Meet our Mentors

Corey has been a magistrate judge in White County since 2003. He and his wife grew up in White County and have three kids. Corey has been mentoring since 2006!

Why Did You Decide to Become a Mentor?

"While I was a probation officer, before I became a magistrate judge, my eyes were opened to some of the conditions the children in our community live in. I’ve always been interested in a career of public service that could make a positive difference in our community, but as a probation officer and judge, I realized I was working on the back end of the problem.

By the time I dealt with a person placed on probation or in the court system, they had already made bad choices and were paying the consequences for those choices. I’m thankful for the article in the White County News back in 2006 pleading for mentors in the school system, because after reading that article, I realized this could be a small proactive role I could play in the hopes of improving our community. 

Volunteering as a mentor has been a perfect opportunity to be there for a child who needs a friend, consistency in his or her life, and guidance to encourage making smart choices. My time as a mentor has truly been a blessing."

Crystal is a stay-at-home mom to four children, three of whom attend Jack P. Nix Elementary. She began mentoring in Spring 2023 after completing mentor training. Besides mentoring, she volunteers at her kids’ school, serves in PTO and is involved in her local church.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Mentor?

“I wanted to mentor because in middle school I had a mentor. I remember her very well. Her name was Ms. Ann and she worked for the city of Cleveland. Every week, she would come to the middle school to see me. At first, I enjoyed just being able to get out of class, but the more I got to know her the more I actually enjoyed her company. I remember I used to tell her about my problems at home and she would always encourage me.

Looking back on this now as an adult, it made me realize how much the kindness and consistency of a stranger can change how a child feels so much. For me, she was one of the first people who made me feel important and valued. I hope that I am able to give back what was given to me. I hope I am able to be a light for my sweet mentees. I want to let them know that they are capable of anything they set their minds to. Being able to speak love and kindness into the kids is an absolute blessing in itself for me.”

Keri is a stay-at-home mom to three young girls, two of which attend Mossy Creek Elementary. She began mentoring in Spring 2023 after completing mentor training. Besides mentoring, she volunteers at her girls’ school, serves as secretary for PTO and assists with her kids’ sports teams.

Why Did You Decide to Become a Mentor?

"I’m a stay at home mom, but I'm always looking for new ways to productively fill my time. I've found the best ways to do so are to help through our community, specifically within sports and the school. I found out about the mentoring program through a friend and knew it was a perfect way to directly help someone. This is my second year mentoring and I look forward to meeting with my mentee every week."