Justin Schott is the founder and program director of D-YES.  He is a passionate educator, activist, and social entrepreneur.   He left New York to work with the U.S. Forest Service and youth conservation corps in Colorado and Oregon for a few years, where he taught field science and led conservation projects like trail-building, habitat restoration, and removing invasive species.  He found his calling to the Midwest and Southeast Michigan in 2004 and has been here since.

Patrick is the Detroit Youth Energy Squad's Program Manager. Patrick is a BPI (Building Performance Institute) certified building analyst.  Patrick has worked for youth oriented residential water, energy, and irrigation conservation programs in both Colorado and Michigan.  Patrick studied economics and environmental studies at the University of Michigan and in 2009-2010 researched the feasibility of European renewable energy projects with the support of a German congressional fellowship., and irrigation conservation programs in Colorado.

Cheryl Smith is a professional engineer with an environmental background. She studied chemical engineering, hazardous waste management, and civil engineering/water resources, with courses in energy and sustainability. Having worked in facility environmental compliance, industrial wastewater permitting and enforcement, and at a hazardous waste treatment facility, Cheryl is excited about using her background in the energy efficiency and sustainability field.

Life long resident of the Great Lakes State and avid proponent for fresh water sustainability, Dan Sauer graduated from Central Michigan University with degrees in Environmental Policy and Public Administration.  He spent time interning at a governmental affairs law firm in Lansing, MI. where he worked on research for grass roots issues as well as familiarizing himself with the policy process that affects public policy issues throughout the state. Garnering community involvement, researching innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and regrowing Detroit are among his passions.

Austin Broderick is a new D-YES crew leader. A recent graduate of the University of Mary Washington where he studied Geography and Urban Environment, he is now a full-time resident of Highland Park. Austin participated in the Green Economy Leadership Training during the summer of 2011, in which sustainable practices in the areas of food security, energy, community wealth building and infrastructure redevelopment were introduced in Highland Park. Austin also has extensive experience working with youth and special needs adults through his time spent as a counselor at Camp Fatima in New Hampshire.

Jerry Lawrence is from Detroit, Michigan, but has lived in San Francisco, CA and Washington, D.C.., Energetic,Entrepreneur and Energy Educator. Corporate background includes senior management roles with Honeywell Federal Systems, Raytheon and Kelly Services. Also as a Business Development Consultant for Walker - Miller Energy. He has served as a member on the Detroit Green task force and Green for All in Oakland, California. Member of Omega Psi Phi . He has three great sons, enjoys jazz and travel to Europe and San Francisco. His hope is for a more Energy Efficient,Safe and productive country.

D-Yes Crew Leader Tosha Y. Cox answered the call to service for her community, with a focus on youth in Detroit. Tosha graduated from Central State University with a degree in Economics, and holds a Graduate degree in Financial Economics from University of Detroit Mercy. Tosha has been a financial service professional for over 13 years, and is passionate about Financial Literacy, Environmental Justice, and being a voice for the youth of the city of Detroit and surrounding areas. Tosha believes that the community must be informed and educated on Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, and the Green economy to make the necessary lifestyle changes needed for healthy, livable, and viable communities in Detroit.

Edna Perry, a second year Americorps volunteer continues her passion, "Making changes for America.,"  in her present volunteer position with the Detroit Youth Energy Squad.  She attended Marygrove College for both her B.A. degree, and her Masters of Administration degree.  She is a retired State of Michigan employee, having provided services for youth and their families, as a Social Worker, through the FIA program, She also taught Elementary and Middle School students, in the Detroit Public Schools system, after receiving herMichigan Teacher's Certification from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Crew Members - Our crew members are junior and senior high school students. Saving our clients $250 a year on their utility bills, building gardens, presenting their work in Washington, DC, - just check out our Accomplishments page to see what these young people can do!

Our Support - D-YES is a program of the WARM Training Center, and as such receives the expertise and support of an organization that has spent over 30 years helping Detroit save energy.

Our Partners - The success of D-YES depends on its partnerships with AmeriCorps, schools, and other green organizations throughout the city.  If your school is interested in working with D-YES, please see our Bring D-YES to YOU and Sustainability Education pages for more information. 

Did you know that since 1993 over 500,000 people, including our crew leaders and summer crew members, have dedicated themselves to improving and serving their community through AmeriCorps? Even if D-YES might not be right for you, check out other opportunities to serve your community through AmeriCorps.