Our Team
Shelley Hunter, CEO
Shelley joined the College Mentors for Kids family in 2008 first as a board member and later as CEO in 2016. She received her B.A. in English Literature from DePauw University and her M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Shelley loves to watch Jeopardy and gets especially excited when the following categories are selected: state capitals, sports, and literature. It was Shelley’s passion for education that drove her to become involved with College Mentors as a volunteer. Now as CEO, she is excited to spearhead development and community engagement efforts to reach our 2020 goal of serving 5,000 kids and 5,000 college students.
“College Mentors is important because it opens the doors to higher education for young people who may not have even considered the possibility of attending college and succeeding.”
Amanda Koushyar, Chief Operating Officer
Looking for an opportunity to give back to the community, Amanda Koushyar joined College Mentors as a program director in January 2005 and now serves as Chief Operating Officer. A native of Georgia, Amanda graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in management and a focus in finance and operation management. Amanda currently resides in Indiana with her husband and two little girls.
“I am touched on a daily basis with stories from mentors and children and how College Mentors has impacted them. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be involved in something so special! The passion of our volunteers is contagious and seeing the program in action is so rewarding!”
Erin Cosler, National Director of Operations
Passionate about youth and education, Erin joined College Mentors in August 2011 after graduating from Butler University with a dual degree in International Management and International Studies, as well as a minor in Spanish. Growing up, Erin spent her summers picking sweet corn on her families farm. Now, Erin is excited to work with an organization committed to making a difference in the lives of children across the Midwest.
“I initially joined College Mentors for Kids because I believed education was a way for kids living in poverty to rise above their current circumstances and appreciated the way College Mentors activities enhanced kids’ education. I still believe these things are true, but after being here 7 years I have come to experience the power of mentoring on both the kids AND the college students. Both expand their perspectives on the world, learn about new opportunities they may not have otherwise experienced, understand the importance of giving back, and inspire each other to reach their fullest potential.”
Lexi Evers, National Director of Programming
Lexi was excited to join the College Mentors for Kids National Office staff in July of 2018! She graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Social Work while simultaneously being an active participant in the College Mentors Ball State chapter. When she participated as a mentor she instantly bonded with her little buddy until serving as chapter president her senior year. Post-graduation, Lexi spent some time in the child welfare field where her passion for prevention grew and the need for College Mentors for Kids in the world was extremely apparent. Native to Granger, IN Lexi is an avid Notre Dame fan.
“I have a lot of gratitude for College Mentors for Kids. For connecting me with a wonderful little buddy who is still an important part of my life today. For helping me to call my almamater, my home. And for helping me to find a place within an organization that continues to touch my heart every day.”
Carina Grainey, Director of Enhancement and Engagement
Carina Grainey joined College Mentors for Kids in January 2014 after spending several years in South Korea working as a foreign language instructor. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a dual degree in communications and journalism and recently received a master’s degree in international development from Yonsei University. Carina is passionate about providing youth with the tools they need to succeed and thrilled to join the College Mentors for Kids team.
“The enthusiasm that everyone connected with College Mentors for Kids exudes is incredibly inspiring. By cultivating a link between college students and kids, this program has created something truly special with enormous potential to transform lives and communities. I am so excited to be a part of the story.”
Lauren Ducoste, National Director of Talent & Diversity
Lauren Ducoste joined the College Mentors staff in October 2020. She graduated from UNC Charlotte, where she received her B.S. in Biology. During her time at UNC Charlotte, Lauren founded the UNC Charlotte chapter of College Mentors for Kids in 2018 and served as Chapter President. Lauren is passionate about investing in the lives of youth and is thrilled to continue being a part of College Mentors in a new capacity. Lauren resides in Charlotte and loves spending time outdoors and going on road trips with friends!
“It has been an honor to be a part of an organization that provides a space for kids to have new and exciting experiences! I truly enjoyed my time as a chapter leader and am excited for the opportunity to mentor student leaders at their own chapters as they provide an avenue for kids to learn new things about the world and themselves!”
