Mindy Medalen

Mindy is the Program Director for FYI and enjoys working with mentors, mentees, and guardians. Some of the things she loves most about her position is the opportunity to make new mentoring matches and watch those relationships grow.
She graduated from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business where she earned dual degrees in Marketing and Management. She and her husband moved to Fishers over 20 years ago and enjoy raising their family here. In her free time she enjoys coaching volleyball, working with the Fishers High School Marching Band, and traveling. She started her journey with YMI as a mentor and is thrilled to now be a member of this amazing staff.

Kristie Bradford

Kristie is the Director for our food programs. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Indiana State University and a Master’s degree from Ball State University. She has lived in Fishers with her husband, Mark, for over 25 years. Her son and daughter went through the Hamilton Southeastern School System, were active swimmers for FAST and graduated from Fishers High School. Kristie owned a small business located in Fishers that focused on embroidery and promotional products for many years. Kristie has grown Snack Attack and Summer Meals since she took them over in 2020. She is passionate about children’s education and making sure their stomachs have food in them. She loves working with the many volunteers that help to make the programs run smoothly whether they be individuals or local children groups. In her free time you can find her exploring Fishers or sitting by her koi pond.

Kayla Schnaus

I grew up in Anderson, Indiana, and earned my degree in Elementary and Special Education from Ball State University. In 2009, I moved to Fishers to begin my career in education with Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Over the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in the classroom, and I’m now excited to continue supporting students and schools through my work with YMI.

My husband and I have been married for 11 years and are proud parents of three children, ages 10, 8, and 4. Our two oldest currently attend HSE Schools, and our youngest will be joining them soon. We are a sports loving family! You can often find us at the fields or playing together in the yard. As a family, we love staying active, spending time outdoors, and supporting our favorite teams.

I’m passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for youth in Fishers and am committed to fostering their growth and confidence. This passion led me to launch the first Girls Positivity Club within HSE Schools, a program I look forward to continuing this year. My love for sports and dedication to youth empowerment have also guided me into various coaching roles, particularly within the softball community.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join FYI and look forward to supporting students in HSE Schools in this new capacity!

Karin Tholen

Cheering on the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears were fond memories I enjoyed while growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. I’ve always been an avid sports fan, and I had dreams of becoming a sports reporter. I attended the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana and graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. My love of learning and education led me to pivot and pursue a master’s degree in education and Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Years of classroom experience teaching second, fourth, fifth and six grades in Illinois and Indiana taught me the importance of building a strong classroom community for my students. Beyond the classroom, I’ve promoted my love of mathematics while tutoring and enriching students from kindergarten to college at all levels. In addition, I am a Nature First Coordinator, and I get the opportunity to share my love of nature and outdoor education with young learners.

My husband and I have called Fishers our home for nearly 21 years. We have four children who have all attended HSE schools. Currently, we have two at Purdue, and our two youngest are current HSE students.

Throughout the years, I have been very involved as a classroom parent, PTO member, Mudsock board member, sports volunteer, preschool board member, and as a guest teacher in many of the schools. I am always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on my children at sports events, crafting, walking my pup, and staying active in the community.

I became involved with FYI several years ago with the Snack Attack and Summer Meals Program. I am so excited to expand my involvement with FYI as a Campus Coordinator. The impact of positive mentorship relationships creates a lasting impact on the mentors, the mentees and our community and I’m so excited to be a part of this experience.

Megan Zanto

I grew up in small town Indiana, but have been living in the Fishers community with my husband for over a decade. I have two daughters who I devote almost all of my creative energy. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in nonprofit management, and have spent my time since then working with small nonprofits in roles ranging from member engagement to leader development. My professional (and personal!) passion is creating connections and exceptional experiences. In my free time, you can find me at the library with my girls filling our “book carts,” at the parks in Fishers, or obsessing over all the Disney things.

Amy Lillestrand

I’ve now been a proud Hoosier with my husband and our three kids for over 20 years, but was born and raised a Buckeye. I graduated from Ohio State with a degree in Math Education but chose to work with a Christian organization called Cru. I’ve had many adventures since that decision including three years in the former Soviet Union where I helped pioneer Cru in Lithuania. More recently I’ve had the opportunity to mentor students through Cru at Riverside Junior High and Fishers High School. I was sold on FYI after experiencing the incredible impact mentoring can have in the life of a student and am so excited for this new adventure with YMI.

Natalie Russell

Originally from the northern suburbs of Chicago, I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Elementary Education. I spent several years in the classroom teaching fifth grade, first grade and serving as a Reading Recovery teacher before stepping away to focus on raising my family. My husband, Matt, and I have been married for 27 years and have three children—ages 21, 18, and 14—who have all attended Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools. Our oldest is now a senior at Indiana University, our middle is beginning his first year at the University of Cincinnati, and our youngest is a sophomore at Fishers High School. Throughout their school years, I found great joy in volunteering and supporting the district in various ways.

Last year, I began mentoring with Fishers Youth Initiative and immediately felt connected to its mission. It is a privilege to step into the role of Campus Coordinator and take a more active part in supporting local students and giving back to the community that has been such an important part of my family’s life. In my free time, you will often find me outside—walking, kayaking, or cheering on my kids at their sporting events. I also love relaxing at home with a good book, spending quality time with family and friends, and snuggling with my dog.

