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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Lauren Ducoste, Senior Associate Director of Programming
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, Associate Director of Programming
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, 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.”
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!”
mstout@collegementors.org
Aubrey Wehry, 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!”
awehry@collegementors.org
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.
mmoore@collegementors.org
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!”
csumner@collegementors.org
Board Members
Alex Blubaugh
Eli Lilly and Company
Jorge Bustamante
NBC Sports & Telemundo Deportes
Shareyna Chang
Indianapolis Public Schools
Brian Cox
Secretary
Roche
Travis Darden
Goodwill of Central & Sourthern Indiana
Gershom Davis
American Pain Consortium
Mike Farrell, CPA
Treasurer
United Consulting
Kelly Frank
Social Legends
Elizabeth Huffman
Indiana State Personnel Department
Ben Kitto
Vice Chair
Ice Miller, LLC
Keith Martin
Consultant
Shamika Mazyck
Vice Chair
Quarles & Brady, LLC
Elizabeth Odle
Educator
Patricia Power
Bose Public Affairs Group
Brian Pyne
Chair
Goelzer Investment Management
Duane Schmitz
Indiana University Health
Karen Seketa
Vice Chair
Element Three
Ellen Franzen
Student Board Representative
James Madison University
Sonya Leikin
Student Board Representative
University of Maryland
RJ Myers
Student Board Representative
University of Notre Dame