Zach Bates, Senior Associate Director of Growth & Expansion
Zach Bates joined College Mentors for Kids in 2021 after spending several years working in fundraising and community kids’ events, then as a school-based case manager. Zach is a Purdue alumnus and served as a mentor. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. Zach lives in Fishers and enjoys spending his time playing volleyball, exploring national parks, and volunteering as a Big for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“From my experiences as a mentor at Purdue, I really enjoyed my time being involved in College Mentors. It ignited a passion within me to work with kids and to see the great need for mentorship in these kids’ lives. I was so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the organization to share with college students and communities my positive experience as a mentor along with my professional experience working in social work. Mentoring has the opportunity to play such a pivotal role in a child’s life.”
Rebecca Alexander, Senior Associate Director of Programming
With several years’ experience in public, online, and private education, combined with the motivation of finding the gifts in others, Rebecca Alexander joined the College Mentors staff in September 2022. A Ball State University Alumni, Rebecca now lives in Greenwood, Indiana with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she loves camping, crafting, and learning new languages.
“My excitement to be part of College Mentors for Kids began when I first read our mission statement. I have always felt strongly that children have hidden potential to be revealed and flourished. By pairing them with college students who likewise have the same hidden potential, it creates a synergy that benefits both in the Buddy Pair in a unique way. I am grateful to be part of this organization, drawing on my experience in leadership and education to help guide and mentor our college students in a way that makes an impact.”
Aubrey Wehry, Senior Associate Director of Programming
Aubrey Wehry joined the College Mentors staff in January 2023. Aubrey is a University of Kentucky alumnus, where she studied Biology and Spanish. During her time at UK, Aubrey was an active member of the UK chapter of College Mentors for Kids, serving as VP of Programming in 2019 and Chapter President in 2020. Aubrey resides in Cincinnati and loves reading, watching UK basketball, and visiting art museums!
“College Mentors for Kids has changed my life for the better. Having the opportunity to be Chapter President granted me a unique perspective of how impactful this organization is. Not only does College Mentors positively influence children’s lives, but it also gives college students valuable experience and teaches them what true mentorship means. I am excited to continue my journey with this organization!”
Michelle Guadarrama, Associate Director of Programming
Michelle Guadarrama joined the College Mentors staff in September 2023. Michelle is a University of Indianapolis, alumnus, where she studied sociology and Child & Youth Programs. During her time at Uindy, Michelle was an active member of Uindy’s chapter of College Mentors for Kids, serving as VP of Engagement. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of youth/ young adults through advocating for resources and community services. Michelle resides in Chicago, and loves spending time with her CrossFit community, and watching Chicago Sports.
“College Mentors for Kids has brought so many opportunities into my life. Having the opportunity to be VP of Engagement and President taught me the importance of leadership through mentoring little buddies. It allows children to gain a new perspective through different experiences as they can have that 1:1 connection with mentors. I am beyond lucky to work with an amazing CMFK staff who loves the work and continues to inspire lives of children and college students. I am excited to contribute to the amazing work!”
Tiffany Almond, Associate Director of Programming
Tiffany comes to us from the world of education. After graduating from Ball State, she has spent the last 18 years teaching in both traditional and alternative school settings. Tiffany has taught multiple subjects and grade levels as well. Most recently she was teaching sophomore English. She is most looking forward to working with the students at the college level and seeing the impact they can make on the children they are mentoring. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and fishing at the lake with her husband.
“Adversity introduces a man to himself.” Albert Einstein
Brady Smith, Associate Director of Programming
Brady joined the College Mentors team in 2024 after several years as a clinically licensed social worker and working within college administration. He has an undergraduate degree in Exercise & Sport Science from Queens University of Charlotte and master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. Brady currently lives in Charlotte and has a passion for developing both youth and emerging adults as they develop into their ideal version of themselves. When not in the office, you can typically find Brady reading a good book, on the local greenway, or watching any of the local sports teams.
“After looking more into the great work done here at College Mentors for Kids, I knew that this was the right place for me. From my past work with both youth and college students in vastly different spaces, it’s amazing to see their many similarities as both groups are in a unique transitional stage in their lives. By combining these emerging leaders in our local communities, they have infinite opportunities to grow into their idealized self by following their own unique path and goals. I hope to pass on the many lessons I’ve learned to our community’s future and am excited to contribute to this awesome organization!”
