Karonna Funderburg

Karonna Funderburg joined the SAY Detroit Play Center team in August 2022 as the Check & Connect (C&C) Program Specialist. Karonna also helps out with the day to day operations of the center with various tasks/projects. In her role with our C&C Program, a reserch-based model for students who are disconnected or at risk of disconnecting from the school and learning, Karonna keeps track of students academics (Math/English Courses), attendance and behavior of each student weekly in the C&C portal. She oversees the C&C mentors who complete weekly face to face check-ins with their assiged students/schools and offers timely inverventions to help students solve problems, build skills and enhance competence. Karonna enjoys her bi-weekly onsite visits/ meetings with our partnership schools in the community. Karonna also served as assisstant supervisor for our Summer GDYT Program 2023 but she was recently promoted to general manager for summer 2024.

Karonna has worked with youth for over 25 years. She recently worked in Hamtramck Public Schools for 16 years. During her tenure in Hamtramck, she worked as Site Director & Program Specialist for 21st Century Programs. She enjoys working with youth, making connections and having a impact on any youth that crosses her path – it is definitely a blessing for her. She attended Detroit Central High School, Class of ’97, and graduated from University of Detroit Mercy in May 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Developmental Psychology. Karonna looks forward to what’s coming to SAY Detroit Play Center and appreciates this WONDERFUL blessing!