Who Is YMI?

Alison Gatz

Executive Director

My name is Alison Gatz and I am so incredibly excited to serve as Executive Director for YMI. I am a self-proclaimed “Jack-of-all-trades” but I do, however, hold a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Ball State University majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Political Science. I held positions in Probation and Youth Detention before changing gears and heading into Corporate America to enjoy a successful career in sales.

After our third daughter was born, I hung up my high heels and became a full-time Mom. I was able to keep my health and fitness passion alive by joining the Wellness staff at the Fishers YMCA as a part time Wellness Coach. I also get the opportunity to teach cancer survivors how to get back on track through Livestrong at the YMCA cancer exercise program.

I live in Fishers with my three daughters; Bailey, Sydney and Mia, my hubby Bryant and crazy Great Dane, Blu.

Jennifer Kimble

Director of Mentor Development

Hello, my name is Jennifer Kimble. I am originally from outside Chicago, but moved to Indiana in High School. I graduated with my Associates Degree from college in Minnesota and I am currently finishing my Biblical Counseling degree from Crossroads Bible College in Indianapolis. Over the past twenty years I have worked as a youth leader in two different churches and child care staff in a group home. I worked on several research projects mandated by Congress to better improve the child welfare system.

Ten years ago I focused on staying home with my kids but also volunteered and served as the Troop Coordinator for 8 years with American Heritage Girls.

I am very excited to be on this journey with YMI and look forward to being a part of where it is going. I share life with my husband of 22 years and have four kids, Cassidy (16), Annalee (14), Colton (8), and Addison (6). I love the outdoors. music and camping with my family

Hope Matthews

FHS Campus Coach

Hope has been working with teens and young adults in various capacities over the last 25 years and is excited for the opportunity to partner with YMI. After earning her Bachelors degree in International Relations, she moved to abroad to study and teach English as a Second Language before coming back to start a family. While being a stay at home mom, she hosted support groups for teen moms, was a youth leader at her church and organized mission trips and support for an orphanage in Haiti.

She received her Masters degree in School Counseling in 2010 and worked as a counselor at an International School in Germany. Since returning to the States, she’s been working with homeless teens and young adults at Outreach, Inc. in downtown Indianapolis as well as with Child Advocates, as a court representative for children in foster care. Hope has been a Coordinator for a foreign exchange student program for the last 10 years. Hope is married with five children, ages 15-27, and enjoys yoga, swimming, reading and travel. Her faith and desire to follow God’s leading is the basis for all she’s involved in.

Amy Crell

Director of Operations

I have been with YMI since May of 2016 as an Event Planner, Administrator, and now as the Director of Operations. I from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Legal Administration. Started my career as the Legal Administrator for a law firm in downtown Indianapolis, where I worked for seven years prior to starting my family with my husband Steve. Between my career as a Legal Administrator and YMI, I chose to stay home and focus my talents on raising my children and volunteering in our community. Myself and Steve, an attorney in Indianapolis, have three children: Jacob, Hannah, and Emma.

DeannE Birchall

Campus Coordinator

I’ve been a volunteer Mentor for YMI since 2016.  I truly believe in the mission of YMI and our wonderful founder, Darren Heil, as well as the strong, intelligent, and courageous women who are the driving force behind it.  In addition to my capacity as Student Mentor, I am honored and excited to now serve as YMI’s Campus Coordinator for both Fall Creek Intermediate and Junior High Schools.

Jessica Christianson

Campus Coordinator

My name is Jessica Christianson and I’m thrilled to be joining the YMI family! I’ve held various job titles over the years, but my number one passion has stayed the same: developing people and creating environments where they grow and thrive. I currently live out this passion as the Campus Coordinator at Sand Creek Intermediate and Fishers Junior High. 

Courtney Lawhead

Campus Coordinator 

My name is Courtney Lawhead and I am originally from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I grew up in a big family and spent many summers while growing up as a nanny for other large families as I have always enjoyed working with children.  I feel God has blessed me and my family so I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve with YMI and hopefully make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Jessica Evans

Campus Coordinator

Over the past twenty years, I have held positions serving youth as a substitute teacher, behavioral specialist, life coach, and family coordinator. At my church, I serve as a youth advisor and I oversee our youth dance team. I truly believe that mentorship is one of the most effective catalyst that fosters personal enrichment in the lives of our youth. This is why I am so excited to be a part of this movement towards positive change through the YMI program as a Campus Coordinator. 

Nancy Foley

Campus Coordinator

Hello, my name is Nancy Foley.  I am originally from Michigan, but I moved to Indiana while in junior high school.  I have worked and volunteered in the HSE school system, in various capacities, for the last 15+ years.  I have been with YMI as a Mentor since 2017, and now I am excited and proud to be affiliated with YMI as the Campus Coach for HSE High School.