Mike Miller
Executive Director
Fr. Hoelle, S.M., the founder of The Dakota Street Center, Inc., saw humanity in all persons and knew a safe environment is key to building character and connecting community. The character of the whole person is assembled on the scaffolding of being both teacher and student. Being both at the same time is what a whole person is all about. Early (academic) experiences are very important to the strength of determining a child’s intellectual, emotional, and social scaffolding. When being a teacher we must value the student as fully human, worthy of respect, and deserving of human dignity regardless of age.
Fr. Hoelle often spoke about the value of planting seeds. Some of those seeds have matured into stature while others remain dormant waiting until the right time to sprout. Fr. Hoelle knew he would not see the benefits of his planting just like the farmer who plants an acorn. She plants it for her grandchildren, not herself.
Planting seeds of character and community has always been and will continue to be the work of the Dakota Center. Those who toiled before us leave a rich legacy for us to draw on. The staff of the center are the current stewards of Fr. Hoelle mission to fill the needy with good things. Read the staffs’ bios and you will have your answer why I love participating in this holy and noble effort. Come and see what’s happening because there is almost always something going on. I look forward to welcoming you back or for the first time. Thank you for visiting our website!
Mike completed his Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in May of 2017.
Erin Wilson
After-School Coordinator
Erin Wilson is a native of Dayton, Ohio. She is a 2007 graduate of Meadowdale High School and a 2012 and 2015 graduate of Wright State University with BA degrees in English and Liberal Studies with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University. Erin began her career at The Dakota Center as a Reading tutor with Project Read in 2012. In 2015, Ms. Wilson was hired as the After School Coordinator. She also tutors and mentors second language learner from Wright State University. Erin has a passion for working with youth and acknowledges that it is an honor and privilege to work with your child in our after school program.
Quiana Bickham
Senior Program Coordinator
Quiana Bickham is a native of Dayton and the daughter of Angela Byrdsong and Dwayne Bickham. Quiana is a 2002 graduate of Jefferson High School. Quiana started her career at Dakota Center in 2014 as an AmeriCorps Volunteer with the Homework Club after school program. Quiana has been an AmeriCorps member since 2011 where she served as a Service Mentor Coordinator and Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor. (2015- ) Montgomery County Mentoring Collaborative, (2011-2012) Montgomery County Mentoring Collaborative, and (2012-2013) Ohio Association of Food banks. Quiana is a 2015 graduate of Dayton Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI), a member of Women of Wisdom (W.O.W) and cheerleading advisory for Dakota /Wesley Vipers cheer squad. Quiana is currently pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management at Strayer University.
Charles Averette
Building and Grounds
Mark Nelms
Reading Specialist and Head Basketball Coach
Janice Bowers
Golden Agers Program Assistant