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Home
Refer a Youth
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  • IMPACT STORIES
  • ABOUT US
Get Involved
  • DONATE
  • JOIN THE FIELD COLLECTIVE
  • CONTACT | GET INVOLVED
  • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
  • SPONSORSHIPS
Programs
  • Kickback Youth Lounge
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  • Home
  • Refer a Youth
  • About Us
    • IMPACT STORIES
    • ABOUT US
  • Get Involved
    • DONATE
    • JOIN THE FIELD COLLECTIVE
    • CONTACT | GET INVOLVED
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • SPONSORSHIPS
  • Programs
    • Kickback Youth Lounge
  • Home
  • Refer a Youth
  • About Us
    • IMPACT STORIES
    • ABOUT US
  • Get Involved
    • DONATE
    • JOIN THE FIELD COLLECTIVE
    • CONTACT | GET INVOLVED
    • CALENDAR OF EVENTS
    • SPONSORSHIPS
  • Programs
    • Kickback Youth Lounge

Meet the Team

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

Micah Zelle Dennis‑Shaw is a youth advocate, curriculum developer, and nonprofit leader committed to transforming systems that impact vulnerable children and families. Raised in Middletown, Ohio, her lived experience with homelessness, abuse, and instability fuels her dedication to ensuring no young person feels unseen or unsupported.


Mica

Micah Zelle Dennis‑Shaw is a youth advocate, curriculum developer, and nonprofit leader committed to transforming systems that impact vulnerable children and families. Raised in Middletown, Ohio, her lived experience with homelessness, abuse, and instability fuels her dedication to ensuring no young person feels unseen or unsupported.


Micah studied Sociology, Criminology, and African American Studies at Central Arizona College and the University of Arkansas, where she also completed her collegiate track career. In 2016, she co‑founded The Village Easing Childhood Poverty (The Village ECP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides trauma‑informed programming, mentorship, and support for youth navigating poverty, systemic injustice, and untreated trauma.


As Co‑Author of In the Field with Captain Save‑A‑Hood and a leader in program and curriculum design, Micah creates healing‑centered workshops that equip youth with practical tools, leadership skills, and opportunities to redefine their futures. Her long‑term vision is to build a self‑sustaining campus for foster youth and young people needing positive behavioral intervention — a place where healing, education, and opportunity intersect.

Callie Unruh | Executive Director

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

I believe every person—especially our youth—deserves a second chance. As Executive Director of In the Field AZ, I lead community-rooted strategies to disrupt childhood poverty and justice  system involvement. With over a decade in nonprofit leadership, I’m a systems builder committed to radical belonging, shared power, and sustainable cha

I believe every person—especially our youth—deserves a second chance. As Executive Director of In the Field AZ, I lead community-rooted strategies to disrupt childhood poverty and justice  system involvement. With over a decade in nonprofit leadership, I’m a systems builder committed to radical belonging, shared power, and sustainable change. My work centers human dignity, from securing funding to designing trauma-informed programs that truly serve.

Based in Chandler, Arizona, I hold a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. Outside of strategy sessions, you’ll find me camping with my two wild boys, tending the garden, and building spaces for helpers, healers, and movement builders to thrive.


Connect with me on LinkedIn

Robert Mickens | Board Member

Micah Dennis | Founder + Program Director

Robert Mickens | Board Member

 

Robert Mickens is a seasoned tech executive and dedicated life coach with a proven track record of driving innovation and building scalable solutions across multiple industries. With over a decade of experience leading enterprise technology initiatives, optimizing operations, and delivering measurable business outcomes, he brings both st

 

Robert Mickens is a seasoned tech executive and dedicated life coach with a proven track record of driving innovation and building scalable solutions across multiple industries. With over a decade of experience leading enterprise technology initiatives, optimizing operations, and delivering measurable business outcomes, he brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution to complex challenges. 


Throughout his career, Robert has successfully partnered with organizations to modernize systems, improve performance, and create sustainable growth.


In addition to his professional accomplishments, Robert is deeply committed to community development and youth empowerment. As a life coach and mentor, he volunteers his time to lead technology and personal development workshops that equip young people with practical skills, confidence, and a growth-oriented mindset. His work is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built by investing in people, and he is passionate about developing future leaders, strengthening families, and creating pathways for long-term success through education, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership.


Connect on LinkedIn

Jonathan Smith | Board Member

Jonathan Smith | Board Member

Robert Mickens | Board Member

 

Jonathan is a visionary entrepreneur and systems-driven builder committed to transforming underserved communities through innovation, education, and strategic action. As the founder of Captain Save A Hood, he leads with a mission-first mindset—bridging technology, culture, and real-world solutions to create pathways for growth, ownership

 

Jonathan is a visionary entrepreneur and systems-driven builder committed to transforming underserved communities through innovation, education, and strategic action. As the founder of Captain Save A Hood, he leads with a mission-first mindset—bridging technology, culture, and real-world solutions to create pathways for growth, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

Grounded in lived experience and sharpened by strategic thinking, Jonathan designs initiatives that go beyond awareness and into execution. His work focuses on empowering individuals with tools, knowledge, and systems that foster self-sufficiency, resilience, and economic mobility. Whether through technology, creative programs, or community-based solutions, the goal is always the same: create impact that lasts.

Jonathan brings a disciplined, forward-thinking approach to leadership—combining innovation with accountability and vision with action. Captain Save A Hood stands as a reflection of that philosophy: not just saving communities, but helping them build, evolve, and lead themselves into the future.

Mikayla Avery | Board Member

Jonathan Smith | Board Member

Mikayla Avery | Board Member

 A dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse who is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and promoting positive health outcomes. Mikayla excels in fast-paced environments where teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential. Her passion for nursing drives her to provide holistic, patient-centered care while c

 A dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse who is committed to delivering exceptional patient care and promoting positive health outcomes. Mikayla excels in fast-paced environments where teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential. Her passion for nursing drives her to provide holistic, patient-centered care while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the highest quality of service.   In addition, Mikayla also holds a Bachelors in Business Administration. 


Connect on LinkedIn

FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY FROM 2025 BACK TO 2016 WHEN IT ALL STARTED!

In the Field is a program of Village Easing Childhood Poverty.  We started in Arkansas in 2016 -- working with youth, building our curriculum, gardening and more.  Check out our journey!

2025 DAY & EVENING REPORTING CENTER

2024 PILOT PROGRAM

2020-2023 IN THE FIELD WITH CAPTAIN SAVE-A-HOOD CURRICULUM

2017-2020 HEARTVINES EDU FARM

2016-2020 FAYETTEVILLAGE PROGRAM

Video

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In The Field AZ , A Village Easing Childhood Poverty Program

501(c)3 Nonprofit EIN  81-3946325 

225 E. Main St. Mesa AZ 85201


Copyright © 2025 In The Field - All Rights Reserved.

Village Easing Childhood Poverty

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