Staff

Get to know the people who work for you and your neighbors right here in northern Kent County.

Staff Directory (Last Name A-Z)

  • Nikki Anderson

    Food Programs Manager

    Nikki was born and raised on the east side of Michigan and has lived in northern Kent County since 2004 when she married. Passionate about gardening for as long as she can remember, Nikki’s desire to feed her family the best food possible is what led her to move to a farm.  She and her husband wanted to expand from growing their own fruits and vegetables to also providing their family with meat. 

    It’s very important to Nikki that her kids have the tools needed to provide for themselves. It is this desire for people to be equipped to make the best decisions for themselves and their families that brought Nikki to North Kent Connect.  She is excited to be a part of a company whose goals match up with her own.

  • Aimee Baskovic

    Director of Communications

    With a background in advertising and public relations (everything from outdoor advertising to the media desk at the North American International Auto Show) Aimee is always talking about North Kent Connect. She would much rather share information about NKC, or the wonderful people she works with, than update her own profile.

    In her downtime, Aimee loves to cook, read, listen to music, watch movies, the skies, or birds.

    Fun Facts About Aimee

    1. What is your favorite quote?
      “The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
    2. What is your dream vacation spot? 
      I’d like to visit the observatory at the Aurora Borealis observatory in Senja, Norway.

  • Beverly Bouma

    Food Programs Manager

    Beverly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to North Kent Connect. Managing both the NKC Pantry and Farm Stand, Beverly has a vision to bridge the gap between farmers, artisans and consumers.

    A mother of five, Beverly knows all too well how hard it is to provide nutritious food for the family. Beverly’s passion for farming grew while running a food cooperative in Dallas Texas and later cultivating her own homestead here in Rockford, MI. She has a strong work ethic, tireless compassion and a deep guiding faith. From natural childbirth, nutrition and wellness, to faithfully serving in her community, her goal has always been the same—to empower individuals to live their best life. Beverly continues to develop her knowledge and skills in order to bless others.

    Fun Fact about Beverly

    • Favorite Quote
      “One day you will look back and realize all along you were blooming.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

  • Scott Christie

    Director of Donor Engagement

    Scott has a background in sales and journalism, and joined North Kent Connect from a Grand Rapids-based commercial furniture manufacturer. He graduated from Asbury University with a degree in Media Communications and from the University of Kansas with a master’s in journalism. Scott is excited to use his experience to build relationships with donors and help North Kent Connect grow.

    Originally from the metro Detroit area, Scott enjoys cycling (mountain and road), working on his 1987 Camaro Iroc Z, and taking care of his pets, which include two dogs (Tony and Amos), two cats (Gray Cat and Black Cat), two mini donkeys (Jack and Wanda), five chickens, and one beehive.

    Fun Facts About Scott

    1. Where would you like to visit?
      I would go back to Vienna, Austria, to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and my two nephews. They are missionaries planting churches in Vienna.
    2. What is your favorite quote?
      It’s one my grandma used to say: “Oh would some power the gift give us, to see ourselves as others see us!” ~Robert Burns

  • Kristen Gravelle

    Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator

    Kristen was born and raised in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area and moved to the Grand Rapids area in 2000 to attend Grand Valley State University. She loved the area so much that she decided to stay permanently and now resides in Rockford. She and her husband, Brett, have an 11-year-old son, Owen; 2 cats, Bobcat and Ember; and an Aussiedoodle puppy, Luna. Family life means the world to her! Kristen loves photography and being outdoors, and loves combining the two – her favorite photo subjects are birds, flowers, the moon, and occasionally people. She spends her time off birdwatching and driving through country roads looking for inspiration. She also has a love for jewelry and her favorite place to shop is the North Kent Connect Thrift Store. Kristen is a Pisces through-and-through, and really enjoys using her creative & imaginative side. She loves coloring, crafting, creating, and organizing, and also loves to be around people and make them smile – all of which is perfect for her position here at North Kent Connect.

    FUN FACTS ABOUT KRISTEN

    1. What is your favorite quote?
      “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda
    2. What is your dream vacation spot?
      Alaska – would LOVE to take a cruise around Alaska and see all of the nature and possibly the Northern Lights!
    3. If you could hang out with any person for a day (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
      My Uncle Andy, who passed away over a decade ago. He was the most amazing man alive, who suffered from a disease that turned muscle to bone. He was my role model, my hero, my best friend, and I’d love the chance to see him or hear his voice again!

  • Claire Guisfredi

    Executive Director

    Claire is a powerhouse, keeping the train on the track and going 100 MPH! As executive director of NKC, Claire is passionate about creating a vision for the future and motivating the community to achieve that vision. She strives each day to help people make a better life for themselves. Claire has worked in the nonprofit sector for all of her career, including enjoyable jobs at the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and faith-based schools.

    From Cleveland, Ohio, Claire is a lover of the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling, traveling, reading, and playing pickleball and board games. Claire and her husband, Michael, are proud parents of three daughters. Claire absolutely loves coming to work each day and is thrilled to see the growth of NKC. She is thankful for a dedicated staff, compassionate volunteers, generous donors, and an astute Board of Directors who help keep it all together!

