NEW STAFF JOIN BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTHEAST IOWA

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa serves over 250 youth each year in Black Hawk, Bremer and Butler Counties and is proud to announce new staff hires and staff leadership promotions this month.

Laura Yeats was hired as a Match Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters in March 2014 and was recently promoted to the agency’s Program Director. Laura grew up in Mt. Vernon Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Laura spent two years working as a youth counselor for Quakerdale where she facilitated, planned and implemented individual, group and family counseling sessions for girls in the residential treatment program. Laura has enjoyed interacting with volunteers and families while supporting matches as they grow into long lasting relationships. Laura is excited to see what the future brings to Big Brothers Big Sisters as it continues to provide quality service to the community.

Kori Chamberlin was hired as the Program Coordinator for Bremer and Butler counties, working at our Waverly office. She originally began with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a Match Coordinator in August 2014. In this role Kori enjoyed seeing the matches interact and hearing about the new experiences the Littles and Bigs shared together. Kori is excited to learn more about the Bigs and Littles in Bremer and Butler counties and continue to grow the BBBS program in that area. Kori attended Wartburg College and received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2011. After graduating, Kori worked with children with autism in Madison, WI. After returning to Iowa, Kori was a home visitor with Tri-County Child and Family Development Council, Inc. Kori lives in Denver, IA with her husband Steve and 9 month old son Lane. In her spare time, Kori enjoys spending time with family, reading, and baking.

Stacey Reichert was hired as the part-time Match Coordinator for Bremer and Butler counties, working at our Waverly office. She will be responsible for working with the school-based matches in the Waverly Shell Rock district. Stacey also teaches preschool part-time at Shell Rock Elementary. She has been teaching for the Waverly-Shell Rock school system for the past eight years, and she looks forward to making positive connections with the schools and families in the community and the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Stacey has lived in Waverly for the past eighteen years with her husband Chad. They have a ninth grader and a third grader who attend school in Waverly. In her free time Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, gardening, and being crafty.

Ashley Leistikow has joined the team as a Match Coordinator for Black Hawk County. Ashley will support our community-based matches as well as support our school-based program in the Cedar Falls School District. Ashley is excited to be part of an agency dedicated to supporting children facing adversity and providing them with a mentor to help them achieve success in life. Ashley recently received her Master’s Degree from Kaplan University and is part of the National Honor Society. Ashley has a background working with children in school and home settings, as well as experience with Military Kids. Ashley has two children and enjoys spending time with her family in her free time.

Mark Stuenkel has joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa as a Match Coordinator for Black Hawk County. Mark will support our community-based matches as well as support our school-based program in the Waterloo School District. Mark and his wife Amy have two children and have lived in Waterloo for the past eight years. Previously Mark worked at Cedar Valley Community Church and for the Waterloo Community School District, as well as other non-profit organizations. Mark brings to Big Brothers Big Sisters a passion to help children and families reach their full potential. He has experienced first-hand the impact that mentoring can have and is excited to help further the mission and vision of our organization.

For more information about how too you can make a difference in a child’s life and become a volunteer or donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa, please visit www.iowabigs.org or contact the office in Black Hawk County at (319) 235-9397 or our Bremer & Butler County office at (319) 352-2813.