Family & Community Engagement

Strengthening and sustaining authentic relationships within our community

The goal of the Osseo Area Schools Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department is to strengthen and sustain authentic relationships within the district community. Through meaningful partnerships, FACE seeks to enable scholars to achieve their brilliance while also engaging with and holding space for the various perspectives of district families and community members.

Department Vision

Ensure that every scholar and family in our community feels seen, heard and welcomed.
Deepen our connections and strengthen our partnerships within the Osseo Area Schools community.
Value and consider the voices of every scholar as we implement new strategies.
Empower parents/guardians as advocates for their scholars.

Mulitcultural Facebook Communities

American Indian Education
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Hmoob
Soomaali
Tiếng Việt
West African

Main Contact

Vanessa Gill
Coordinator, Family and Community Engagement
763-391-7088
GillV@district279.org

Meet the FACE Team

The Osseo Area Schools Family and Community Engagement team:

Consults and co-creates with school sites as they strengthen their engagement strategies and practices.
Supports school sites in creating collaborative and meaningful partnerships with their families.
Provides districtwide direction for collective engagement practices.
Facilitates site-specific family and community engagement training and development.

Vanessa Gill

Vanessa Gill, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator

I am a dynamic youth worker and educator with over a decade of experience working with scholars and families across the Twin Cities. In my most recent role, I supported the Full-Service School Initiative in Minneapolis Public Schools. I am excited to join Osseo Area Schools as the Family and Community Engagement coordinator. I look forward to supporting the district in strengthening our collective engagement practices, along with establishing new opportunities for families to intentionally partner and collaborate with us.

Outside of work, I love music, traveling to tropical destinations, attending concerts and cooking.

Fun fact

I have visited four continents: North America, South America (Brazil), Europe (Spain, Amsterdam and Istanbul) and Asia (Istanbul).

Kevon Whitlock

Kevon Whitlock, Family and Community Engagement Equity Specialist

I am a Brooklyn Park native and graduate of Osseo Senior High ('09). I recently completed my Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University-Twin Cities. I am excited to come full circle and join Osseo Area Schools as the Family and Community Engagement equity specialist. I look forward to supporting the district in strengthening the family engagement practices. I am also eager to blend education and mental health in a unique way.

Outside of work, I love raising my son, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Fun fact

I used to own a 2007 V-star Classic 650 motorcycle. Though I no longer have my motorcycle, I do still maintain my endorsement for riding.

Luann Bui

Luann Bui, Family and Community Engagement Community Liaison

I am driven by passion and a strong commitment to the underrepresented communities. My goal is to close the achievement gap among students of color and assist in the resolution of misunderstandings and conflicts due to language barriers. My main objective is to build great connections with the diverse communities and assist families with participating in Family and Community Engagement programs. I consider myself a passionate community servant with the ability to motivate and inspire individuals in identifying their potential to continue, and share this passion to serve others.

When I’m not working, I love to travel and experience different cultures around the world. Hiking, backpacking and road tripping in a campervan are my favorite things to do. I conquered the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, Peru, and spent two weeks in a campervan exploring New Zealand within the same summer.

Fun fact

I published a cookbook and enjoyed freelancing for a bilingual magazine as a food columnist.

Amber Wright

Amber Wright, Family and Community Engagement Administrative Assistant

I am a mother, wife and longtime resident of the northwest metro. I have worked in education as an administrative assistant for nine years. I am excited to join Osseo Area Schools and the Family and Community Engagement department as the administrative assistant. The work of building relationships and trust between the district, families and community is very important to me. I believe engagement and partnership with our families is essential to the growth of our district.

When I'm not working, I love watching sports and working out.

Fun fact

In 2019, my state championship 4x100m relay teammates and I were inducted into the Hall of Fame at DeLaSalle High School. Our state record stood for 11 years.

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In This Section

Family & Community Engagement

Department Vision

Mulitcultural Facebook Communities

Main Contact

Meet the FACE Team

Vanessa Gill

Vanessa Gill, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator

Fun fact

Kevon Whitlock

Kevon Whitlock, Family and Community Engagement Equity Specialist

Fun fact

Luann Bui

Luann Bui, Family and Community Engagement Community Liaison

Fun fact

Amber Wright

Amber Wright, Family and Community Engagement Administrative Assistant

Fun fact

FACE Calendar