Our Team

Kori Bissot

Data-Driven Planner | Evaluator | Capacity Builder

Kori Bissot brings a wealth of expertise, holding a BS in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, complemented by specialized training in research and evaluation design. As the visionary founder of KWB Strategies, Kori passionately dedicates her talents as a consultant to public and non-profit organizations and community groups, empowering them through strategic planning, needs assessment, evaluation, and training.

Before founding KWB Strategies, Kori led as Executive Director at the Lakeshore Coordinating Council (LCC), overseeing substance use disorder prevention and treatment funding across a four-county area with a $7 million budget. During her tenure, she directed $6.4 million in service grants annually, revitalized community partnerships, improved service access, and enhanced client care while reducing administrative costs. Prior to this, she served as Director of Prevention and Community Planning, from 2002 to 2011, guiding the development of effective substance abuse prevention plans resulting in $5M+ in federal grants supporting every county in the region.

Since the inception of KWB Strategies in 2013, Kori has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her passion for catalyzing positive community improvement. Utilizing engaging and dynamic facilitated processes, she empowers groups to harness local data effectively, driving robust planning processes that leave participants invigorated and primed for action. Through ongoing technical assistance and rigorous evaluation support, Kori continues to guide groups towards sustained progress and effectiveness.

Kori's contributions have earned her accolades such as the 2009 Preventionist of the Year from the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy and a nomination for the esteemed Athena Award by County Commissioners from Muskegon and Ottawa County in 2013. Additionally, her evaluation support has resulted in notable achievements for local coalitions, including the Coalition for a Drug-Free Muskegon's receipt of the prestigious Got Outcomes! Coalition of The Year award in 2015 and the Ottawa County CHOOSE Coalition's attainment of the SAMHSA Science and Service Award for Prevention Services in 2013.

Jessica Irvin

Public Health Professional | Coalition Builder | Harm Reduction Advocate

Jessica Irvin is a dedicated public health professional with a passion for creating positive change through coalition work in substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion. She holds a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, obtained in 2023, and a bachelor's degree in social work from Hope College.

With over 5 years of experience in coalition work, Jessica was a driving force behind development of a highly successful Opioid Taskforce, demonstrating her commitment to addressing pressing public health issues. Her expertise lies in integrating data evaluation into program planning and effectively communicating program outcomes. Notably, she collaborated with the state of Michigan to establish an evaluation framework for the Opioid Settlement Funds, showcasing her commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

Jessica is a champion for health equity, having actively participated in and conducting health equity and racial equity impact assessments. These frameworks ensure that organizations and programs prioritize equity, amplifying the voices of those they serve. At the local level, Jessica championed harm reduction policies and implemented harm reduction programming, showcasing her innovative approach to addressing complex health challenges. As a current CDC Public Health Law Fellow partnered with the Network of Public Health Law, she focuses on harm reduction policy across the country, contributing to the broader field of public health.

In addition to her public health background, Jessica brings 5 years of experience in corporate learning and training. Skilled in onboarding, event planning, and group facilitation, she has conducted classes both virtually and in person across the country. Jessica's multifaceted skill set uniquely positions her as a versatile and impactful professional in the realm of public health.

Cara Mazure

Social Worker | Youth Advocate | Connector

Cara Mazure is an accomplished social worker with a Master's degree from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor's degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She developed and led the first Youth Advocacy Team at the Ed & Nancy Hanenburg Children’s Advocacy Center, empowering high school students to shape intervention and prevention services for youth. This program was highlighted at the 2023 Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan Conference, where she co-presented to inspire similar initiatives.

With over four years of direct experience with children and families, Cara excels in collaborating with community organizations to provide essential education and support services. She also has extensive expertise in training adults across various sectors on prevention, recognition, and response strategies, both virtually and in-person.

Cara's skills extend to grant writing, program development, and evaluation in non-profit agencies. She has served on the Migrant Resource Council for Ottawa, Allegan, and Barry counties, integrating equity and inclusion into all her work. Cara Mazure is dedicated to advocating for vulnerable populations and driving meaningful change in her community.