Our Staff
Kylie Tomlin
Executive Director
More About Kylie
I’ve been on staff since June of 2020, fulfilling a few different roles prior to stepping in as Executive Director at the beginning of 2023. Within my role I love that I get to still take part in some client relations, but I love getting to put a plan in motion for the organization as a whole and cast vision! I couldn’t do what I do though, without the wonderful team we have here and our board of directors.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my best friend, Ryan, who I've been married to for 5 years! I am always up for a good adventure and probably planning my next trip. I am an avid lover of poetry or a good thriller book and art museums. In my free time you’ll most likely find me with my family, with my 5 nieces and 5 nephews, with friends playing board games, taking my golden retriever on a walk, or watching a good movie!
My life verse is Joel 2:12, “Come to me with all your heart.”
Kelli Kistler
Advancement Director
More About Kelli
I’m honored and excited to step into the role of Advancement Director at Helping Hands. Getting to be part of something I’m truly passionate about means so much to me. I’ve always had a heart for serving others and building meaningful relationships, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share the vision and heart behind Helping Hands with our community. In this role, I look forward to connecting with others, strengthening partnerships, and helping grow support so we can continue making a difference. Being able to champion a mission I genuinely believe in is such a blessing, and I’m excited for all that’s ahead.
My husband, Joe, and I have been together for 28 years and married for 21. We have three amazing kids — Chase, Laylah, and Jaiden — who keep us busy and laughing. Our family has always been rooted in Wells County, and we love spending our free time with family and friends.
My favorite verse is James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Maria Bates
Client Relations Director
More About Maria
I began my journey at Helping Hands in May of 2022 as a Parent Educator and stepped into the Client Relations role in February of 2023. I now have the privilege of serving as the Client Relations Director, where I work closely with women to provide encouragement, case management, and support as they work toward personal and family goals. Through a faith-based approach, I am able to demonstrate and share the love of Jesus while walking alongside clients during some of their most challenging seasons. I value building genuine relationships and strive to create a safe, supportive space where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. It is an honor to support families by equipping them with life skills, hope, and practical tools that lead to lasting change.
I am married to my husband, Jackson, and together we have two daughters, Raleigh and Evie. Our family also has the privilege of fostering children, which means we occasionally have extra little ones to love and care for in our home. We have a German Shepherd named Maggie and have always lived in Bluffton, where we cherish being close to family and friends. In my free time, I enjoy reading and all things plants! A verse I find myself returning to often is Isaiah 6:8.
Zach Ruble
Men’s Coordinator
More About Zach
I am so blessed to be able to serve the men of our community through Helping Hands. Men's ministry was a place that I was able to grow deeper in my own faith, and since that time it has been a ministry that is very dear to my heart. My role as Men's Coordinator allows me to meet men where they are, to help them weather the storms that are in their life, and realize the goals they have for themselves and their family. My goal is to encourage, teach, and train, but also to listen, give feedback, and walk alongside men who are trying to create the best version of themselves. So many success stories start with people taking time to care and help someone in need. Ultimately, my hope is that in their progress, they will encounter God and His grace and cling to Him.
My wife and I are originally from Wells County, but have been blessed to move around the country in my previous job as an athletic trainer. I also serve as Lead Pastor at Southern Wells Community Church, a position that I have held since 2022.
My favorite verse is John 3:30 - "He must increase, I must decrease."
Brittany Gerber
Registered Nurse
More About Brittany
I'm a Registered Nurse here on staff, I came on in November of 2022. I do pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and offer a few classes to new parents. If I can help a new mom see her baby for the first time, gain some better understanding of what she's going through, and connect her to resources, then I know I'm making a difference in her life and her child's life. I offer lots of education so I can give expectant parents some knowledge and peace of mind as they're preparing for this huge life change!
I've been married to Landon for 19 years and we have three amazing kids. I have been a nurse since 2008 and have worked in healthcare since I was 16 years old, starting out as a CNA. My most previous job experience was in pediatric intensive care, then I stayed at home raising my kids for about 6 years before starting at Helping Hands. I spend my free time with my family, chauffeuring kids to practices and games, and volunteering for a couple of other non-profit organizations.
