Our Staff
Kylie Tomlin
Executive Director
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
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
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
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
Children's Program Director
I love what I do because there is so much we can learn from kids! It amazes me how completely unique we are created to be, and I love being a part of that as it unfolds in a child. Connecting with and leading kiddos through serving them is a way God shows me who I am, too, and teaches me how to love more like Jesus. Being a part of helping children learn about what makes them uniquely special and working with the volunteers who form the “village” it takes in children’s programming, provides me the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s world, to show them who they are and point them toward who God wants them to be.
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
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.
Brittany Gerber
Registered Nurse
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.”
Maggie Pearman
Engagement Director
I came on staff in April of 2023. As the Engagement Director, most of my job consists of working with our volunteers and donors. I spend much of my time training, interviewing, and coordinating volunteers, as well as recruiting new ones. I also ensure that all of our volunteer paperwork and procedures are up to date, and that we are caring for and supporting our volunteers. We absolutely couldn't do what we do without all of our fantastic volunteers! I have a passion for helping others and have always felt called to serve where I can. I have loved getting to volunteer at other places and am so blessed to get to work with volunteers here at Helping Hands!
My husband, Josh, and I have been married for 3 years, and we love getting to hike, kayak, travel, and adventure together. I love reading and collecting books, enjoying nature, and playing cozy video games.
My life verse is Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Cecelia Ellet
Accountant
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.”
Board of Directors
Lane Sander
BOARD PRESIDENT
Director and Founder of Renovate Counseling Services.
My wife Jennifer, our four kids, and I reside in Wells county. I am the director and founder of Renovate Counseling Services, a private practice mental health counseling agency with several offices throughout Indiana. I also serve as the assistant pastor at Sonlight Wesleyan Church in Bluffton. My family and I are passionate about helping people in need and enjoy opportunities to serve with and for a variety of local, as well as international, people-focused and Gospel-centered non-profits. We further enjoy the outdoors, staying active, and spending time together as a family.
I serve on the board of Helping Hands because I believe in the mission - every child and every family matters - and Helping Hands has a very Christ-centered and holistic approach to the important work that they do.
My favorite verse (right now) is James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Jarrod Lewis
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Sr. Regional HR Manager for Bunge North America
I served as the Human Resource Advisor at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne and retired from the Air National Guard after 20 years of service in 2022. My wife Alicia and I have been married for 19 years, and we are proud parents of 4 wonderful daughters, Hattie (18), Hazel (15), Haley (14) and Hannah (12). We were previously members of the Ossian Presbyterian Church and have been attending Hope Missionary Church for the past 10 years.
I am passionate about protecting the lives of the unborn and providing support for mothers who may be facing difficult life situations. I love that Helping Hands comes alongside mothers and the entire family to provide community and help set them up for success in life. It’s a privilege to serve on a board of such a great organization that is ready to love and serve every person who walks through the doors.
The verse I like is Mathew 6:19-21 which says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves to not break in and steal. For where your treasure is , there your heart will be also.
Joel Smith
BOARD SECRETARY
Aircraft Mechanic at Indiana Air National Guard
I’m 40 (almost) years old, married to Kimberly for 15 years and we have 3 kids (Rhys 13, Mia 12 and Ryder almost 9 (Feb.5)) I joined the Air Force at 17 and have been in for going on 23 years. We love to travel and enjoy seeing new things and places.
I am passionate about assisting the entire family unit to build stronger connections and a better community. I love how the entire family unit (mom, dad, kids and couples) can do classes or get resources to thrive at home. To see many of the clients going to church and finding new faith is a testament to the way God is guiding Helping Hands and shaping it to what our community needs.
Gayla Gerber
Owner and HR Manager at Outdoor Concepts.
Steve and I have been married for over 40 years and live in Bluffton, both of us have lived in Wells County all our lives. Together we have built a wonderful family and life – 3 sons, 1 daughter, 3 daughter in laws, 1 son in law, and 8 grandkids. We operate our business as a mission and love people and privileged to employ & work with many. I enjoy time with our family and friends, being at the lakes, and bike riding.
I am involved at Helping Hands because of many reasons, but one is because my family has experienced addiction firsthand, and this led us to recognize how it affects entire family. In addition, I believe that to change lives, the whole family (father, mother, and child) should be invested in.
I live my life with Colossians 3 in mind.
Jeni Meeks
Middle School Math Teacher Southern Wells Jr/Sr High School
David and I have been married for 24 years and live in Bluffton. David is active duty military for the Indiana Air National Guard. Our son Cole and daughter in law Gabbi are parents to Lucas, our grandson. Cole also works for the Indiana Air National Guard and Gabbi teaches preschool for Hope Missionary Church. Grace, our oldest daughter is a full time student at Ball State and our youngest daughter, Sophia, is a sophomore at Southern Wells Jr/Sr High School. I have been a middle school teacher for 15 plus years, but I also teach ballet for Creative Arts Dance Academy in Bluffton. I have been teaching Ballet for 20 plus years.
I am currently serving on the board at Helping Hands because I realize the need and importance that Helping Hands fulfills in our community. My husband and I many years ago were very young, frightened soon to be parents, but we had the love and support of our families and the Lord to walk us through those first moments of hopelessness and feelings of defeat. Helping Hands provides this love and support to our clients as well as a chance to begin a relationship with God when a family support system is not present.
I feel like this verse from 1John 3:18 fits our mission well: "...let us not love with words or speech (only) but with actions and in truth."