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All of us at Boys & Girls Club truly enjoy working with your kids. Please feel free to call or email any staff member with questions and comments.
Our Staff
Monica Dittmer CEO
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 Director of Operations
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 Director of Operations - Logistics
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.”
James Lawrence Director of Finance and HR
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
Alex Hilliard Director of Social Emotional Programs
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 Director of Marketing and Communications
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.
Brady Armstrong Director of Grants
Brady Armstrong was named the Director of Grants in 2022 after having served as the Assistant Director of Grant Programs at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence since 2017. 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 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.
Brady’s +1: Curiosity
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
Megan Hill Director of Donor Engagement
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
Lindsay Simms Director of Programs
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 Director of Programs
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 Director of Program Development
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.”
Ethan Clapsaddle Director of Teen Services
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.”
Monique Clay Assistant Director of Grants
Monique was named the Assistant Director of Grants at BGCLK in 2022. Prior to her work at BGC, she was a Program Administrator at Wings for Kids, INC. She also worked as a Special Education teacher and Case Manager at KVC. Monique graduated from Xavier University with her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology in 2019. She is set to graduate with her Masters in Special Education from Liberty University in October 2022. Monique lives in Lawrence with her fiancé, Eric, and her pup, Caesar.
Monique’s +1: Confidence
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “I have never gotten advice from a Club Kid specifically, but I have received advice from one of my kiddos from a previous company. That advice was “To put my phone down and pay attention to what was in front of me.”
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The Boys & Girls Club allows for youth to have a place that they feel welcome and safe. The kiddos we serve look forward to seeing our faces every day and that’s the best feeling ever.
Words to live by: Q-TIP: Quit Taking It Personally
Matthew “Cougar” Downing Director of Sports, Fitness and Recreation
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.”
Kassadie Burton Academic Manager
Bio coming soon!
Elisa Nehrbass Workforce Development Coordinator
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!”
Louise Bateman Onboarding Coordinator
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
Zion Bowlin Human Resources Generalist
Zion was named the HR Generalist at BGCLK in 2022. 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. 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 girlfriend, 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 even 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
Julie Lee Accounting Manager
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.”
Haleigh Cross AP/AR Clerk
Haleigh Cross was named the AP/AR Clerk for BGCLK in 2022. Previously, she served as the Site Coordinator for our Broken Arrow site. Haleigh graduated in 2021 from the University of Kansas with her Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Behavioral Sciences. Prior to working at BGCLK, Haleigh ran a tutoring group during lockdown as a part of her practicum. Haleigh lives in Lawrence and co-parents her guinea pig, Queso, with her significant other, Jared.
Haleigh’s +1: Patience
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “Everyone needs a break sometimes.”
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “Boys and Girls Club is a special place because the people who work here love the kids and want to support them no matter what.”
Words to live by: Coming soon!
Lizzie Vietz Marketing and Communications Assistant
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
Chris Austin Center for Great Futures Unit Director
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.”
Charles Coleman Broken Arrow Unit Director
Bio coming soon!
Erin Irwin Cordley Unit Director
Erin was named the Unit Director of our Cordley site in 2022. Prior to joining BGCLK, Erin worked as an Emotional Behavioral Disorder teacher in Florida public schools. She has also held a variety of other jobs, including Chick-fil-A, Teavana, an iPhone repair shop and the Disney store. Erin graduated in 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Special Education (k-12) with endorsements in ESOL and reading. Erin and her partner have been married since 2020, and they have a dog, Luna, and cat named Saoirse. Something you might not know about Erin is that she is a trained Opera singer! She spent the first two years of her college career in Opera School before switching to teaching.
Erin’s +1: Relationships
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “Always tell people ‘You look nice’, even when they look like a truck.”
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The inclusivity of our program here in Lawrence. We are accepting and we affirm everyone’s personal identity. We are actively against hate and I love that about us.”
