Our Leadership Team

B.A. in Business Administration and Human Resources, Anderson University
CFRM, Lilly School of Philanthropy
Longstanding Career Dedicated to Nonprofit Leadership, including roles with Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana and Power House Youth Center

TIME AT JAM: 13 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

What I love most about the JAM Center is that it is a place for people of all ages. Everyone can be impacted by our mission. It is a community center that is inviting and always looking to improve for our customers.

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about showing the love of Christ through all I do. Through my work at the JAM Center, I have learned so much about human development and principle-based leadership. These have become a daily passion and part of my life.

B.S. in Health and Wellness, Purdue University Global
Fundraising for Small Nonprofits, Lilly School of Philanthropy
E-RYT200, RYT500, YACEP, and RYPT from Yoga Alliance
CPO - Certified Pool and Spa Operator
CPRI - Red Cross CPR Instructor
Committee Member, Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne
Member, Amnesty International

TIME AT JAM: 5 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

At JAM, you come as you are and are supported to move towards your goals. JAM is so much more than a recreation center; when you walk through the doors, you become part of a family.

How has your role evolved since you've joined the team?

I accepted the role of Director of Aquatics & Recreation in May 2019. I then took on leadership in our wellness department as our Director of Aquatics & Wellness. In 2021, I transitioned into operations as our Chief Operating Officer. Now, my primary focus is on holistic wellness in our organization and community. I have supported JAM as an instructor, wellness coach, and private yoga instructor for the entirety of my JAM career.

What are you most looking forward to at JAM?

Our mission is multidimensional, and I am grateful to take part in carrying it out. I’m excited to witness the growth in our leaders, staff, and community.

Fundraising for Small Nonprofits, Lilly School of Philanthropy
Grant Writing and Fundraising workshops, Dekko Foundation
Extensive experience with Virtuous Software and Event.Gives Online Platform

TIME AT JAM: 11 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

I love that no matter what my day is like outside of JAM, I can always walk in and feel held and supported. In both my professional and personal life, JAM has always been a huge source of support for me.

How has your role evolved since you've joined the team?

My journey at JAM started in the health and wellness field, with limited experience working in non-profits. I wouldn’t say my role has evolved - I would say that through the motivation, support, and leadership I was given, I have evolved to build my current role. My leader saw my gifts and focused my talents where she saw the best fit for me. Now, I am growing more and more every day, guided towards a better understanding of the non-profit world and all things that go with philanthropy.

What tips or advice would you give to someone starting a new role at JAM?

Be patient with yourself. Give yourself time outside of your role/job and find a balance. Those of us who find ourselves in a philanthropic role are often givers by nature. To give in a healthy way, we must be happy and healthy as well. JAM empowers us to find a healthy work-life balance and also leaves a safe space to communicate if we need that time to rest. I would encourage new staff to be open to all needs and challenges that come with any role. Open communication is key to success and JAM supports that.

B.A. in Elementary Education, WGU
B.A. in Special Education, WGU
Bloom Trained
10+ years of Lead Teacher and Classroom Experience

TIME AT JAM: 10 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

My favorite thing about JAM is that within the world of education, I get to be a part of making a true difference in the lives of the children enrolled in our school. The values and beliefs of JAM Early Education truly reflect my personal beliefs. Education is not a one shoe fits all situation. We are able to view each child as an individual and collaborate to identify their needs. Children in our program experience unique learning opportunities that I feel are crucial for the support and development of the whole child.

How has your role evolved since you've joined the team?

I started as a preschool assistant teacher. I then moved into the role of a preschool lead teacher, but I eventually stepped down from leading to focus on school. I returned to the role of an assistant, but with toddlers. After a year or two, I moved back into a lead role and transitioned to online college so I could work full time. From there, I finished school and had to take a leave to complete my student teaching. My classroom ran so well without me that I felt it wasn’t my time to return to toddlers and that I should give someone else the opportunity to lead that classroom. When I returned, I went back to my roots in preschool. I remained there as a lead teacher until the position for Pedagogista opened and was offered to me. That is where I have been since!

Office Manager, Purdue Extension Wabash County
Guidance Secretary, White's Jr. Sr. High School
Preschool Teacher, Presbyterian Preschool of Wabash
Extensive Leadership Experience

TIME AT JAM: 6 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

I love that the JAM Center genuinely cares about their members and staff. I feel supported and empowered in my role.

How has your role evolved?

My role has evolved from a strictly administrative position to a leadership role where I can support other team leaders as well as the CEO.

How do you think your role has shaped the culture at JAM?

I feel like I bring a positive attitude to my role. I am willing to be a team player and give support and encouragement when needed.

