Bigger
Together

Bigger
Together
Every child has potential. It’s our job to defend it. Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan has worked to ignite the power and promise of local youth. Thanks to our community’s continued financial support, we make meaningful, monitored matches between mentors (Bigs) and children (Littles), ages 6 through 18, in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun, and Van Buren counties.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our work towards achieving our mission and vision. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse communities, backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, board and staff. Our commitment is to create, support, and sustain connections for all to realize the full potential within each of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.
Vision
All youth achieve their full potential.
Mission
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Our impact is real
of littles report improved emotional regulation.
of littles report avoiding risky behaviors.
of littles report improved school performance.
When kids are paired with a mentor, they’re introduced to places and experiences that open their hearts and minds to a future filled with boundless possibilities.
But don’t just take our word for it. Research demonstrates the positive impact mentoring has on local children in our programs.
Latest News
Main office
3501 Covington Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-382-6800
888-898-3001 (Toll Free)
Contact Us
Calhoun County Office
34 W Jackson Street, Suite 5A
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-964-7117
888-898-3001 (Toll Free)
Media Contact
Amy Kuchta, Chief Executive Officer
269-488-2857
amykuchta@bbbsmi.org
Contact Us
Join our Team
Join a workplace where your work is meaningful, is memorable, and matters. A career with Big Brothers Big Sisters is an opportunity to merge your talents and personal values with your desire to help kids in your community realize their full potential.
Leadership & Staff
Afton Darsow
Mentoring Relationship Specialist
Amy Kuchta
Chief Executive Officer
Annie Lawrence
Senior Mentor Relationship Specialist
Brooklyn Groenheide
Mentoring Relationship Specialist
Elizabeth Meimers
Mentoring Relationship Specialist
Jessie Reyes
Marketing Coordinator
Josalyn Kiplinger
Enrollment Manager
Kathy Praedel
Community Engagement Coordinator
Kyle Raak
Outreach Engagement Specialist
Kyrone Maye
Mentoring Relationship Specialist - Sports Buddies
Matt Kidney
Database Coordinator
Melissa Kendal
Events Coordinator
Nathifa Sligh
Director of Programs
Nicole Godley
Administrative Manager
Noelle Walker
Administrative Assistant
Regina Miller
Director of Corporate Operations
Tanisha Thompson
Senior Administrative Assistant
Board
Cody Allkins, Past President
The OnStaff GroupVice President of Finance
Vincent L. Behnke
Behnke Dedicated
Eric Bird
Zhang FinancialSenior Manager – Tax and Client Services
Nathan W. Bolton
Old National BankAssistant VP and Manager
Kari Brown
PNC Wealth ManagementVP, Wealth Management Banking Advisor
Joshua Bush, Treasurer
Mercantile BankVP, Commercial Relationship Manager
Kimberly Carter, Vice-President
Battle Creek Public SchoolsSuperintendent
Susan Culhane
Nulty InsuranceSales and Development Manager
Craig Davies, Secretary
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo CenterAssistant General Manager
Ryan DeNooyer, President Elect
DeNooyer ChevroletGeneral Manager
Kristen DeVries
Western Michigan University FoundationVice President and Executive Director
Chelsie Fall
Manpower EngineeringClient Site Manager - Pfizer
Kate Getman
Jaqua RealtorsReal Estate Agent
Torean Greeley
HUB InternationalSales Executive
Gus Hoffman
MicrosoftSenior Digital Advisor
Trisha Kidd
PlazaCorpReal Estate Development Coordinator
Brian Lueth, President
Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeController
Jason Machnik
Herbert Machnik Law FirmAttorney and Owner
Matthew Montange
Plainwell Community SchoolsSuperintendent of Schools
Jenasia Morris
LaMora Park ElementaryLiteracy Tutor
Beatrice Orns
Bronson Healthcare GroupOrganizational Development and Learning Specialist
Jennifer Shea
YMCA of Greater KalamazooYouth and Family Director
Patrick Sweeney
The Bishop CompanyPrincipal (Founder and President 1980–2005)
Darren Timmeney
CHASESenior Vice President / Community President
Sanita L. Virgil
Neighborhoods Inc.Housing Court Liaison & Case Manager
Erin Visscher
Huntington BankVice President – Private Bank Relationship Manager