Laci Maltbie began her role as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in March 2024. With 25 years in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated her career to education, inclusive programming, workforce development, and organizational leadership. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from National University and also has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Wichita State University.

Her most recent role as the Director of Development for KU Endowment highlighted her leadership and development skills as she collaborated with faculty and doctors at the KU Medical Center’s School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Health Professions to develop strategic partnerships and secure funding to support life-changing initiatives. Prior to joining the KU Endowment Association, Laci was the CEO of Sherwood Autism Center in Kansas City, MO where she led initiatives related to specialized education, workforce development, and advocacy for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Laci’s commitment to youth is clear in her long history as a teacher, school administrator, and driving philosophy that all children deserve a great future through quality education and community resources. She has developed programs throughout the West coast and Midwest region, raising the standard for children’s services.

In her free time, Laci enjoys going to the movies, traveling and spending time in nature with her family.

Laci’s +1: Positivity
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: Nothing yet!
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “BGCLK is special because it gives our youth a safe place to be their authentic selves, connect with their peers, and learn new skills that will empower them as they grow and work towards adulthood.”
Words to live by: “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou

Kenton Holder was named the Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2017. That promotion came after an 11-year stint as the Club’s Assistant Director of Operations (2006-2017). Kenton got his start as a group leader at the Deerfield BGC site and quickly learned the ins-and-outs of creating a positive Club experience for kids and staff alike. 

Since Kenton joined the Movement in 2002, his impact on the Club is unquestionable. A jack-of-all-trades, Kenton really does specialize in everything. If he doesn’t know how to do something, give him a minute and he will figure it out. Kenton oversees transportation, facilities, technology, staff trainings, subs and community volunteer efforts. Kenton attended the University of Kansas for three years and obtained his degree from Johnson County Community College. He is a sports aficionado and particularly loves golf and basketball. 

His favorite Lawrence activity is either golfing or enjoying life as a dad. Kenton and his wife, Tracy, live in Lawrence with their four children.

Kenton’s +1: Reliable

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“Each day you have the opportunity to change someone’s life.”

Words to live by:

“You can’t stand in the same river twice. Each time it’s a new river. Everyday is a new experience, even if it feels the same.”

Bio coming soon!

Natalie Diggs was named the Vice President of Programs in August 2024. Previously, she served as the Director of Program Development from 2021-2024 and Area Director of the Boys & Girls Club Sunflower and Langston Hughes sites from 2018-2021. Natalie earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Middle School Science Education and Secondary Biology Education from the University of Missouri in 2010. Natalie previously taught fifth grade, as well as high school and middle school, in Jefferson City and St. Louis, Missouri. Natalie also coached competitive and school cheer and dance for 10+ years. She lives in Lawrence with her daughter and their dog, Charlie.

Natalie’s +1: Productive

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“You just need to do the best you can.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“BGC is so special to me because throughout all my years in education, this is the one organization that really does reach all corners of the community.”

Words to live by:

“In the journey of life, wherever you may go, keep your eye upon the doughnut & not upon the hole.”

Alex Hilliard was named Director of Social Emotional Programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021. Prior to her role at BGCLK, Alex worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan, Kansas for two years. She has also worked as a foster care supervisor and a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) supervisor. Alex has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kansas State University and a Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas.

Alex’s +1: Optimism

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“Ms. Alex, just always say yes!”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“Boys and Girls Club is a special place because it has been a constant throughout my life. I grew up a club kid, worked at BGC in college, and now I’m back and ready to re-establish my roots!

Words to live by:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek” – Barack Obama

Bio coming soon!

Sarah McGreer Hoyt was named the Director of Grants in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit communications and grant writing. Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in english and history from Hastings College, and went on to earn her Master’s degree in english from the University of Kansas. Her 20 years of experience has seen her through the world of art, higher education and healthcare organizations, most recently for KC CARE Health Center in Kansas City, Mo. Sarah lives in Lawrence with her son, Seyvion. They love to spend time together at the lake, going camping, and hanging out with their two cats, Mango and Simone.

Sarah’s +1: Resourcefulness

Why did you choose that for your +1?: “Being able to find information, funding, or other assistance for the people and organizations I believe in gives my life greater purpose.”

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a Club kid: “Be nice. Work hard.” From her very own Club kid, Sey!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “It’s counter-intuitive, but being a parent can be an isolating experience. You’re surrounded by other people, but everyone has their own jobs, stressors, and crises, so building community can be hard. When my kid goes to BGCLK, I feel that I am giving him a stronger community, more adults who support him, and a place where he feels a sense of belonging. It’s a gift–for both of us.”

Words to live by: “You will learn most things by looking, but reading gives understanding. Reading will make you free.” – Paul Rand

Nayalisa was named the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2023. Prior to joining BGCLK, Nayalisa received her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Exposition in 2014 from the Moody Bible Institute. She also earned her Master of Divinity in 2017 from Trinity International University and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Friends University in 2021. Nayalisa is a licensed therapist who continues to see clients. She lives with her wife, Micah, their dog, Lola and their cat, Chip.