My favorite verse is 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Kristy Norris
Nurse Practitioner
More About Kristy
I’m also excited to begin serving with Helping Hands and join this amazing at the beginning of 2025. My passion is to help others, build relationships, and to bring God into conversations while using the gifts and talents He has given me. I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve and share Christ's love in all that we will be doing in our community.
I am a Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience, serving in family practice for the past seven years. Before this, I spent 15 years as an Emergency Room nurse. My calling is to help others become the best version of themselves, physically and spiritually, and I strive to reflect God’s love in all my interactions with patients.
I am blessed with three wonderful children: a freshman in college, a junior in high school, and a 6th grader. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 25 years, and together, we recently opened our home to become foster parents, answering God’s call to care for His children in need. We cherish our time spent at the lake and are grateful to be part of the Itown Church community in Bluffton, where I lead the Itown Foster Care Ministry.
My life verse is 1 John 4:19, "We love because He first loved us."
Carrie Frauhiger, MSW, LSW
Parent Educator
More About Carrie
I came on staff in June of 2025 as the Parent Educator! I came to Helping Hands because of this organization's ability to see and meet the needs of our community through evidence-based practices and sharing the love of Jesus! I am passionate about empowering parents to love their kids well and to find joy and hope in every moment! Through group parenting classes and one-on-one coaching, I am able to teach parents new skills and shed light on the grace and strength that God promises to provide us parents in this sacred role! I feel so blessed to share in the journey of parenting alongside others in our community! I am a Licensed Social Worker with experience in providing case management and counseling, as well as developing and teaching parenting curriculum, to a variety of clientele, previously working with families referred by DCS and children with Autism.
I have been married to my husband, Koty, for 7 years and we are blessed with two sweet and spicy little girls, as well as an Australian Shepherd named Rosie! I also teach preschool dance classes at the YMCA and love having living room dance parties with my girls! I have more hobbies than I do free time, and I love to travel, do anything and everything outdoors, read, drink coffee, clean/organize, workout, do yoga, play board/card games, and spend time laughing with family and friends!
My favorite Bible verse is James 4:7-8a, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
Mimi Brege
Children's Program Director
More About Mimi
Helping Hands has been a part of my life for a quite sometime — as I started volunteering here when I graduated high school. From the beginning, I was drawn to the way this community shows up for one another. There’s something so powerful about creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and seen, and I’ve always felt honored to be part of that.
Stepping into this role feels incredibly meaningful to me. I’ve always believed that every child deserves to feel heard — not just listened to, but truly known, understood, and supported with the tools they need.
As Children’s Program Director, I’ll be leading the growth of our Hand-In-Hand program, which builds on what parents are learning in their own program to create a holistic, family-centered approach. I’ll focus on strengthening and fostering one-on-one connections with the kids in our care, walking alongside them through each part of our programming, and continually refining our curriculum to meet their changing needs. My goal is to create spaces that are safe, supportive, and empowering — where every child feels known and valued, and is equipped with meaningful skills through age-appropriate lessons designed to meet them right where they are.
Outside of work, I prioritize relationships and time spent with family and friends! I am happiest when outside lost in the vastness of God’s creation. I am working on obtaining my Social Work degree with a focus on trauma informed care.
I just care deeply about this work and the children we serve. It’s an honor to be part of what Helping Hands is building, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and showing up with everything I have. My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast in my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”,
Makinzi James
Programs Coordinator
More About Makinzi
I was hired at Helping Hands in September 2023 after completing an 8-month long internship for my master’s program in Public Health. My role at Helping Hands has evolved over the years, but I have always found myself drawn towards evaluating our programs and processes and brainstorming ways that we can bridge gaps to better serve our clients and community. I see and value the importance of tracking data and recognizing patterns that show progress or need for change.
