Monica Dittmer was named the CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in April 2020, after serving in the Interim CEO role since July 2019. During the Interim, Dittmer simultaneously fulfilled her previous role as the Executive Director of the Center for Great Futures. Prior to that, Monica accumulated her wealth of program knowledge as the Director of Operations from 2008-2018. One of the most legendary veterans in the Movement, Monica started at the Boys & Girls Club in January of 2002. Her reign includes group leader and Program Manager positions at Cordley, New York, Cordley (again) and Pinckney before she accepted the role she was so obviously meant for as the Director of Operations. With Monica’s guidance, perseverance and instruction, she has seen a BGC site open at all 14 of the USD 497 elementary schools in Lawrence as well as a stand-alone Teen Center. She manages an army of dedicated teen staff who impact the lives of middle and high school students everyday. She also has applicable work experience as a foster care case manager and a pizza slinger.

Monica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Human Development and Family Life (2005) from the University of Kansas. Her favorite thing to do in Lawrence involves anything outside, especially exploring the KU campus with her three sons. She lives in Eudora with her husband, Chris, and their sons: Cayden (CDub), Orion (Ri-Man) and London (LTown), their dogs, Domino and Lilly, and cat, Farrah.

Monica’s +1: Patience

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“Don’t sweat the small stuff… and there’s nothing chocolate can’t fix.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“There is so much promise, hope, resilience and optimism in the face of a young child.”

Words to live by:

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher

Chris Wash was named the Director of Operations in 2021. Outside of his role at BGC, Chris is a Logistics Officer in the Kansas Army National Guard, a youth sports and fitness coach and a mentor to youth in the Kansas juvenile justice system. Born and raised in Topeka, KS, Chris was a three sport athlete in football, basketball, and track before graduating from Topeka West High School in 2003. After receiving a football scholarship to Missouri State University, Chris earned his degree in Recreation Management in 2007. Upon graduating from MSU Chris married his beautiful wife, Alena, and they have three amazing boys (MJ (Chris Jr.), Tatum, and Cruz).

Chris’s +1: Perseverance

Why did you choose that +1? In life we all face obstacles but it’s how we overcome those obstacles that makes us who we are today.

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “You’re tall, you should have played sports.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The OPPORTUNITY to make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

Words to live by: “Never give up, don’t ever give up.” – Jimmy V

Kenton Holder was named the Director of Operations – Logistics 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 new dad. Kenton and his wife, Tracy, live in Lawrence with their son, Evan, their daughter, Addie, and their baby girl, Lexi.

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.”

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

Alissa Bourneuf (formerly Bauer!) was named the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2015. She came to the Club after four years as an Assistant Director of Communications for Kansas Athletics. She handled media relations needs for the Kansas volleyball, men’s basketball and rowing teams. Prior to her stint at KU, Alissa worked in athletic communications at the University of Houston (2010-11) and Wichita State University (2008-10). In her new role, Alissa tells the story of how the Club impacts the lives of Lawrence kids on an everyday basis.

Alissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications (2007) from the University of Kansas and received her Masters in Sports Management (2010) at Wichita State University. Her favorite thing to do in Lawrence is scream her face off inside the cathedral of college basketball. No Better Place. Her second favorite involves any activity where all of her siblings are involved, all of whom live in Lawrence. Alissa lives in Lawrence with her husband, Mike.

Alissa’s +1: Believe

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid:

“Just run your fastest. It’s ok if you don’t win.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“What doesn’t make the Boys & Girls Club special?! Kids are forced to grow up faster and faster all the time. They don’t get enough chances to be a kid. We cherish the chance to give them that everyday. Not just those who can afford it – ALL kids. All kids are deserving of Great Futures.”

Words to live by:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Megan Hill was named the Director of Donor Engagement at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2017. The first person to hold this position at BGCLK, Megan is paving her own path to plan and secure long-term donors who hope to invest in Great Futures for the next several years. She comes from a strong fundraising background as the former Academic Corporate Relations Fundraiser for KU Endowment. A dedicated basketball mom, Megan is also dedicated to the well-being of youth in Lawrence as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in journalism (2000) and Master of Science in higher education administration (2007), both from the University of Kansas.

Megan loves seeing a great flick in the little theatre at Liberty Hall and watching KU basketball games in historic Allen Fieldhouse… Rock Chalk Jayhawk! She lives in Lawrence with her cat, Prince (yes, named after the Artist Formerly Known As!) and her son, Gannon (A.K.A. “G”).

