Meet Our Director, Alexa Backus Chase
January 2026
Hello St. Lawrence County,
Since becoming Director in March 2020, it has been an honor to serve local youth and families. Returning to my hometown of Heuvelton has been both a personal and professional full circle moment, and I am deeply committed to the future of the county that helped shape me.
After graduating from Heuvelton Central School, in 1989, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University in 1993. I spent 27 years with Huntington Learning Centers as a franchise owner and Center Director, where I developed a strong foundation in youth development, leadership, and organizational management.
Today, my mission is clear: to create meaningful opportunities that help young people feel connected, confident, and prepared to build their futures. Through positive youth development programming, civic engagement initiatives, and youth led leadership opportunities, we are working to ensure our youth have both voice and purpose.
Mental health awareness and suicide prevention remain core priorities. As Co-Chair of the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition and a certified QPR and safeTALK trainer, I am committed to equipping our community with the tools to support young people in times of need.
Our work is grounded in three pillars: academic success, social and emotional wellness, and a strong sense of belonging. When youth feel supported and valued, they thrive.
St. Lawrence County is not just where I work. It is home. Together with families, schools, and community partners, we are building a future where every young person has the opportunity to lead, serve, and succeed.
I invite you to stay connected, follow our work, and join us in empowering the next generation.
Sincerely,
Alexa Backus Chase
Director, St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau
Ken Taylor, Program Coordinator
January 2026
Hello St. Lawrence County,
After a full year in my role as Program Coordinator here at the Youth Bureau, I’ve had the chance to learn from so many outstanding programs and grow alongside several new ones. Seeing the impact our partners make every day has been one of the best parts of this job.
For those who may not know me, I’m a lifelong St. Lawrence County resident and a Lisbon Central School graduate. Before joining the Youth Bureau, I spent about ten years in healthcare, working in long-term care, subacute care, rehabilitation, and physician practice management.
In 2021, I decided to enroll at Southern New Hampshire University to study psychology. The program gave me the chance to explore clinical and developmental coursework, and I graduated in 2023 at the top of my class as a first-generation college student. That experience still guides how I approach youth development and community work.
In 2025, I made the transition into youth development, bringing with me a mix of practical skills and soft skills that helped make the change a lot less intimidating. It’s been a rewarding shift, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the youth and families of our county.
Outside of the office, you’ll usually find me at the gym, with friends, or spending time with family. Staying active and connected to the people I care about helps me stay grounded and bring my best to this work.
Looking ahead, my vision is to continue building strong relationships with our partners, expanding access to meaningful youth programming, and supporting an environment where young people feel safe, supported, and connected. I want to strengthen collaboration across the county and help ensure that every program has what it needs to thrive.
Thank you for welcoming me to this work and for the continued support you show to the youth and families of St. Lawrence County. I’m excited for the year ahead and everything we can accomplish together.
Very Truly Yours,
Ken Taylor
Program Coordinator, St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau
