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Board Members
Below are biographies of the current board members of the Volunteer Management Association of Western Michigan.
Tina Droski, President tina.droski@baruchsls.org
I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Baruch Senior Ministries, a non-profit organization which provides assisted living to seniors in 9 facilities in the western Michigan area. Since the Volunteer Coordinator position was new to Baruch, I sought resources on the web and VMAWM came up. I joined as soon as I could and after a year, I decided that the best way to get to know people and improve on my job skills was to become a board member. Some of the residents are not able to meet the monthly costs of living in our homes, so it is important to recruit and maintain as many volunteers as possible. Many of our volunteers have been with us for years and it’s great to see the tremendous passion these people have for our residents! My husband and I have 4 adult children and we like to enjoy a lot of our weekends on the Muskegon River which gives me time to do some reading. I also enjoy riding the various trails on my bicycle. It’s also great fun to be a part of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, and mentoring a child once a week through the Kid’s Hope program. I encourage anyone reading this to consider joining this great organization which provides excellent resources and learning tools for recruiting and maintaining volunteers.
Becky Buick, President Elect becky.buick@prcforlife.org
I have been privileged to be a member of the Executive and Directional Teams at the Pregnancy Resource Center since January of 2003. Because I grew up with a single mother, it has been especially rewarding to be part of an organization that provides solid education and community resources including abstinence education, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, and practical family support services. As the Community Relations Director, I am responsible for the management of our volunteer program, church relations, community awareness and general marketing initiatives. In addition, I currently participate in our annual fund development strategies.
I began managing volunteers early in my social work career in Chicago, Illinois. When my family moved to Grand Rapids in the early 90’s, I became the Volunteer Manager at Porter Hills, getting involved with VMAWM, and serving on the Volunteer Management Board as Education Chair for several years. In total, my volunteer management experience now includes approximately 18 years. In addition, I have volunteered extensively myself, including leadership with Community Bible Study, MOPS International, and more school and church volunteering than I can list! As past Co-Chair of the Education Committee and current President Elect of the VMAWM board, I look forward to another productive year as we learn and grow together!
Joy Dornbos, Advisor joy.dornbos@beaconhillgr.org
I became the Volunteer Coordinator at Beacon Hill at Eastgate (formerly Michigan Christian Home) about 6 years ago. I am working part time and am in charge of recruiting, training, and positioning volunteers. I also manage the library and store in our facility. Prior to working in this job, I was a teacher in Minnesota and was in charge of volunteers there as well. I volunteer at my church and deliver newsletters in my neighborhood. My husband and I have 2 sons in college and a daughter in high school. I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening and crafts.
Joni Jessup, Treasurer jjessup@habitatkent.org
Kelly Wujkowski, Secretary kellywujkowski@equestcenter.org
I became a part of the management team at The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding 4 years ago as volunteer coordinator. The Equest Center is a therapeutic riding center serving those with physical and mental challenges with the power of a horse. I first became involved as a volunteer and was hired as a riding instructor about 6 years ago. It has been a privilege to see all aspects of working with our volunteers to give them the best experience possible. While the center is in its 20th year, we have become heavily involved with new community partnerships in the past few years. Several of these agencies are member of VMAWM and I look forward to building those relationships.
I have been a VMAWM member for two years and am hoping to be an asset to the group with this new opportunity. Outside of work, my life is run by the many different activities of my 5 children ranging in ages 3-16. As what brought me to The Equest Center to begin with, any extra time is spent outdoors and with horses.
Megan Priester, Membership Co-Chair mpriester@wmrmh.org
I have been the Guest and Volunteer Services Manager for the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan since September of 2009. The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan provides a “home away from home” for families of pediatric patients seeking treatment in the Grand Rapids community. I oversee over 300 volunteers who set foot in the House completing a variety of projects from maintaining the House to preparing dinner. Through my work at the Ronald McDonald House, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations throughout West Michigan creating partnerships that will benefit the families coming to West Michigan seeking medical care. Prior to working with the Ronald McDonald House, I received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Communications from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and strolling around Barnes and Noble. I have been a member of VMA since 2010 and look forward to recruiting new members as I have found VMAWM to be one of the best networking and educational groups in the area.
Joy Wahby, Membership Co-Chair abviadmn@abvimichigan.org
I am the Office Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator for the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired. ABVI is a non-profit organization who offers assistance to those who live with vision loss. We work to help them keep their independence. ABVI also works to promote the prevention of blindness.
I have been a member of VMAWM for a number of years. They have helped me learn and grow in my knowledge as a Volunteer Coordinator. This year I decided to join the VMAWM board so that I might help other’s grow and learn about the importance of volunteers in their organizations.
I have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. I love to spent time with the grandchildren. I am also very active with area dog sports. I serve on the Board of two area dog clubs were we also utilize many volunteers.
Jim Swarts, Education Co-Chair jim.swarts@kentcountymi.gov
Shortly after I started managing volunteers at the zoo Joyce Makinen at the GR Public Museums Van Andel Museum center hooked me up with the VMA. From the first meeting I knew this group would be a valuable resource for me. One of my coworkers asked me what I was able to glean being the only member who works at a zoo. The VMA is made up of a very diverse group of organizations – from senior and retirement centers to corporations, to social services and religiously connected to mental health, hospice, scouts, colleges and universities, blood and food bank and basket, etc., etc., etc., BUT we all manage volunteers or foster volunteerism in the community. Even in the midst of this diversity there are many common elements to what we do. Every meeting or education workshop I attend I come away with an idea or a thought or sometimes just the feeling there is someone else out there who is dealing with the same tough issue or a similarly obstreperous volunteer. I may be the only one from a zoo, but I am not alone! Thank you VMA for your ideas, support and encouragement!
Charles Archie, Education Co-Chair carchie@hwmuw.org
I am a current member of VMAWM and new to the Board. I have recently started a new position in Leadership Development and Volunteer Engagement at United Way. I began my nonprofit career in 2009 working with RRR Summer Enrichment Program with the City of Grand Rapids. Shortly after I became a Loaned Executive for the United Way Annual Campaign the same year. After realizing how important giving back to the community was, it was evident the volunteer component was the most beneficial part of people truly seeing where we live, the basic needs of our County, and charge them to do something. This is when I began my work in the Volunteer Center at Heart of West Michigan United Way. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” My passion is making our community stronger, and bringing people from all walks of life together. Thank You VMA for allowing me to take this journey with all of you!
Jennifer Raymond, Special Events Co-Chair jraymond@pilrimmanor.org
I am new to VMAWM. As the Director of Recreation Therapy & Activities for Pilgrim Manor, I am responsible for the management of volunteers. After 15 years of long-term care experience, it is evident that volunteers are a vital asset for connecting with the community and provision of services. I obtained my B.A. degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Central Michigan University and have spent most of my career working with older adults and striving to develop and implement programming to meet the needs of people with dementia. My husband, Kevin, and I live in Grand Rapids and have 3 children. During my free-time I enjoy baking, scrapbooking, camping, organizing and volunteering at church.
Rhonda Fitzsimmons, Special Events Co-Chair rfitzsimmons@bethany.org
I have thoroughly enjoyed being the Volunteer Coordinator for Bethany Christian Services for the past 4 years. Bethany Christian Services is a family services agency that supports youth and families via adoption, foster care, refugee and counseling services. I am passionate about improving the lives of youth in need. I joined VMAWM 2 years ago and am looking to be more active this year as a committee member! My husband and I have two children 4 and 2 and I enjoy volunteering, cooking, and spending time with family.
Sara Stachon-Durham Internal Communications Co-Chair sarasd@kidsfoodbasket.org
I have been the Volunteer Specialist at Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan for a little over a year and a half. I am responsible for the recruitment, training, and retention of the volunteers for the south west (Big Rapids, Muskegon, Ionia and two clinics in Grand Rapids) portion of our affiliate. Though my professional work experience lies heavily within program management, managing volunteers has always been a part of my job responsibilities. I love building and strengthening relationships with the volunteers. I enjoy getting to know the motivation factor that was involved getting them to rally behind a cause. I was a member of VMAWM several years ago and am really excited to be back. My partner, Jason and I have a little girl who is 1 and two dogs. In my free time I also volunteer for a couple different nonprofits, I also enjoy sewing, knitting, and reading.