    Fun Facts About Claire

    1. What is your personal Mantra?
      “Live life with no regrets.”
    2. What is the best adventure you’ve ever been on?
      I love to travel in the U.S. and internationally, and since I’m old (!), I’ve had a lot of adventures in my life. The best ones involve spontaneity, something going wrong, lots of laughing, serendipitous meetings with strangers, and getting muddy.
    3. If I had the power to change one world problem, it would involve the art of compromise. So many world problems could be avoided or solved if people would just learn to understand an issue from the other person’s perspective and respect each other’s stance–then work to find a compromise.

  • Kathy Hartigh

    Sales Associate

    Kathy grew up in Rockford and loves it here. Her mother helped start the Rockford Community Service Center (now North Kent Connect) almost 50 years ago! She says she feels like she’s continuing her service to the community.

    Kathy has three children – two in Rockford and one in Wichita. Two of her children are married and have given her eight wonderful grandchildren, seven boys and one girl.

    Kathy is now retired from her previous administrative assistant position with Grand Rapids Public schools where she worked for more than 40 years.

    Interesting Facts About Kathy:

    Kathy fosters neonatal kittens for the Humane Society. She finds it fun and rewarding. She spends time in her flower garden as well and loves being outside.

    Lastly, Kathy says she is, “lousy at it,” but she likes playing golf.

  • Dave Karamol

    Facilities Director

    You can usually spot Dave operating the hi-lo in the warehouse or getting his hands dirty! As the facilities director, there is no project too challenging for Dave, or a problem that he will let go unsolved. Dave has always wanted a job where he could give back to others and his role at NKC gives him the perfect opportunity to do so.

    Although born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Dave was raised in Wyoming, MI. He loves outdoor adventures including fishing, hunting, hiking, and golfing. He and his wife have four children, and he is blessed to have a career that can provide for his family.

    Fun Facts About Dave

    1. What is the best adventure you’ve ever been on?
      Vacationing to Alaska.
    2. If you could solve one world problem what would it be and why?
      War. It affects so many innocent people.
    3. If you could hang out with any person for a day (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
      Any of those from my family who have gone before me. I miss them.

  • Jessica King

    Donation Attendant

    That sunny personality greeting you on the donation porch is Jessica King. Considering one of her favorite things to do it smile and make people happy, we think she’s in the right place!

    A recent graduate of Rockford High School, Jessica is now in a pre-business program at GRCC. In her spare time, she loves to paint, draw, and play with her kitty, Te-Fiti. Jessica says she is “nerdy” over old movies and comedy TV shows as well.

    Jessica loves skiing and being outside, but her greatest love is being with family and friends. And you can always catch her at Biggby grabbing a bagel and mocktail.

    FUN FACTS ABOUT JESSICA

    1. I collect antiques and in particular, Coca-Cola antiques and memorabilia.
    2. My favorite animals are cats, cows, and sloths.
    3. I had two extra teeth growing up. I know that’s freaky!

  • Catherine Landers

    Director of Client Services

    Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Catherine attended Michigan State University for her bachelor’s, then later earned a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University outside of Washington, D.C. She was the program manager for the last year, focusing on offering meaningful educational opportunities for North Kent Connect clients. Catherine also collaborates with our Food Programs Manager to expand access to fresh local produce to clients.

    She looks forward to growing with North Kent Connect to better support families throughout northern Kent County.

    Fun Facts about Catherine

    1. What is your favorite quote?
      “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” – The Talmud
    2. What can’t you live without?
      Plants – both to eat and to grow.
    3. What do you do in your spare time?
      I enjoy gardening, cooking, and reading.

  • Lisa Millard

    Receptionist

    Our friendly receptionist, Lisa, was born in Owosso, raised in Saginaw, and moved from Grand Blanc to Rockford in 2008 due to a change in her husband’s job. What a lucky break for North Kent Connect!

    She has two wonderful adult children and one precocious granddaughter that she adores. An animal lover, Lisa has two dogs. She and her husband recently adopted a senior rescue dog and find the experience very rewarding.  

    Lisa has a background in social work and customer service. She loves helping and encouraging others.  

    In her free time, Lisa loves to read, watch birds, play with her dogs, watch medical drama series, and go for walks.

    Favorite Place:

    At home cuddled up on the couch being “draped in dogs.”  

    Fun Facts About Lisa:

    1. Lisa and her husband visited Rockford briefly in 1998. She fell in love with the town and mentioned to him regularly that they should move here. A decade later they did! 
    2. She applied for an office manager position at North Kent Connect back in 2008 and ended up being in the top 3 candidates. 14 years later Lisa is working with us!

    Lisa says that all of this leads to a well-tried and true Bible verse: James 5:7 “Good things come to those who wait.” 

    We could not agree more.

  • Dinora Quintanilla

    Case Manager

    Dinora was born in Houston, Texas, and came from a migrant family. As a child, she would travel with her grandparents from Michigan and Minnesota during the summer months to Texas for the winter months. A graduate of Sparta schools, Dinora met her husband during her senior year in high school and decided to build a life in Michigan after graduation. She and her husband have two children together and a cute chihuahua named Bella.