Megan’s +1: Can Do Attitude

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a Club kid:

“Stop trying to be funny… you’re not that funny.” (From my kid when he was a Club kid)

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“The Club helped me raise an awesome, compassionate and confident young man. I’m honored to be a part of this incredible Movement to help our young people reach their full potential!”

Words to live by:

“If you want to be more, you have to do more.” – A friend’s dad

James Lawrence started at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2013 as the Director of Human Resources. In 2016, he was promoted to Director of Finance and HR, overseeing both the finance and the human resources departments. Prior to joining the Movement, James worked in the fields of education, sales, accounting, finance and human resources. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Education with an emphasis in health and physical exercise (2005) from the University of Kansas. Naturally, James is a major part of the sports committee, which drives the BGC Volleyball Championship and March Madness Tournament. Numerous staff trainings and certifications also fall under his realm of responsibilities.

His favorite thing to do in Lawrence is spend time with his family on The Hill on game day. James lives in Lawrence with his wife Alicia and their son, William, and daughter, Hadley.

James’s +1: Support

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“I enjoy working with people who passionately want to make a difference in the lives of the youth of Lawrence.”

Words to live by:

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Lindsay Simms 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 fiancé, Dylan, and her cat, Jax.

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

Jamel Malone was named a Director of Programs at the Boys & Girls Club in Lawrence in 2022. He’s been a vital part of the Movement for awhile, coming to Lawrence after 8 years as the Member Engagement & Special Programs Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City. He has completed coursework at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He and his wife, Jenn, are the proud parents of son Lewis and daughter Lottie!

Jamel’s +1: Progression

Why did you choose that +1? I’m always looking for ways to improve and to get better. I’m willing to go the extra mile to get the most out of an experience and opportunity.

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: Keep going! Take one more shot. Do one more program! Say one more joke. Keep going!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: Boys & Girls Club the best place to fail! Because of the mentors and community, the failure you experience will be met with support and encouragement that is needed to progress in life.

Natalie Diggs was named the Director of Program Development in 2021. Previously, she served as the 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 husband Jordan, their daughter and Bear, their dog.

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.”

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.”

Bio coming soon!

Ethan Clapsaddle was named the Director of Teen Services of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021. He was previously the Area Director of BGCLK’s Kennedy, Cordley and New York sites. Previously to working at the Boys & Girls Club, Ethan managed the Cherokee Youth Council, a culturally based leadership program for tribal youth, in Cherokee, NC. Ethan graduated in 2002 with his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and received his Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies in 2017. He lives in Lawrence with his wife, two sons and their dog, Biggie.

Ethan’s +1: Grit

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Be happy!”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “It is such a unique mix of hope, opportunity, struggles, and life lessons  The Club provides a space for our young people to grow and explore who they are and where they want to go in life.  I couldn’t think of a better place to be.”

Words to live by: “It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.”

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.”

Elisa Nehrbass was named the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021. Prior to her role at BGCLK, Elisa worked as a Child and Adolescent Health Consultant for KDHE, served as a Recreation Supervisor & Aquatic Manager for local parks & rec agencies and provided trainings and technical assistance for child care settings and other after school programs. Elisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University in 1999. In 2003, she earned her Masters in Education Recreation Management from the University of Arkansas. She lives with her husband, Max, her son, Luke, and their dog, Maxie.

Elisa’s +1: Engagement & Collaboration

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“This is an agency that puts children and youth first above all else. A safe place for everyone to explore, learn and grow. That is a place I want to be a part of.

Words to live by:

“Nothing about us without us!”

Jaclynn joined the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence as the Human Resources Manager in 2022. She has 15 years of experience in various HR roles, including being an HR Generalist, Recruiter and Benefits Administrator. Jaclynn graduated from Orange Coast College with her degree in Liberal Arts in 2003. Despite living in land-locked Lawrence, Jaclynn is a natural on the water and loves surfing and water-skiing. But, that’s not where her hidden talents end! She’s a regular virtuoso on the violin and could probably win a medal for her packing skills!

Jaclynn’s +1: Authenticity

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

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The opportunity to impact the lives of the future community is very validating.”

Words to live by: “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.” — Buddha

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 boyfriend, Tim, and hopes to add a feline friend to her family soon.

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.”

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

Brady Armstrong was named the Assistant Director of Grant Programs at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2017. Brady is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising and promoting Grant programs such as: AmeriCorps, KidzLit, STEM, 21st CCLC, etc. Brady earned his Bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Kansas State University (2015). Prior to starting at the Club, Brady strengthened his leadership talent as an International Service Teams Coordinator which led him to a service mission in South Africa. He most recently worked as an auto claims representative before getting back to his original passion of helping others.

