Program Director

Jenn is a native Oregonian who has lived in Central Oregon since 2006. She attended the University of Oregon and has over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families in nonprofit and direct service roles. Since stepping into the Program Director role in 2022, Jenn has led significant organizational growth and impact. Jenn’s focus is on expanding access to high quality mentoring relationships for youth across Central Oregon. Her work is grounded in trauma informed, youth centered practice and a belief in every child’s potential.

In addition to her role with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, Jenn serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Nationwide Leadership Council (NLC) as the West Representative. She also currently serves as the Co-Chair of the NLC Marketing Committee where she works with leaders from across the country to share best practices, strengthen marketing initiatives, and promote the impact of mentoring nationwide.

Under Jenn’s leadership BBBSCO has:
Earned national recognition from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
-2022 Pinnacle Award
-2023 Agency of the Year & Growth Award
-2024 Platinum Award
-2025 Pinnacle Award

Program Manager

In 2002, Kelley first became involved with BBBS as a Little Sister and now understands the life-changing impact mentorship can have. From this firsthand experience, Kelley developed a passion for supporting youth and helping young people feel seen, valued, and connected to their communities. Against all odds, she became the first in her family to earn a college degree, receiving her Bachelor’s in Child Development and later completing her Master’s in Social Work. Kelley began her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a high school intern and has had the opportunity to work within three different BBBS chapters through roles focused on supporting youth, families, mentors, and the community. After joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon in 2021, she continued growing within the organization and now serves as the Program Manager.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Kelley’s role is working alongside and leading a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who are deeply committed to the youth and families they serve. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and tracking Bigfoot through the Pacific Northwest with her husband. Kelley values compassion, honesty, and the opportunity to bring laughter wherever she goes. 

Federal Reporting and Grant Manager 

Elysia has been part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon for more than 11 years and currently serves as the Federal Reporting and Grants Manager. Over the years, she has stepped into nearly every role needed to support the organization, including enrollment, match support, program management, grant writing, and federal reporting. Her work now focuses on grant strategy and securing funding that strengthens mentoring services across Central Oregon, helping drive significant growth in organizational grant funding in recent years.

While she is proud of the organization’s growth, the relationships built through mentoring remain the most meaningful part of her work. Having watched many mentoring matches stay together for years, she has seen firsthand the lasting impact those relationships have on both Littles and Bigs. Elysia believes there are already plenty of voices in the world telling kids what they cannot do, and she is passionate about being part of an organization that reminds them they can.

Elysia works remotely from Uganda, where she lives with her husband and three children. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, exploring, and spending time with her family.

Match Support Specialist– Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Bella is very dedicated to helping youth in our community who have all the potential, but only need the opportunity, to grow and succeed.

Bella has experience working with all ages from infant-toddlers to 5th graders. Bella has previous experience working as a non-profit Program Assistant and as a Bilingual Dual Immersion reading teacher at one of our local Elementary Bend La-Pine Schools.

Bella grew up in Madras and moved to Bend in 2011. Bella and her husband enjoy camping, eating good food, hiking, and traveling on their free time.

Match Support Specialist

Amelia grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, and attended the University of Virginia, where she earned her BA in psychology. Afterward, Amelia decided to trade the beach for the mountains and moved west to Bend, Oregon. 

Amelia joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon team because she is passionate about the transformative power of human connection. She is dedicated to helping Bigs and Littles build authentic connections that foster confidence, belonging, and growth. Amelia feels grateful to work alongside the youth, families, and volunteers of the Central Oregon community. She shares that it’s the people of Central Oregon who have truly made Bend feel like home. Of course, the beautiful outdoors helped too, which is exactly where you’ll find Amelia in her free time.

Match Support Specialist

Johanna was born and raised in Central Oregon and cares deeply about supporting the community she grew up in. She began her academic journey at Central Oregon Community College, earning an AS in Exercise and Sport Science in 2017. While continuing her studies at Oregon State University-Cascades, she shifted her career path towards social work with a passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of youth in her community.

Before joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon as a Match Support Specialist, Johanna worked in residential and therapeutic settings supporting youth as both a Residential Counselor and Activities Director. As a former Little Sister herself, she values the impact of mentorship and enjoys helping build strong and meaningful relationships. Outside of work, Johanna enjoys reading, traveling, live music, crafting, and spending time with her cat, Muffin. find.