TIME AT JAM: 7 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

I love that we are a community center that serves all ages. Things like seeing our youngest members learning how to walk for the first time or having conversations with an elderly person who otherwise might not have a lot of people to interact with are wonderful examples of how JAM makes a difference. Being able to make meaningful connections with a variety of different people brings me joy!

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about advocating for chronic illness. Throughout my own journey with chronic illness, it has been difficult to find my voice at times. Unfortunately, people with chronic illnesses face frequent assumptions and barriers and are left feeling hopeless. I think it’s important to look at the body as a whole, seek out the root causes, and learn the connection of overall wellness between the mind and body. This leads to my other passion: my relationship with Jesus. I rely on him in all that I do, and I try to share his love and light.

How has your role evolved since you’ve joined the team?

My role doesn’t look the same at all. When I first started in 2017, I worked at the Welcome Center desk greeting customers. In 2019, I was promoted to the Welcome Center Operations Manager and joined our Leadership Team. In 2021, I moved into my current position as the Early Education Billing and Records Administrator. I am thankful for the growth opportunities that the JAM Center has offered me.

B.S.Ed of Elementary Education, Indiana University
Extensive Lead Teacher and Classroom Experience

TIME AT JAM: 4 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

I love JAM because of our mission. We are community-driven and everything we do is to benefit those around us. Being the administrator for Early Education, I love the relationships that we have built with our students and their families. I enjoy seeing the growth of our students and our teachers. I feel like a family has been built here, and not everyone can say that about their workplace.

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

A cause that I am passionate about is ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) research. My mom was diagnosed with this disease in 2009 and ended up passing away in 2011. It is something that has very devastating effects on its victims and through continued research, I hope that one day they may develop a cure!

What are you most looking forward to at JAM?

The thing I am looking forward to most is to see what we grow and evolve into. I feel like JAM has changed a lot since I first started here, and I cannot wait to continue to see the growth! Specifically for Early Education, I look forward to having a full staff of teachers who are incredible additions to our team and believe in our mission. I also look forward to seeing what our Early Education program can become in the years to come.

M.S. in Organizational Leadership, Purdue University Fort Wayne

TIME AT JAM: 4 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

The inclusion, collaboration, and sincerity amongst team members. We grow together, learn together, and challenge each other. JAM is here for the community both inside and outside of the organization. The welcoming atmosphere does not go unnoticed and is one of the reasons I come through the lobby doors each day with a smile on my face.

What is a cause you’re passionate about?

I’m passionate about continuous learning. I believe that education brings awareness and awareness leads to more empathy. The JAM Center embodies continuous learning with all stages of life. It directly aligns with my own values and the importance education holds.

What tips or advice would you give to someone starting a new role at JAM?

Ask ALL the questions. Be curious. Seek to understand the reasoning behind our policies, procedures, philosophy, values, and mission. Each decision made will typically have a strategy behind it’s “why”. Do not spend too much time thinking to yourself… “I wonder why they did this?” Ask and learn. I truly believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the answer. Also, your question may shed light on ideas of new ways to approach things!

TIME AT JAM: 2 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

The JAM Center is the product of Garrett’s strong sense of community, something I noticed even while living in Fort Wayne. People caring for those around them is such an asset to everyone connected!

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

I’m most passionate about my relationship with God, growing in Him, and encouraging others in theirs as well.

What do you think is the most important skill that you bring to JAM?

I don’t give up easily, which translates to perseverance in challenging situations.

B.S. in Community Health Education, University of Indianapolis
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2018-2019
Trenchwork Offensive Line Academy, 2020-2021
Habitat for Humanity, 2021-2022
Active Participant with Erin's House, Euell Wilson Center, Indianapolis Special Olympics, and Indiana Minority Health Coalition

TIME AT JAM: 2 YEARS

What do you love most about JAM?

JAM Center opens its doors to the community with such a large variety of activities which keeps things exciting for staff and visitors alike.

What made you want to pursue your current role?

I was searching for a career that aligned with my field of study (Public Health) as well as my values and feel fortunate to have found a place that aligns so well!

As a company, what do you think our biggest challenges and opportunities are?

I think one of our biggest challenges is that we are located in a small town, which in itself presents opportunities to grow and help bring the community together through wellness and other shared interests.

TIME AT JAM: 1 YEAR

What do you love most about JAM?

I love that each person is encouraged to express their ideas and to implement new ways to make their departments run more efficiently.

How has your role evolved since you've joined the team?

A lot of the aspects involved in my department have become digitized in the time I’ve been with JAM. I love seeing us reduce our eco footprint by using less paper and giving members more control over check ins and registration processes.

What do you think is the most important skill that you bring to JAM?

