Partnership & Community
Social & Emotional Learning
Social & Emotional Learning
Our mentor team engages students in one-on-one coaching sessions to co-create and work toward individual student goals. Mentors partner with families to encourage authentic family participation and extend services into the community, connecting students with the resources they need. Our team members serve as liaisons between parents, students, community, and school in promoting mentees’ success.
Social & Emotional Learning
Social & Emotional Learning
Social & Emotional Learning
We work shoulder-to-shoulder with students to understand their stress responses and develop coping mechanisms. Youth engagement activities help students connect with one another as they collaboratively identify strengths, develop agency, and contribute to community.
Civic Training
Social & Emotional Learning
Civic Training
Career and civic readiness coaching builds on the foundations of the mentoring relationship and focuses specifically on career pathways, transferable skills, and soft skills. Civic Training helps students develop strong habits as they discover and work toward their "why."
Why "The Missing Piece"
"Growing up, I never felt like I had a voice. I felt as though I lacked something others had. When I finally found the courage to leverage my voice and perspectives, I learned that I was the Missing Piece -- in my own success, in my education, and in my community. As I've been given opportunities to work in education and career development, I have come to see the need for others to discover their voices the way I did. The next generation's journey is vital; that is why I am so passionate about this urgent and necessary work with youth."
Randolph W. Ricketts, IV
Founder and Executive Director of The Missing Piece
Meet The Team
About Randy
Founder & Executive Director
Randy W. Ricketts, IV is proud to share The Missing Piece with communities and schools across Connecticut. Randy has served as a peer navigator for the Greater Hartford region, specializing in connecting individuals affected by the opioid epidemic with community-based resources. Currently, he is studying to obtain a Recovery Support Specialist certification. Ricketts is the Founder of the New England Officiating Services. Developing new and current basketball officials from youth to pro level. He is the VP of the non-profit, "Set The Pace", geared to assist youth and families impacted by the justice system. Ricketts serves as the Chairman at the YMCA East Hartford branch. When he is not working, Randy spends his time training and preparing to become an NBA basketball official.
About Kairsten
Director of Operations, Innovation Specialist
Kairsten A. Johnson is a dedicated Praise Team Member and the Youth & Young Adults Coordinator at Liberty Christian Center International. Kairsten is the proud Owner and Lead Designer at Innovar. LLC, a creative consulting agency. She also serves as a Board Member on the YMCA East Hartford Advisory Board.
In the tech and graphic design world, Kairsten shines as a professional writer, graphic designer, digital marketing agency owner, and educational instructor. She is dedicated to creating innovative programs for youth in business and career development. With expertise in strategic planning for non-profits and startups, she brings missions to life through compelling visuals and clear messaging. She trains staff for mentoring programs, ensuring efficient operations and high standards in case management. Passionate about uplifting others, Kairsten empowers every voice and fosters environments where everyone can thrive.
CareerQuest 2025
Stay Tuned this summer with an immersive summer programming proving paid opportunities for youth and young adults in the Greater Hartford & BEYOND!