Our Staff
Alexandra Blake
Program Director
Alexandra Blake, MPH has a passion for helping people. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in French with a Minor in Statistics from the University of Vermont, and her Master’s of Public Health from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University. With a background in research and Public Health, Alexandra understands the importance of connecting people with the resources they need, something she had hands-on experience with while working as a COVID-19 Case Investigator for The Virginia Department of Health. As a Military BRAT, helping Veterans is a very personal cause for Alexandra. She is excited to help Veterans in the area get connected with each other and their next steps in life.
Kina Focareto
Academic Counselor
Kina Focareto is excited to join the Veteran’s Upward Bound Program as an Academic Counselor. Kina is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where she studied Communication at the University of Cincinnati. She later moved to Germany where she earned her Master’s in Business Psychology. Kina discovered her passion for education counseling while working with service members and their families at the various garrisons in Bavaria. She is very excited to continue to assist military affiliated students in their educational pursuits. Outside of work, Kina is always immersed in a new book, spending time with her family, or exploring fun new local foods.Â
