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.”
Maria Bates
Client Relations Director
More About Maria
I started at Helping Hands in May of 2022 as the Parent Educator. In February 2023, I took on the Client Relations role. I have the opportunity to love on and teach parenting/life skills to parents involved in services at Helping Hands. We offer a program that teaches unknown or lacking parenting skills to any and all parents; some of the parents fall on a spectrum of risk for child abuse and neglect, some are DCS clients, and some are simply looking to better their parenting. I get to work with parents one-on-one to support them throughout the program. I love building relationships with people, so this job is perfect for me!
I have been married to my husband, Jackson, for eight years, and we have two daughters, Raleigh and Evie. We also have a German Shepherd, Maggie. We have always lived in Bluffton and love being close to our family and friends. I enjoy reading and all things plants!
My favorite verse is Psalm 139:1-24.
Makinzi Peace
Client Relations Coordinator
More About Makinzi
I was hired at Helping Hands in September 2023. My role at Helping Hands is a variety of jobs combined into one job. I love that because it encompasses all the things that I am passionate about and enjoy. I get to work closely with clients, plan and develop programs and curriculum, and I am always evaluating and thinking about how we can make our programs and services better for those we serve.
My fiancé and I have been together for 2.5 years and are planning to get married this year! I have two dogs, Theo and Wilson. They are like my children, and we love going on adventures together! I enjoy spending time outdoors, with family and friends, and in the gym lifting weights.
My life verse is Proverbs 10:9, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
Greg Thornton
Men’s Coordinator + Advancement Director
More About Greg
I stepped in as the Men's Coordinator in August 2023, though I served on the Helping Hands' Board a few years ago and have always had a heart for their mission and this position certainly works with helping men down their path of life. I feel that my position at Helping Hands includes several areas of assisting men in navigating through their lives. Helping to teach, train, motivate and develop character to result in positive behaviors for them and their families. We added couples coaching to also enhance the relationships with partners and families. At the beginning of 2025, I stepped part-time into the role of Advancement Director.
I am blessed to have 3 girls and 3 sons in laws that are all Christians and are raising our 9 grandchildren that way. My kids truly love one another, and everyone enjoys time together playing any type of games or just hanging out. My family makes me think of the saying, Live, Laugh & Love. I have a better life and achieved more than I ever dreamed possible well into my 20’s and 30’s. I owe everything to God and my family. I am thankful for my wife, she is my encourager, cheerleader, and best friend.
My favorite verse is Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
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.”
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."
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
Parent Educator
More About Carrie
I came on staff in June of 2025 as the Parent Educator! I am passionate about empowering parents to love their kids well and to find joy and hope in every moment! Through teaching new skills and shedding light on the grace and strength that God promises to provide to parents in our sacred role, I am excited to share in this journey of parenting with 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 focusing on DCS clients 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 have daily 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, cook, clean/organize, workout, do yoga, play board/card games, listen to loud music with the windows down, 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 Stettner
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.”,
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.”