Nayalisa’s +1:  Liberation

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “I’m half-animal and half-human. That’s why I come to this school, because I’m celebrated for my differences. And that’s why we should treat others the way we want to be treated.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “To be able to have a safe space for kids to explore, learn, and grow is invaluable. It is amazing to me to work alongside people who are committed to wanting every aspect of a kid’s life to thrive.”

Words to live by: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” — Maya Angelou

Lindsay Bertels was named the Director of Programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021. Previously, Lindsay was the Area Director for our Deerfield, Schwegler and Sunset Hill sites since 2016. A member of the Movement for more than 12 years, Lindsay attended Deerfield Elementary as a student and went on to become a group leader and a Program Manager of her elementary home site. She held the Program Manager position for more than four years before being promoted to Area Director. Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science with an emphasis on Autism from the University of Kansas. 

Prior to joining BGC, Lindsay worked for USD 497 and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Legend has it, she is also a karaoke wizard. Her favorite Lawrence activities include walking on Mass Street with friends, biking on local trails and going to Orange Leaf. Lindsay lives in Lawrence with her husband, Dylan, her cat, Jax, and their dog, Dolly.

Lindsay’s +1: Yes!

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“I really don’t like wet farts.” (Moral of the story… don’t trust a wet fart.)

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“It is a safe and fun place for kids to be kids. A place where they can build lifelong friendships and memories.”

Words to live by:

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Amanda was named Director of Programs in 2024. Previously, she had worked as the Unit Director for Sunflower and Woodlawn, the Area Director for our Langston Hughes, Sunflower and Sunset Hill sites, and the Site Coordinator at our Sunflower site. Before working at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, she worked at the Schriever AFB Child Development Center for 2 1/2 years. You might not know that Amanda knows an alarming amount about dinosaurs and is also super into classic literature! Amanda lives in Lawrence with her son, Cole. 

Amanda’s +1: Perspective

Why? In working with youth, you often have to change your mindset when dealing with an obstacle, and see it from their perspective. 

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid:

“Ms. Amanda, you really gotta start drinking more water. You always have a coffee in your hand…”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: I have yet to spend a day at Club where I haven’t been reminded of why I am doing what I am doing, whether that’s talking with a member or a colleague.

Words to live by: “O lesson opportune, O how I welcome thee!” – Walt Whitman

Matthew Downing, more commonly known as “Cougar” was named the Director of Sports, Fitness and Recreation at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2018. Cougar earned a degree in Urban Studies from the University of Maryland. At the Club, he is responsible for growing and maintaining the ever-popular sports leagues.

He has been in the coaching field for more than 25 years. Prior to working at the Club, Cougar coached basketball at Haskell Indian Nations University. He lives in Lawrence with his wife, Leslie, and their 5 children.

Cougar’s +1: Honor

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Thank you for keeping it real with me.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The common goal of caring people working to positively mold and shape lives.

Words to live by: “It’s All Good.”

Chris Jones was named the Director of Teen Services in October 2023. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1997 and gained experience at Hastings Entertainment for 12 years and Hy-Vee for 11 years before joining BGCLK. Even though he dedicates so much of his time to the organization, he still finds the time for his side job: mowing lawns! When he isn’t working, though, he loves creating fun art at home. Chris lives in Lawrence with his wife of 24 years, Jennifer. They have two children who are starting their journeys into adulthood: daughter Mackenna, who graduated from Lawrence High School in 2023, and their son Paxton, who graduated from KU in spring 2024!

Chris’ +1: Gratitude

Why did you choose that for your +1?: “Gratitude is how I acknowledge my blessings. Taking note of the positive relationships in my life, my opportunities and my many resources allows me to be in a giving mindset. I’d like to share that mindset with others and create a network of appreciation, giving and optimism.”

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“Don’t give up.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“Boys & Girls Club is a place for children and teens to build friendships, explore interests, cultivate an identity, find their voice and receive direction.”

Words to live by:

“No–try not! Do or do not, there is no try.”

Bio coming soon!

Rachel joined the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence as the Assistant Director of Grants in 2023. Prior to joining the Movement, she worked at Bert Nash, Democracy Forward (a non-profit law firm) and on multiple political campaigns. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Texas in 2018. She lives in Lawrence with her son, Asher.

Rachel’s +1: Joy

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: None yet!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “Our mission really resonates with me: ‘enable all young people, especially those who need us most…” My entire career has been based on passion driven work and it makes me incredibly proud to empower the youth of the community I grew up in and love to ‘reach their full potential.'”

Words to live by: “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

Peyton Williams joined the Boys & Girls Club as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications in November of 2023. Before joining BGCLK, she worked in marketing with the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. She spent many late nights serving up tacos at her first job while she was attending the University of Kansas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 2017. Peyton lives in Lawrence with her sister and their three senior cats, Alvin, Turnip and Buckwheat.

Peyton’s +1: Patience

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Good art takes time.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: It’s a close-knit community where kids can make friends, learn social skills, gain confidence and discover a sense of belonging.