Meghan Kaplan

I grew up in Chicago but have called Fishers home for over ten years. My husband, Noah, and I have three children, all of whom attend HSE schools. I hold a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College and have taught in schools across New York, Chicago, and Indiana. I later joined The New Teacher Project as an educational coach, supporting teachers and school districts nationwide who were serving at-risk communities.

A few years later, my career took an unexpected but exciting turn when I had the opportunity to be the Media Director for the US OPEN Pickleball Championships, a role I held for six years. Since then, I’ve helped bring youth pickleball programs to Fishers, leading several local leagues and initiatives.

I’m thrilled for the opportunity to return to working in schools and look forward to supporting students in our community through mentorship – helping them to feel seen, valued and empowered.  Outside of work, you’ll often find me on the pickleball court, reading a good book, or enjoying all that Fishers has to offer with my family and friends.

Megan Smith

I was born and raised in Anderson, Indiana, and went on to attend Indiana University Bloomington where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology. While my studies were in the sciences, my career has been centered on social work and child advocacy. I’ve been fortunate to work in several roles supporting children and families, including as a Family Case Manager with the Department of Child Services, a Guardian ad Litem with Child Advocates, and most recently as a Training Coordinator at Kids’ Voice of Indiana, where I supported volunteers in their important work.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, binge-watching shows like The Real Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy, and listening to true crime podcasts and documentaries.

I’m excited for this new role because it gives me the opportunity to connect more closely with the Fishers community and help foster meaningful mentoring relationships. I believe mentorship is powerful, and it truly takes a village to support the next generation, so I’m honored to be part of that village.

Carrie Duer

I am a lifelong resident of Indiana, having grown up in Lafayette, graduating from Ball State University with a degree in Communications, and then settling down in Fishers in 2001. I’m married to my husband of nearly 20 years, Paul, and we share two boys, Alex & Lucas, who are students at Fishers High School. I have held many board positions on school PTOs, Summer Break and FAST Swim Teams, and the Fishers HS Band Boosters. I have worked for the last 13 years in the education field as a preschool teacher, instructional assistant, and substitute teacher. My most meaningful role was working with 5th and 6th grade FOCUS students. Seeing the difference I was able to make in their self-esteem, academic success, and social skills was incredibly rewarding, and I am thrilled to be able to continue supporting students in the HSE school district through my role as Campus Coordinator with YMI.

JESSICA RODENBERGER

Born and raised in Indiana, Jessica has resided in Fishers for the past 10 years with her husband and two children. She has a degree in communication from Purdue University and has spent the last several years raising her children while taking on various work endeavors including teaching preschool, supporting and celebrating schools across Indiana as they raised funds for cancer research, and providing agricultural education to children at a local farm. She is a member of a faith community in downtown Indianapolis and regularly volunteers with the church’s food pantry and free clothing ministries. Among other activities, Jessica’s children have both been Girl Scouts since they were in kindergarten, so Jessica can frequently be found hiking, camping, and loading cases of cookies into her minivan.

Jessica has loved watching her children learn and grow in Hamilton Southeastern Schools. She is elated to have the opportunity to support students in the community as part of the Youth Mentoring Initiative team.

Molly Allen

I grew up in Fishers and graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School. I’m a bit of a mix as I was raised a Boilermaker but ended up donning the cream and crimson at Indiana University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Kelley School of Business.

I have been married to my husband, Matt, for 17 years and we have three wonderful daughters. I’ve spent many years giving back to our community and volunteering in their schools and at our local church. My roots in Fishers run deep, fueling my commitment to both family and community.

In my free time I love taking long walks with our golden retriever, reading a good book, cheering for our favorite teams but my true joy is planning the next adventures with my family! I’m honored to be part of YMI and look forward to fostering connections and making a positive impact on the next generation.

Shannon Hanson

I’m a dedicated wife of 25 years and a very proud mom to two boys, ages 18 and 14. In my free time, I enjoy quality time with family, photography, traveling, and cooking. After a very rewarding 28 year career with Fidelity Investments, where I served as a Vice President and a Branch Leader, I retired to focus on my personal interests and giving back to the community. I am originally from Northern Kentucky, however, through my career at Fidelity, I’ve lived in Cincinnati, Chicago, and then promoted to Fishers IN in 2001. 

In early 2023, I discovered YMI through a friend and began my journey as a youth mentor in early 2024. I quickly fell in love with the mission of the organization, the incredible people involved, and my mentee. I feel profoundly grateful for this new chapter in my life and am excited to join YMI as a Campus Coordinator to serve our community and its children in meaningful ways in addition to mentoring. 

Amy Rich

I grew up in Central Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Since then, I have received a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University and have lived in six different state,s landing in Fishers for the last three years. I have been married to my husband for 23 years and have two boys- one that is currently at HSE HS and one that graduated in 2022. I love to explore new places and enjoy hiking and kayaking; but relish scanning the ‘new’ books and highlighted books sections at the fishers library to find a random great read.

I have held a variety of roles over the years and worked with kids of all ages. I helped college students on academic, internships and career planning; high school students on postsecondary graduation plans and college applications; and lots of volunteering with my kids’ schools and activities. I really enjoy the opportunity to help kids explore and reach their own unique potential. I started and am currently still a YMI mentor and am excited to expand my role to Campus Coordinator with such a vital organization to our community.