Maddie Stout, Director of Corporate and Individual Giving
Maddie first joined the College Mentors for Kids team in 2021 as an Americorps VISTA and now is the Director of Corporate and Individual Giving. She is an alumna of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civic Leadership focused in nonprofits. She is passionate about supporting her community through giving back and community service! In her free time, she enjoys walks with her dog, spending time with friends and family, and reading.
“I am so thankful to be able to work for College Mentors for Kids and such an impactful mission- to transform lives through mentoring. Although I was a mentor through a different program, the experiences I had as a mentor were what made college such a rewarding experience for me. After seeing the value in those experiences, I wanted to share that impact with both little buddies and college students alike. I am excited to have the opportunity to work for an organization that has a mission I resonate so closely with!”
Michelle Moore, Associate Director of Operations
Michelle became a part of the College Mentors family in November of 2022, shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at the tender young age of 54. Before returning to IU, Michelle passed her time working as a talent casting director in Indianapolis, while raising two kids, and helping to run the oldest community theatre organization in Indiana. Michelle shares her passion for the theatre arts with her husband Collin, son Christopher, and daughter Alaina. The Moore family also loves exploring the great outdoors from their vintage motorhome and traveling to visit family and friends around the country.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities that College Mentors for Kids provides to young people. I believe in the power of the ripple effects from positive action. Each small connection that is made between our college student mentors and their little buddies; each constructive interaction; each shared joy will make a measurable difference, just as a tiny pebble can transform the surface of a large pond. These experiences together impact their lives in small but lasting ways. Over time, the collective ripples created by our small army of volunteer mentors and the children they serve can and will make the world a better place.
Emily Meyer, Development Associate
Emily Meyer joined the College Mentors team after graduating from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2005. As an undergraduate majoring in English, Emily spent three years volunteering for the university’s College Mentors chapter. After having lived it as a college student volunteer for the program at IU, I feel blessed to work in a fun, energizing, and supportive work environment with the best people in the world, doing the best work possible. Natives of Indianapolis, Emily and her husband Jack have known each other since elementary school and have four young kids: John, Thomas, Rose, and Mae. Emily’s oldest and youngest share a birthday, exactly six years apart.
“I love working for College Mentors because of all of the amazing people I get to interact with each day. From our dedicated university and school partners to our inspirational college students and children as well as our hardworking and enthusiastic headquarters staff and board, I continue to be inspired by the work and accomplishments of those involved with College Mentors for Kids.”
Cassie Sumner, Operations Associate
Cassie joined CMFK in September 2022 after a long career in the healthcare industry. She is a Purdue graduate and now lives in Fishers, Indiana with her husband Chad and three teenage daughters. In her free time, she loves summertime concerts, outdoor activities, and interior design.
“I feel extremely lucky to be a small part of such a meaningful organization. I am in awe of my coworkers’ passion to positively impact the lives of young people and the dedication of all the college student mentors to the CMFK mission!”
Board Members
Alex Blubaugh
Vice Chair
Eli Lilly and Company
Jorge Bustamante
NBC Sports & Telemundo Deportes
Shareyna Chang
Richmond Public Schools
Brian Cox
Secretary
Roche
Gershom Davis
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
Mike Farrell
United Consulting
Kelly Frank
Social Legends
Jaren Hagler
Equitable
Ben Kitto
Vice Chair
Ice Miller, LLC
Bryan Kryder
We Are RightHand
Keith Martin
Treasurer
Consultant
Shamika Mazyck
Board Chair
Quarles & Brady, LLC
Elizabeth Odle
Educator
Noel Perkins
AssuredPartners
Chad Peterson
The Heritage Group
Patricia Power
Bose Public Affairs Group
Duane Schmitz
Indiana University Health
Karen Seketa
Vice Chair
Element Three
David Siler
Parish Twinning Program of the
Americas
Mary-Hannah Soares
Nestle
Todd Sommers
Fifth Third Bank
Colin Dockter
Student Board Representative
University of Virginia
Abbey Flowers
Student Board Representative
James Madison University
Trey Whitted
Student Board Representative
Anderson University