I bring logistical thinking to the JAM. There are a lot of exciting things that Leadership wants to do within their departments, and I know that my ability to think through different scenarios and details will help us get from an idea to a finished program or promotion.

What are you most looking forward to at JAM?

I am most looking forward to our events. The winter auction and some of the new bingo events are very exciting!

B.S. in Business Administration, Indiana University East
aPHR, Human Resource Certification Institute
SHRM-CP, Society for Human Resource Management
Certified Professional in Business Communications, International Business Training Association
Certified Microsoft Office Specialist

TIME AT JAM: 1 YEAR

What do you love most about JAM?

I love the diversity in our team, the encouragement to share new ideas, and the acceptance I feel when I walk through the doors. Working with people who share my dedication to making a positive impact as well as my desire to contribute to the community is a truly rewarding experience.

What made you want to pursue your current role?

I've always been passionate about creating healthy and uplifting work environments where employees can thrive, and my deep-seated belief in the transformative power of a positive culture has led me to a career in HR. I've witnessed firsthand how a supportive and inclusive environment can elevate individual performance as well as the overall success of an organization. I am excited about the opportunity to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable, can excel in their roles, and can contribute meaningfully to our organization and our world.

What is one of the most important lessons you've learned throughout your career?

Be confident in yourself and your abilities, don’t be afraid to stand out, and focus on the positive. Some of the best ideas I’ve had have come from thinking outside the box, challenging the status quo, and approaching problems with fresh perspectives.

B.A. in Graphic Design, Art, and Media Art, minor in Marketing, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
SMWC Student Senate Director of Marketing
SMWC Student Senate President
SMWC Marketing and Communications Content Assistant
SMWC Athletics Student Worker - Team Photographer
SWOPE Art Museum - Curatorial Assistant
River States Conference - Diversity Intern with a focus on social media marketing

Time at JAM: 1 year

What do you love most about JAM?

Since day one, my favorite thing about JAM is the overwhelming feeling of support you receive
from coworkers, JAM members, the community and the overwhelming support that JAM brings
to the community. JAM is committed to the Garrett community and it really brings a sense of
pride to all of the work we are doing. JAM is truly a family and if you spend one day with the
team members, you can feel it.

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

One cause that I am passionate about is women’s sports. I have been an athlete since I was a
child and it has in many ways shaped me into the person I am today. While equality in women’s
sports has increased by leaps and bounds over the years, it still is not where it deserves to be. I
am passionate about advocating for female athletes and setting an example for young girls.

What do you think is the most important skill that you bring to JAM?

I think one of the most important skills that I bring to JAM is a new perspective. I graduated
college recently in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Art, Graphic Design and
Media Art as well as a minor in Marketing. I consider myself to be a highly creative person and
well versed in technology and current trends. JAM has a wide range of members and target
audiences and I hope to expand the numbers by trying new tactics to engage with our
audiences.

What do you love most about JAM?

JAM Center cares deeply about the mission and the things they are involved in.

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

Anything that helps the community, even if it just helps one person.

What are you most looking forward to at JAM?

Being involved with something bigger than just a job!

TIME AT JAM: 1 YEAR

What do you love most about JAM?

The amount of support and welcomeness I have received from the beginning of my journey as an Advocate to my current position with the JAM Team! Everyone that I have been involved with at JAM is extremely nice and helpful, both visitors and employees. The children included in our Connect Program have been helpful, mindful, and encouraging of each other. Everyone treats each other as family!

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about empowering youth, friends, family, and strangers to take care of themselves and their surroundings so that we may all live peacefully and healthy. This may just be the most delicate place in the universe and I really enjoy sharing this planet with everyone. I think we should pick up after ourselves and try to save or make more room for others.

What is one of the most important lessons you've learned throughout your career?

To never set the bar low for yourself or your team and to not be afraid to try new or uncomfortable things. I have come to believe that many people never truly peak in life when it comes to experience. There is always more to learn and room to grow within yourself and the people around you. Limitation is circumstantial but we should never stop sharing our knowledge and experience with others. There is so much to learn with and from one another.

What do you love most about JAM?

What I love most about JAM Center is the meaningful change we bring to people’s lives. I’m deeply inspired by the commitment to creating a positive impact and fostering a strong sense of community. Being part of something bigger and contributing to the collective effort to improve lives is what I find to be fulfilling.

What is a cause that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about promoting the importance of creative outlets and physical activity for overall mental and physical health. I believe that having a way to express emotions, whether through art, painting, or another creative form, is essential for managing stress and improving mental well-being.

What made you want to pursue your current role?

I wanted to take on more responsibility within the aquatic field and this role fits my personality because I can use my creativity to tackle new and exciting challenges while having compassion for our members and swim students.