Our Team

Gayle Hilleke

Executive Director

E-mail: gayle.hilleke@engageky.org

Phone: 859-572-7634

Bio

In January, 2006, Gayle became the founding executive director of EngageKY (formerly Kentucky Campus Compact), the 31st state affiliate chapter of Campus Compact, a national coalition of over 1200 college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education. At KyCC, Gayle loves to brainstorm with faculty, students, and community partners to form creative partnerships that benefit the whole network. As an example, she worked with the University of Kentucky and other partners to create the annual Kentucky Hunger Dialogue. She also partnered with Berea College and Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority to create the Kentucky College Coaches AmeriCorps program.

Prior to moving to Kentucky, Gayle spent eight years in Washington D.C. at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) where she served as an AmeriCorps program officer and as a project manager for a national assessment initiative, the State Administrative Standards project. Prior to working at CNCS, she was the first program officer of the Ohio state commission (Governor’s Community Service Council) from 1994-1997.

Gayle has over twenty-five years of experience in strengthening communities through work in nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies. Her focus is on using strength-based strategies in promoting community change and personal growth.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Gayle has a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Organization Development from American University in Washington, D.C. She loves being outdoors hiking, canoeing and biking and is currently enrolled in a cooking class.

Shellie Baker

AmeriCorps Program Manager, Program Development and Assessment

E-mail: shellie.baker@engageky.org

Bio

Hailing from Northern Kentucky and an alumna of NKU, Shellie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our team. With degrees in Mental Health and Human Service, as well as a master’s in Adult and Higher Education from Morehead State University, Shellie brings over 20 years experience and is deeply committed to serving the community and fostering the growth of future leaders.

In her role, Shellie serves as the key recruiter and connector for the KY College Coaches Program, working to break down barriers and forge meaningful connections within the community.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Shellie finds joy in playing sand volleyball with her husband, supporting her child running at Morehead State University, cheering on her daughter’s home team, or watching her son in basketball and golf. She continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and connect with others.

Rachel Bevins

AmeriCorps Program Manager, Kentucky College Coaches

E-mail: rachel.bevins@engageky.org

Bio

Rachel Bevins is a Program Manager for the Kentucky College Coaches program. She started her KCC work as a Kentucky College Coach program AmeriCorps member at her local high school where she served as a college and career mentor for students grades 9-12 and an Ambassador for other college and career coaches, providing leadership and support as needed. Rachel became a Field Support Specialist at EngageKY after serving as a Kentucky College Coach. Since serving with our program she has also completed her first Bachelor’s Degree in Education, which has been a lifelong dream.  

Prior to her service with AmeriCorps, she was a very successful retail manager with numerous sales & customer service awards & spotlights.

Emily Gibson

Program Training Coordinator

E-mail: emily.gibson@engageky.org

Bio

Emily is a Program Training Coordinator supporting training and professional development efforts for EngageKY members and staff. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Communication Studies and in Dramatic Art, as well as a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She joined the team after working in a variety of adult mental health settings including the Department of Veterans Affairs and substance abuse treatment; then spent several years traveling around the country and abroad as a stay-at-home parent & military spouse; and finally, serving with AmeriCorps as a Kentucky College Coach. She has a passion for facilitating engaging training & communication opportunities that promote personal and organizational growth.

Emily is a native of North Carolina living in Elizabethtown, KY with her spouse, 2 children, dog, and rabbit.

Carmon Hughes

Field Support Specialist

E-mail: carmon.hughes@engageky.org

Bio

Carmon began her career in education in 2000 volunteering and working as a substitute aid at her sons’ elementary school. Throughout the last 23 years she has worked in many areas of education from daycare to GED/NCRC prep at a local detention center. She served as an AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coach for one year at North Bullitt High School and three years at her alma mater, Edmonson County High School.

Carmon is from Edmonson County, Kentucky. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University.

Mindy Wilson

AmeriCorps Program Director

E-mail: mindy.wilson@engageky.org

Bio

Mindy Wilson serves as an AmeriCorps Program Director for the EngageKY+ Volunteer Generation Fund grant and has a passion for education, student success, and social justice.  She has worked in non-profits and higher education for over 20 years, most recently working as an AmeriCorps Program Manager in the Kentucky College Coaches program and with high-impact practices and career development in the Center for Career & Professional Development at Centre College. She has also volunteered her time as a governing board member for several non-profits, including CASA of the Bluegrass, Wilderness Trace Child Development Center, and the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty (SHECP), where she served as the governing board chair for SHECP from 2022-2024. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Spanish at Point Loma Nazarene University and her Master of Arts in Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.  A native of California, she loves sunshine, being outdoors, and spending time near the water.  She also likes to read, cook, and travel with her family in her spare time.