Brady lives in Lawrence with his pup, Humphrey, and they love to spend time running and biking through new neighborhoods. He’s also become a quick connoisseur of local restaurants, stores and coffee shops.

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a Club kid:
“Look on the bright side, even when it’s easier not to.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:
“Boys & Girls Club is what a community should be. Individuals coming together to build Great Futures for everyone.”

Words to live by:
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” – Nelson Mandela

Lizzie Vietz joined the Boys & Girls Club as the Marketing and Communications Assistant in January of 2021. Before joining BGCLK, she worked in community relations at an insurance company. Previously, she was the Director of Account Services at Jacht Ad Agency in Lincoln, NE. Lizzie earned her Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising & Public Relations and Communication Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020. She lives in Lawrence with her husband, Chad, and their dog, Milo.

Lizzie’s +1: Resilience

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “You can’t interrupt me!!” Never let anyone distract you from reaching your goals!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “I love the dedication and passion of each staff member who works at BGC. It’s clear that we all care deeply about making sure that each child feels loved, supported and listened to.”

Words to live by: “Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘it can’t be done.’” —Eleanor Roosevelt

Alyse Maender was named Area Director over our New York and Cordley BGC sites in 2021. Previously, Alyse worked as a group leader at our Woodlawn site and was the site coordinator at our Cordley site. Alyse graduated in 2021 from the University of Kansas with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English. Before joining the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Alyse worked as a waterfront lifeguard for New York State for three years! She lives in Lawrence and has three cats, Percy, Ajax and Cleo.

Alyse’s +1: Patience

Why did you choose that for your +1? It is easy to be reactive to negative behavior. It takes skill to be patient and understanding when youth communicate through their behaviors, especially after a long day. 

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“For our kids, the adversity they face can be difficult to navigate, but they don’t have to do it alone. Forever and always, they have a friend at Club.”

Words to live by:

“Just because someone carries it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.”

Amanda was named the Area Director for the our Langston Hughes and Sunflower sites in 2021. Previously, she served as 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

Jeremy was named the Area Director for our Broken Arrow and Prairie Park sites in 2021. Previous to his role at BGCLK, he volunteered at the Musgrave Unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Missouri. Jeremy graduated from the College of Business at Missouri State University in 2017. Something you might not know about Jeremy is that he plays six instruments!

Jeremy’s +1: Service

Best advice you’ve ever gotten from a Club kid: “Teamwork makes the dream work!”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: We get to assist young people
in building bridges from where there are in life, to where they need to be. In all areas of life; social, education, facing adversity, conflict resolution, planning, etc.

Words to live by: “For it is better to raise a strong boy/girl then to repair a broken man/woman.” – Fredrick Douglas

Sean Kellerman returns to Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021 as an Area Director. Sean began his career in the Movement in 2014 as a Program Manager of the Sunflower Elementary site, and eventually took on the role of Area Director overseeing the Sunflower and Langston Hughes sites, a role he held until 2018.

Sean received his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism (with a minor in Applied Behavioral Science) from the University of Kansas – and has put it to good use ever since. Along with his unyielding commitment to Boys & Girls Club, Sean is also dedicated to his work with the Jayhawk Sports Network. He is in his 7th season as the host of the Kansas Football postgame show on the Network, and his 4th season as the co-host of the pregame and postgame shows for Kansas Men’s Basketball, alongside Jayhawk legend David Lawrence.

Sean’s favorite thing to do in Lawrence is attend KU basketball games at Allen Fieldhouse (duh) and frequent Lawrence restaurants. His heart belongs to his wife, Katelyn, and their nine nephews (Paddy, Caden, Jett, Jeremy, Grayson, Jaxon, William, Asher, and Jameson) and six nieces (Camryn, Hannah, Maddie May, Maddie Ann, Haylee, Lucy Kate).

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:
“Why does it matter what they think?”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:
The supportive relationships between the Boys & Girls Club staff and the kids is what sets BGC apart from other after-school programs.

Words to live by:
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” – Jackie Robinson

Amber Harvey joined the Boys & Girls Club in 2019 as the Site Coordinator at Sunset Hill. She was named the Area Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Pinckney and Woodlawn sites in 2020. Amber graduated with her degree in Apparel Marketing in 2017. Prior to working at BGCLK, Amber worked in Social Media Marketing.

Amber’s +1: Self-care

Why? “In a world and industry where you are constantly taking care of and worrying about others, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The people- there aren’t many places you can work, where people genuinely love what they do. There’s something about the atmosphere at BGCLK that feels like family, and I love that!”

Words to live by: Blessed and highly favored.