Christopher J. Daniel
Chris Daniel first became involved with FAST as a coordinator for one of the early Middle School Level implementations of the program in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1991. He became a trainer shortly thereafter and was intrigued by what FAST had to offer the community through its theme of empowerment for parents, youth, and children.
Chris brings 30+ years of experience in innovative, family-focused youth development and community-building programs to his role. He has served as a consultant and manager in nationally significant, research-based initiatives and as a supervisor and director of training for many professionals and non-profit organizations across the United States and internationally. This has afforded him the opportunity to work with diverse groups representing several cultures and languages.
As a man of faith, his guidance and support of others is founded on the principles of the Great Commandment – love. He said, “I believe FAST helps all those involved to learn how to effectively communicate love to one another, whether it’s a teacher to their students or parents, parents to other parents, parents to children and vice-versa, community representatives to schools and parents…”
Chris earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and pursued graduate studies within the Masters of Divinity program of Grand Canyon University.
Donetta Bracey
Born and raised in South Carolina, Donetta Bracey first became involved with FAST while working as a Program Manager with Communities in Schools of Kershaw County in 2000. She was initially drawn to FAST because she witnessed the program change the lives of so many after one cycle. “The parents that participated became empowered and started to work with school staff and community members to help their children and others,” she said. “They built a village to help raise the children at their school.”
Donetta believed all families should have the opportunity to participate in the program and desired to offer it to everyone. She was certified as a FAST Trainer in 2001, and after working with Communities in Schools, helped train FAST teams across the state of South Carolina. Since then, she has trained many teams across the U.S. and internationally, including in the United Kingdom.
Donetta is passionate about working with youth and feels it is her calling. She has over 20 years of experience working with youth and families, both through FAST and beyond, and has a P.Y.L.I. (Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute) certification. When Donetta is not traveling, she works with “Leadership Matters” groups and other youth groups across the state. She is also a Youth Motivational Speaker and Youth Tennis Instructor.
Donetta earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Spartanburg Methodist College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Rick Jackson
Rick Jackson first served on a FAST Team at Bryant Elementary School in Independence, Missouri, in 1999, and ran the program yearly. As he moved onto other positions within the district, he became a Certified FAST Trainer and trained other schools. “I enjoyed introducing FAST to others as it was a family-friendly, strengths-based process that I firmly believed in,” he said. “Parent and family empowerment is a critical investment we make to our community.”
As a national FAST Trainer, Rick also enjoys working with teams and families from different parts of the country, building relationships that are often long lasting and deeply meaningful. He brings decades of relevant experience to this role, including 14 years as a Child Abuse and Neglect Social Worker for the State of Missouri and 23 years as Program Director and Grant Manager for the Independence School District, which included developing social service and family involvement programming for the district.
Rick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, and pursued graduate studies in Guidance and Counseling at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.