Susan Byrd

Kentucky Hunger Dialogue VISTA

E-mail: susan.byrd@engageky.org

Bio

Susan has been a lifelong advocate for eradicating poverty, homelessness and mental illness. Born and raised in a small town in Michigan, she has volunteered for many worthy causes close to her heart in her local community. A graduate of University of Michigan she has dedicated many years to addressing the root causes of these and other societal maladies. She seeks to continually grow as a world citizen and servant leader. A mother of three, and Gigi (gran-gran) to five, her hobbies are reading, swimming and cooking.

Hanna Gabbard

AmeriCorps Program Manager

E-mail: hanna.gabbard@engageky.org

Phone: (606) 438-1047

Bio

Hanna Gabbard is an eastern Kentucky native and alumna of Morehead State University. In her role, she manages the EngageKY VISTA Program. As a previous VISTA member herself, Hanna is excited to be in this role and continue to grow the EngageKY VISTA Program.

In her previous positions, Hanna has worked in the non-profit sector, managing strategic communications, event planning, and community engagement. She has a passion for the people and communities in Kentucky and hopes to use the EngageKY AmeriCorps programs to increase opportunities for those that need them the most.

Hanna currently resides in Johnson County, KY with her husband Jonathan and their dog Charlie.

Abigail Huffman 

AmeriCorps Program Manager

E-mail: abby.huffman@engageky.org

Bio

Abby Huffman, a native of Cambridge, OH, earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs as well as a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science with minors in English and Education from The Ohio State University.

Abby currently serves as the Program Manager for the Communities Thriving AmeriCorps VISTA program. Throughout her career, Abby has formerly held roles within Housing and Residence Education at The Ohio State University, including Assistant Hall Director and Resident Manager. She has also served through AmeriCorps as a College and Career Coach in OH. Known for her strengths in organization, connection, accountability, and passion, Abby is dedicated to reducing barriers and promoting service to help communities thrive.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys reading novels, writing poetry, doing puzzles, and playing with her cat, Bolt. 

Arianna Johnson

VISTA Leader

E-mail: arianna.johnson@engageky.org

Bio

Arianna was born and raised in Northern Kentucky and is a single mother of 3 amazing smart, loving funny kids (2 boys and a girl). She holds a deep passion to help make a difference, big or small, in Kentucky. She joined the EngageKY team as a VISTA Leader in 2023 and previously served as as the Safety Net Alliance VISTA with Brighton Center in Northern Kentucky. Her passion for helping others is important to her and becoming a part of AmeriCorps has helped and allowed her to use her passion in our communities.

Collette Thompson

Operations Manager

E-mail: collette.thompson@engageky.org

Roberto Montfort

Digital Media Assistant

E-mail: roberto.montfort@engageky.org

Bio

Roberto Montfort is an alumni of the University of Houston where he majored in Advertising. Here, he became passionate about working with digital media as he discovered its potential to help others. He was born in Texas, but was raised in Mexico for a majority of his childhood. Roberto’s hobbies include researching politics and culture as well as creating art such as music and video. He enjoys sports including soccer and basketball, and is a strong advocate for living a healthy lifestyle in general.

Josh Mullins

Operations Support Specialist

E-mail: josh.mullins@engageky.org

Bio

Josh Mullins, a native of Hazard, Kentucky, is the Senior Director of Operations at Hindman Settlement School and Operations Support Specialist at EngageKY supporting the Kentucky College Coaches program.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Advertising/Public Relations) and a Master of Arts in Education (Adult/Higher Education), both from Morehead State University and is pursuing a certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Lily School of Philanthropy at IUPUI. Additionally, he earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2017 and serves on the board of directors for the Appalachian Artisan Center and the UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center.

Outside of his work, Josh enjoys exploring new places, reading new books, and drinking cold brew. An item on his bucket list? To visit every Disney theme park around the globe.

Arnav Shah

Salesforce Administrator

E-mail: arnav.shah@engageky.org

Bio

Arnav Shah, a student in the Computer Science program at Northern Kentucky University and a native of Nepal, is driven by a profound commitment to helping individuals achieve their aspirations. He has read over 50 non-fiction books, enjoys traveling, and stays active with workouts and sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis. Arnav is a well-rounded individual who seeks to make a positive impact on his academic community and society. He’s also an active member of the EngageKY team, assisting with recruiting and serving as a Salesforce administrator, demonstrating his dedication to personal and professional growth.

Megan Sutter

Administrative Specialist

E-mail: megan.sutter@engageky.org

Bio

Megan Sutter graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of Louisville in 2015. Prior to her position with EngageKY, she worked 5 years in Retail Management and spent time as a President’s Assistant.

Megan’s career aspiration has always been to work with a team that is really making a positive impact within their community. Since joining EngageKY, Megan feels that she has met that goal and loves knowing that each day she works with the EngageKY team she is doing work that is allowing our programs to do great things in the community.  At EngageKY, Megan’s main role is to keep processes moving so each member of the team can perform their tasks and keep daily business in order. One of her favorite parts of her position is helping others achieve their goals.

Doug Vonderhaar

Budget Coordinator

E-mail: doug.vonderhaar@engageky.org