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.

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.

Casey McKean

I grew up in Noblesville and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Public Relations and Communications from Purdue University (Boiler Up!). Throughout my career, I’ve supported a variety of nonprofit organizations with marketing and awareness initiatives, many of which focused on youth, education, and mental health. That experience and a genuine passion for serving youth and our community led me to the Campus Coordinator role. I have lived in Fishers for nearly a decade with my husband and our two children. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, reading, attending my kids’ sporting and school events, and planning our next travel adventure. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to support HSE schools, mentors, mentees, and families!

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.

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.

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.