    Dinora worked at Telamon Corporation Migrant Head Start for 11 years and started as a center aide her first year. She became a family service specialist for seven years and a health specialist for three years. She is passionate about her work and what she continues to do for herself, her family, friends, and the community.  She is grateful to have this opportunity to work as a case manager at NKC and expand her work experience.

    FUN FACTS ABOUT DINORA

    1. Dinora is bilingual in English and Spanish
    2. She enjoys getting some sun at the beach
    3. She likes spending time outdoors, especially on nature walks

  • Taylor Ronk

    Sales Associate

    Taylor is a professional in customer service. Born and raised in Howard City, Michigan, she enjoys being around good people.

    In her spare time, you can find Taylor painting, crafting, playing video games, or going on adventures with family and friends. She loves being outside, and hanging out with her five nieces, two nephews, two dogs and cat.

    Fun Facts About Taylor

    1. If you could hang out with one person for a day (dead or alive) who would it be?
      My mom or my Grandma Jenny. They were both gone too soon, and I would love to see them. I’d tell them everything that’s happened since they’ve been gone.
    2. What is your favorite quote?
      “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” ~Seth Godin

  • Virginia Souders

    Store Manager

    One moment Virginia can be in the warehouse sorting through new items and in the next, she’s either restocking the floor or helping a customer check out. She keeps the store running smoothly with her ability to achieve so much in a short amount of time.

    Virginia has a background in small business administration. She has always wanted to put it to use in a way where she could help and interact with others. She loves her role at NKC because it gives her the best of those two worlds. Virginia looks forward to coming to work and bonding with her colleagues each day.

    In her free time, she enjoys camping and summer water activities including kayaking, boating and jet skiing with her family.

    Fun Facts About Virginia

    1. What is the best adventure you’ve ever been on?
      Whitewater rafting in Tennessee.
    2. What is your dream vacation spot?
      Jamaica!
    3. If you could hang out with any person for a day (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
      Cary Grant because he was always such an intriguing actor and I really enjoy watching his movies.

  • Maddie Strom-Coyer

    Senior Case Manager, Client Services

    Maddie graduated from Cornerstone University and comes to NKC from D.A. Blodgett St. Johns. She is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Maddie wants nothing more than to support the community, and encourage growth. She is currently leading our Step2 empowerment program. If you have questions about our services or need a listening ear, Maddie is a great person to call.

    Maddie spends most of her time running around outside with her puppy called Hubble, or visiting the many coffee shops throughout West Michigan.

    Fun Facts about Maddie:

    1. What is your favorite quote?
      “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” -Vincent Van Gogh
    2. What is your dream vacation?
      I would love to travel to Ireland or Japan.
    3. What is something that you could not live without?
      Coffee. You will find me with a coffee cup all day.

  • Patty Vanderwall

    Director of Finance and Operations

    A long-time accountant and Sparta resident, Patty has held jobs ranging at a hardwood broker to travelogues to a retirement nursing home. In her spare time, Patty helps coordinate the costumes for Sparta’s Middle, High School and community plays. She loves working with the kids and helping their characters come to life with the array of costumes that Sparta has gathered over the years. Her mother, a seasoned seamstress and 80 years young, lends a hand with the costumes.

    Ask Patty about her favorite Bible verse and she’ll tell you, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13. Patty says that love is the best thing that can be given, whether it’s with a smile, a hug or a word of encouragement. It’s also important to have joy, especially when life throws unexpected curve balls.

    Fun Facts about Patty

    1. What is the best adventure you’ve ever been on?
      There are so many with my family: zoo birthday parties, trampoline birthday parties, home birthday parties, sporting events that my kids and grandkids are in, or driving with my best friend to South Dakota for a Pampered Chef party. For me, it’s not about the destination, it’s about with whom the adventure happened.
    2. What is your dream vacation spot?
      Train trip across the continental U.S.

  • Cyndy Westfield

    Store Assistant

    Cyndy grew up in Costa Mesa, California, and moved to Michigan when she was 17. It was there that she met her late husband, to whom she was married for 37 happy years until God called him home. 10 years after that, God brought Dan into her life, and they’ve been happily married for the last 4 years and counting. Cyndy also has a son and daughter-in-law who are both career military officers, so she’s guessing any future grandkids will be of the four-legged furry variety. She says she’ll spoil them, too, like any good grandmother.

    Fun Facts about Cyndy:

    1. Cyndy says she’s been blessed to try her hand at a few different careers, broadening her “horizons.” Her job as a truck-driver broadened them the most, she says, in more ways than one as she went up two clothing sizes! She also enjoyed mortgage title work, and then retail grocery where she honed her customer service skills. Cyndy says through the Lord’s blessing, she’s landed at North Kent Connect where she hopes to be of even more help and service to those who may need it.
    2. If Cyndy could go anywhere in the world, she says it would probably be her own back yard where she doesn’t have to be on her best behavior.

Looking to join our team? Check our Jobs page for any open positions.