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NextGrounds Founders
Who We Are
Amber Longsine
Founder & CEO
Meet Amber – Founder, Mentor, and Advocate for Youth & Families
Amber is a seasoned child development professional and early childhood educator with over 20 years of experience working with children ages 0–5. Throughout her career, she has specialized in supporting children on the autism spectrum, as well as those with developmental and speech delays. Her compassionate approach and dedication have made a lasting impact on countless families.
In addition to her leadership at NextGrounds, Amber is the owner and director of Wildwood Park Discovery School (formerly The Little Saplings Preschool), a nature-based preschool known for its inclusive care, developmental support, and welcoming approach to families from all walks of life.
As part of her commitment to empowering young people, Amber partners Wildwood Park Discovery School with NextGrounds to provide discounted childcare for teen parents employed through the NextGrounds program. This partnership ensures that young parents have access to safe, reliable, and affordable childcare during their work shifts—removing a major barrier to employment and helping them thrive both personally and professionally.
Amber has worked closely with teen parents throughout her career and deeply understands the unique challenges they face—balancing parenthood, school, and employment.
Her passion for equity and opportunity inspired the founding of NextGrounds: Empowering Property Care with the mission of:
“Growing Today’s Youth into Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
Through mentorship, hands-on training, and a values-driven approach, Amber strives to give high school and college students the tools, confidence, and support they need to begin contributing to their communities with purpose and pride.
William Johnson
Founder & CEO
Meet William – Co-Founder, Operator, and Leadership Mentor
William brings over 20 years of experience in heavy equipment operation, property care, general handyman and automobile technician and team leadership to the NextGrounds mission.
In addition to his role as a co-owner, mentor, and active leader at NextGrounds, William has spent nearly two decades working as a seasoned operator at Binford Metals, where he has earned a reputation for hard work, precision, and dedication.
With firsthand experience in building strong work ethic and leadership skills, William is deeply committed to developing the next generation of capable, confident, and resilient workers. He models and mentors the 15 core leadership traits that form the foundation of NextGrounds' student development program—traits like integrity, initiative, responsibility, and grit.
William’s passion lies in helping students unlock their potential. He takes pride in guiding young team members to overcome challenges, embrace responsibility, and grow into strong leaders both on and off the job site.
His dedication to youth mentorship and leadership training helped inspire the founding of NextGrounds: Empowering Property Care, rooted in the mission of:
“Growing Today’s Youth into Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
The Next Generation of Leaders
Hollis, Hawthorne, Dj, & Axel
Family Values at the Heart of Our Mission
Amber and William are proud parents of four wonderful, strong-willed, and spirited boys. Their parenting journey has been shaped by both joy and challenge, as their children have navigated unique developmental paths—including profound non-verbal autism, moderate-level autism, ADHD, and the everyday trials of raising determined, independent thinkers.
Through it all, Amber and William have remained committed to helping their children reach important milestones, contribute to their community, and grow into responsible, mature young leaders. They believe deeply in the power of support, structure, and mentorship—values that extend far beyond their family and into every aspect of the work they do through NextGrounds.
Their personal experience has only strengthened their belief that every individual—regardless of background, ability, or need for accommodations—deserves the opportunity to succeed. With the right guidance, encouragement, and leadership training, they believe everyone can thrive and lead with purpose.
This unwavering belief forms the foundation of the NextGrounds mission:
Empowering Property Care – Growing Today’s Youth into Tomorrow’s Leaders.