JIT Foster Youth

Don Wells

Don Wells is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Psychology, History and Political Science and certification to teach secondary education. In 2004, he also earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology.

Wells began his career as a high school history and psychology teacher before beginning an award-winning media career spanning three decades as an artist/animator, writer-producer, news director, project manager, and communications consultant. The one constant throughout the years has been his commitment to use his talents and influence to serve the community.

One example was using his leadership position at KGTV/ABC10 San Diego to help develop the very first My First Home makeover, giving JIT much needed visibility in its earliest years. Since then, Don has been a consistent supporter of Just in Time, joining the board in 2009 and assuming the duties of Executive Director in 2010.

Meredith Hall Praniewicz

Meredith Hall Praniewicz is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and is JIT's first full-time program director. As a former foster youth and one of JIT's first recipients, Ms. Praniewicz now has the opportunity to help former foster youth stay employed, attend vocational programs, and receive an education.

Soon after she started with JIT, Meredith received a call from a young man who desperately needed clothes for his second job interview. Within hours, she met and assisted him with purchasing clothing. He now has the job. This is a perfect example of how JIT provides emergency financial assistance and changes the life of an at-risk youth.

Evelyn Sun

Evelyn Sun is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego with a major in Human Biology and minors in Psychology and Health Care. While a student at UCSD, she played an active role in the community, including volunteering abroad in Arusha, Tanzania for a summer, assisting students as an HIV counselor and Student Health Advocate at the student health center, serving as President of UCSD's co-ed pre-medical fraternity, and giving her time to children whose lives have been affected by cancer through Camp Kesem.

Evelyn is JIT's first AmeriCorps VISTA who began working full-time in the JIT office in December 2009. She has been helping with coordination of our amazing volunteers and with organization in the office.

Arthur Roke

Arthur Roke is an Accounting graduate of Georgetown University in Washington DC and is a CPA. He has held several management position in finance including VP Finance for CN Biosciences, VP Finance for Pharmacopeia, and VP Finance for Profitline. He also has many years of experience consulting on the finance and accounting needs of non-profit performing arts organizations including the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC and the La Jolla Chamber Music Society in La Jolla.

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