Words to live by: “I exist as I am, that is enough.” — Walt Whitman

Louise joined the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in May 2022 as the HR Training and Onboarding Coordinator. Before joining the BGCLK family, Louise worked for a Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology clinic as a nursing staff preceptor. She loved working with the children and their families to help them learn about their diabetes or endocrine diseases. Her favorite part of the job was making sure the families had everything to live their best healthy life, because taking care of your health is important! Louise definitely brings all that passion to help youth live their best lives to BGCLK.

Louise resides in Lawrence with her husband, Louis (or Big Lou, as he’s affectionately known!), and their two daughters, Emilee and Paisley. Something you might not know about Louise is that she’s quite crafty! She’s totally talented at printing t-shirt designs and making vinyl decals.

Louise’s +1: Encouragement

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: None, yet!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The impact we make on children can last a lifetime! By providing members with great role models we are making impacts on the world.”

Words to live by: “All our dreams can come true – if we
have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Trei’s +1: Community

Why did you choose that for your +1?: “Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence has always been a huge part of my personal community and I know it’s the same for MANY others.”

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a Club kid: “It’s all good Ms. Trei, and don’t you forget it.” …followed by a finger point and a wink.

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “Boys & Girls Club is my second home and always has been. It has provided me with so many opportunities as a youth and as an adult that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I love BGC!”

Words to live by: “Choose your hard.”

Julie Lee started at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence as our Accounting Manager in 2022. Prior to joining BGCLK, she lived in Texas and worked as corporate accountant. Before that, she danced at the Beijing Dance Academy in the Department of Chinese Dance. Julie graduated from Sam Houston State University with her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 2018. She lives in Lawrence with her fiancé, Tim, and their cats, Torchy and Braxton.

Julie’s +1: Patience

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Yoga is the best exercise, be happy and have fun!”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “All staff works together as a team, and it is the best place for kids to play, learn and create a brighter future.”

Words to live by: “When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.”

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Chris Austin joined the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in August of 2012 at Quail Run Elementary. In 2020, he was named the CGF Program Specialist at the BGCLK.

Chris’ +1: Ability x3 (accountability, availability, reliability)

Why did you choose that for your +1? “I feel like those are the most important keys to being a good mentor as well as being a good coworker.”

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Just because it’s colorful, doesn’t mean it’s tasty.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “I found purpose while helping others create, exchange ideas, & challenge themselves.”

Words to live by: “Live your truth.”

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Zion was named the Unit Director of New York BGC in 2023. But, he’s no stranger to the Club! After coming to the Club as a member for years and participating in the Youth of the Year program, he worked as a group leader at the Teen Center for four years and then on the admin side of BGC as the HR Generalist for a year. Zion graduated with his Bachelor in Business Administration from Washburn University. He also has an Associate’s degree in General Studies from Hutchinson Community College. Prior to returning to the Movement, Zion worked at 6 Mile Chop House and Tavern in Lawrence. Zion has been with his fiancee, Jaycee, for 9 years. Together, they parent their dog, Stella, and their cat, Scarlette. Something you might not know about Zion is that he can bench 330 pounds!

Zion’s +1: Honesty

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “I’ve had a lot of kids tell me that they would rather me be up front than to sugar coat everything to them.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “I grew up going to Club and I remember being able to go to Club and be myself and have fun.”

Words to live by: “Wake up determined and go to sleep satisfied.” – The Rock

Bio coming soon!

Keif was named the Unit Director for our Quail Run site in 2021. Prior to working at BGCLK, he coached and ran a multitude of basketball camps. He also served as a para at Free State High School for two years. Keif graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in 2019.  Keif lives with his fur baby, Layla, who is a two-year-old rescue!

Keif’s +1: Staying Grounded

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: TBD!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The kids. Being able to interact with many different personalities always keeps me on my toes.”

Words to live by: Coming soon!

Shauna was named the Unit Director of our Schwegler site in 2021. But, this isn’t Shauna’s first gig at a youth development nonprofit! She’s been working in before and after-school programs for going on ten years. Prior to that, Shauna earned her cosmetology license in 2016 and worked part-time in a salon. That’s when she also started working part time in after-school care and realized her passion for youth development!

Shauna lives with her pup, Gatsby, an Australian Shepherd mix who is named after her favorite book and movie!

Shauna’s +1: Showing Up

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “Sometimes you just need a nap.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The people. The support that goes around this organization is unmatched to anything I have ever experienced before. I am lucky to be able to say I work here.”

Words to live by: “It’s okay to not be okay all the time.”

Kelsey Crosser was named the Unit Director of Sunset Hill BGC in 2023. Kelsey is no stranger to a classroom–before she joined BGCLK, she was a teacher. Kelsey got her degree in Education from Missouri State University, and earned her Masters in Urban Education Leadership from Park University in 2020. Kelsey and her husband, Shawn, have three sons: Liam, Ollie and Luke. 

Kelsey’s +1: Patience

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: Coming soon!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: Coming soon!

Words to live by: Coming soon!