Our staff is committed to building meaningful, lasting mentoring relationships across our community. From supporting Bigs and Littles to partnering with families, schools, and supporters, this team shows up every day with passion, care, and a belief in the potential of every young person we serve.
Interim CEO
Mentor Moment: I was hoping to make a difference with my first little, Alex, 9 years old. But it was going slow, not much talking. Then a couple weeks in, he volunteered he wanted to go to college. When I asked why, he said so he could get a ring like mine. Bingo! Hope it stuck.
Chief Operating Officer
Mentor Moment: I have had the benefit of being mentored, as well as mentoring others. Mentorship is about mutual transformation. As mentors, we are invited to see our community through new eyes, to confront our assumptions, and to practice patience, humility, and hope in real time. The mentoring relationship is a shared journey where both people grow
Chief Engagement Officer
Mentor Moment: My high school golf coach taught me to play things as they lie, always following through and giving it your best shot! Then, don’t get discouraged, there is always another shot waiting for you.
Chief Program Officer
Mentor Moment: In middle school I had a super-energetic and enthusiastic orchestra director who recognized my talent for playing the cello and consistently encouraged me to build my skills and helped develop my love of music.
Director of Mentoring Services
Mentor Moment: I’ve seen how incredible the impact of mentoring can be. When a mentor puts in the time and really shows up, allowing disconnected youth to feel truly seen and heard – it can transform their world. It’s like shining a light on a new path for their future that they simply couldn’t see before.
Director of Enrollment & Matching
Mentor Moment: In grade school I had a teacher that frequently stayed after school with me when my family was going through a hard time. I knew I didn’t want to teach, but she made me realize I wanted to do something where I could support kids too.
Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator
Mentor Moment: I don’t think my mentor ever knew they were a mentor to me. They had gone through many of the same experiences I was navigating, yet they still chose to be a light for others. Watching that showed me who I wanted to be.
Enrollment Specialist
Mentor Moment: I have been fortunate to have women in my life who poured into me. They exposed me to the arts, taught me skills like sewing, gardening and cooking, and made sure I felt loved.
Training Specialist & IHHS Coordinator
Mentor Moment: I can’t think of a single adult outside of my parents who encouraged me and believed in me growing up, which is why I believe in the mission so much and want to be a part of the positive change in young people’s lives and why I so whole heartedly believe in each kid’s future. I don’t really know if you’re able to twist that to make it less sad but it’s the truth.
Program Specialist
Mentor Moment: As a young adult, I had a mentor who taught me the importance of being a servant leader. These were skills I not only was able to use in my career roles I have had but also in my personal life.
Program Specialist
Mentor Moment: When I was young, I loved books told in little snapshots of a person’s life — The House on Mango Street, Catcher in the Rye — and they made me believe I could be a writer. In high school, I wrote a poem for a contest and showed it to my music teacher, Mr. Spain. He asked if I’d ever thought about turning it into a song. I laughed — I couldn’t sing — he said that didn’t matter. So we spent weeks in the music room, him at the piano, me with my scribbles, turning my poem into a song. We recorded it, and even though I couldn’t resubmit it, the contest asked to use it to open their ceremony. Hearing my words sung aloud lit something in me. My words mattered. That moment shaped who I am. That’s why I work with kids today: to be the person who sees their spark, helps them believe their words matter, and reminds them that their voice belongs in the world.
Program Specialist
Mentor Moment: “Don’t waste your time hating a failure. Failure is a greater teacher than success. Listen, learn, go on.” Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Mentor Moment: When I was younger, I thought making a real difference meant changing the entire world. Over time, I realized something more powerful—changing one person’s world can create a ripple effect that leads to meaningful, lasting change for generations.
Events & Donor Relations Coordinator
Mentor Moment: I am a mentor and enjoy the time I get to spend with my Little Sister!
Administrative Assistant
Mentor Moment: Growing up, my mentor taught me the importance of resilience, kindness, and showing up for others
Purrtential Ignitor
Mentor Moment: I’m a mentor to all the staff here! I help keep spirits high when things get busy and make sure everyone takes a much-needed break for pets.
Program Director of Warren & McDonough Counties
Mentor Moment: “Mentoring isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up, listening, and being consistent.”
Program and Training Specialist for Warren & McDonough Counties
Mentor Moment: In high school I had a mentor who helped guide me through milestone decisions. Her advice helped shape my future. She is still a close friend today!
