THE JOURNEY
The Journey is a fellowship program devoted to the personal and professional development of youth workers in Indiana and beyond.
The Journey Team
TOM PLAKE
MSOD, CYC-P
Co-Creator and Chief Experience Officer
For over 30 years, Tom Plake has worked extensively as a speaker, coach, facilitator, and provocateur for: corporations, foundations, churches, universities, not-for-profits, state, local and federal government associations, community organizations, and schools. In 1992 he formed his own leadership and organization development consulting firm, Creative Resources, Inc. to help “people and organizations grow.”
Tom joined Janet in 2002 to create The Journey and began to design the award-winning programs and experiences that would bring a more intense level of personal and professional development to youth workers in Indiana. Using his design and facilitation skills, Tom ensures that all Journey fellowships and programs are “wow” experiences.
Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College and a M.S. with distinction in Organizational Development from American University/AUNTL. He is also a graduate of CoachU. He has been a member of the International Association of Facilitators, The Graduate School of Coaching, The National Human Services Assembly, The OD Network and The National Staff Development and Training Association.
When not on The Journey, Tom tries to keep up with his wife and two sons while working in a little traveling, reading, and music playing.
MELINDA BOWMAN
MLD, CYC-P
Director of Journey Community
ANTHONY DUMAS
Journey Fellowship Facilitator & Coordinator
Anthony is a life-long eastside Indianapolis resident. A graduate of Warren Central and Ball State University, he has over 20 years of experience of youth work and leadership experience. His job history includes working directly with those incarcerated within the Marion County Justice system, Indianapolis Public School #63, and the previous eleven years walking alongside homeless and housing displaced youth and young adults. Anthony loves spending time with his wife Sonna and his six children. In his free time, he loves to grill out and all things pickleball!
SHAWNA MEYER-NIEDERMAN
MS, CYC-P
Journey Fellowship Facilitator & Coordinator
Shawna (she/her), a 2010 New Pro fellow, brings her passion for youth development and love of people to the Journey Team as a Coordinator & Facilitator. Shawna’s background includes working with youth in public, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. She earned her Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University and her Bachelor of Science in Communication and Culture from Indiana University Bloomington, and has her CYC-P. She thrives on empowering individuals through authentic relationships, intentional programming, and having fun. Shawna strives to be an ally and lifelong learner. When not with her family in Bloomington, you’ll find her outdoors, traveling, or exploring something new.
Contact The Journey
Mailing Address 303 N. Alabama St., Suite 210 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Office Phone: 317-238-6955 General Email: journeyinfo@indysb.org