My husband Kyle and I welcomed our first child, a son in August 2025 and are new to navigating the privileges and adventures of parenting. We are so thankful that God chose us to be his parents! We have two dogs, Theo and Wilson, who love adventure. Together, we all love spending time outdoors in our backyard or taking walks. I value time with family and friends, lifting weights in the gym, and cleaning/organizing my home.
My life verse is Proverbs 10:9, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Jami Gerber
MomTime Facilitator
More About Jami
I am the facilitator for the community group, MomTime, at Helping Hands and have been since September 2022! We as women just enjoy being together… there have been tears and there has been laughter. I have really enjoyed being involved with Helping Hands, especially MomTime; I love being involved with the community and coming together as women to talk about all kinds of thing, to just connect and build relationships and friendships with one another. I am thankful to be in this season of life and I think God is going to grow me in my walk with Him as I serve at Helping Hands; it is a great place to challenge, encourage and sharpen each other in love.
I have been married to my best friend for 30 years and counting. We have three adult children, a son in law, and a daughter in law - and we love all of them! Anytime I get a chance, I love to babysit for our two grandsons. In my spare time, I love to walk, read, and take bike rides with my husband to the state park.
My favorite verse is Psalms 18:30. Psalm 18:30 states: "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."
Erin Claghorn
Director of Engagement and Outreach
More About Erin
Spending the last few years investing in the children's programming at Helping Hands has felt as if the program has invested in me, stretching and growing me in new ways. In that, I have grown a passion for the aspect of working side-by-side with the "village" of a volunteer team, which is required for programming to be successful. God's design for organization is the unified "body" of unique roles that, together, carry out His kingdom work and develop us individually on our journey to be more and more like Christ.
As our Director of Engagement and Outreach, I have the opportunity to use my gift of exhortation to rally our community and join hands in support of Helping Hands' mission. My passion is to love God and love His people, and I hope to honor Him in the many opportunities to pour into those who pour into Helping Hands in our various areas of need.
I'm a girl with a big heart for Jesus and for other people and meaningful relationships with both are what overflows my cup! My husband, Chris, and I have two daughters who are beginning to “leave the nest”, beautiful in every way, and we are blessed to be their parents. Honorable mention is our super adorable toddler-dog who I believe will never grow up. I love happiness, hugs, sunshine, friendship, my dog, your dog, music, reading, nature, coffee, and good food!
A Bible verse I’ve been leaning in lately is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Alicia Lewis
Office Coordinator
More About Alicia
I'm so excited and proud to start in this new role as the Office Coordinator at Helping Hands!
My husband Jarrod and I have supported Helping Hands for many years. I've been able to volunteer with my daughter Hazel in the kids class, attended family events, and I also have helped support my daughters’ non-profit bakery that donates towards the Helping Hands banquet each year. I am a busy mother of four daughters and have been married for 21 years. I look forward to connecting with the clients at Helping Hands and hopefully through my experiences as a wife and mother we can grow and share life together. I've mostly been a stay at home mom since we had our oldest daughter who is now 19, but have worked part time in the past several years as a preschool teacher and I also currently serve as a teacher with Lifewise. We are active attendees at Hope Missionary Church. My passion and volunteerism has always been focused on teaching and pouring into preschool and elementary aged children. Most of my free time is spent with my family. We enjoy biking, hiking, travel, family movie nights, and playing games.
I personally LOVE reading and discussing books. A favorite chapter that brings me comfort and I've used with my daughters is Matthew 6 but specifically Matthew 6:34. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself, Each day has enough trouble of its own." I believe what that chapter says, that God cares for us more than the birds and the flowers and He will provide for us today; we can rest in Him. Helping Hands is coming alongside each client with their “today” and taking some of the burden off of tomorrow and I am thrilled to be a part of that mission.
Cecelia Ellet
Accountant
More About Cecelia
I am the Accountant at Helping Hands, I came on staff in January of 2023. I am so thankful for the people I work with. Everyone has their own gift and I love watching everyone use their gifts God gave them to help others.
I have been married for 23 years to a great man! We have been blessed with two kids; both are teenagers now! We are a family that likes spending time together. We all love the water, being by or in it.
A verse I look at daily is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”