Words to live by: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Sean Kellerman Deerfield Unit Director
Sean Kellerman was named the Unit Director for our Deerfield site in 2022. He returned to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021 as the Area Director for our Deerfield, Schwegler and Quail Run sites. 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).
Sean’s +1: Kindness
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
Grace Doyle Hillcrest Unit Director
Grace was named the Unit Director of our Hillcrest site in 2022. She has also worked at our Deerfield and Woodlawn sites in various capacities, starting in 2019. Prior to her time at BGC, she worked jobs in the service industry. Grace graduated from the University of Kansas with her degree in Marketing and Sports Management, along with a Masters in Business Administration. Grace lives in Lawrence!
Grace’s +1: Trust
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “To turn the Nintendo Switch on before getting frustrated that it’s not working.”
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The most deserving families are always welcome. Providing something as important as childcare is really rewarding.
Words to live by: “Breathe deep and make the jump.”
Jason Maler Langston Hughes Unit Director
Jason has been with the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence since he started as a Group Leader in 2012. Now, he is the Unit Director of our Langston Hughes site. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2015. He has played in the 2021 and 2022 Celebrity Softball games, each time showcasing his incredible athletic ability! Something else you might not know about Jason is that he can build a computer. Jason lives in Lawrence with his girlfriend, Erica, and their three cats: Bastet, Loki and Theo.
Jason’s +1: Sincerity
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “Get a job that pays you,” –the kids, thinking I do this for free.
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The kids are brutally honest and will humble you back down to earth. They can smell fear.”
Words to live by: “Everybody wanted to know what I would do if I didn’t win. I guess we’ll never know.” – Kanye West
Briana Sparks New York Unit Director
Briana was named the Unit Director of our New York site in 2022. Prior to working at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, she worked at a daycare for eight years. Briana graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies in 2018. Briana has a multitude of hobbies, including gardening, studying Buddhism, practicing yoga, reading and writing. Briana and their partner, Devin, are parents to two service dogs, an Australian Shepherd named Zeus and a Golden Retriever named Ace.
Briana’s +1: Dedication
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: “I was scared because it was new, but I had a lot of fun once I tried!”
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The children and the overwhelming support from the staff. It feels like a safe space for me, as well.”
Words to live by: “If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.”
Asaph Jewsome Pinckney Unit Director
Bio coming soon!
Alyse Maender Prairie Park Unit Director
Alyse Maender was named the Unit Director of our Prairie Park site in 2022. Previously, Alyse served as the Area Director over our New York and Cordley sites, the Site Coordinator for our Cordley site and a group leader at our Woodlawn 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, Ajax and Cleopatra.
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.”
Keif Williams Quail Run Unit Director
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 Aragon Schwegler Unit Director
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.”
Amanda Montgomery Sunflower Unit Director
Amanda was named the Unit Director of our Sunflower site in 2022. Previously, she served as the Area Director for our Langston Hughes, Sunflower and Sunset Hill sites. Before that, she was 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
Ciara Carey Sunset Hill Unit Director
Ciara was named the Unit Director for our Sunset Hill site in August 2022. Prior to her current role, she served as the Site Coordinator for our Deerfield site. Ciara graduated from the University of Kansas with her degree in Environmental Geology in 2018, and is currently working on a Master’s Certificate in Green House Gas Accounting from Northern Arizona University.
Ciara lives in Lawrence with her beloved trio of pups, Dusty, Kuma and Velma.
Ciara’s +1: Perspective
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: TBD!
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “What makes Boys & Girls Club special is not only the children who come to club everyday but also the dedicated group that makes this Lawrence organization run.”
Words to live by: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – Gandolf (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring)
Amber Harvey Woodlawn Unit Director
Amber Harvey was named the Unit Director for our Woodlawn site in 2022. Previously, she served as the Area Director of our Pinckney, Hillcrest and Woodlawn sites. She started her career at Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence as the Site Coordinator at Sunset Hill in 2019. 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.
