneurial Jane of all trades with a focus on personal development and social contribution. While serving as one of the youngest employees to manage international operations at Rockstar Energy Drink, Marchesa sought out opportunities to contribute to the greater good including working as the west coast business development manager for a food waste start-up. As a Certified Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, business development specialist, and author of, “Plot-A-Course: The Goal-Attainment Guide That Leads You to Discover Who You Are, What You Want, and How to Get It,” Marchesa defines herself as a good-feelings maven with an untameable passion to create positive, lasting change.
“Our future is in the hands of our youth. Their success is our success. So when there are obvious pitfalls, I believe, it’s our shared responsibility to identify and resolve those. It’s no surprise that our education system has sizeable flaws. After all, it was established to train people to be obedient, subservient workers—not innovative leaders. It’s also no wonder why our youth lack direction, confidence, and drive. Improving the western education system in totality is a long-term challenge; a desire we share at YPE. But our immediate goal is to bridge the gap between what is provided through schooling and what is needed for an enjoyable, successful life. We want to empower students to trust and rely on themselves, to be the best versions of themselves they can be, to enjoy the pursuit, and to explore social contribution as the future leaders they are.” Marchesa Schroeder
