Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has a group of compassionate and dedicated individuals on our side who are willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.
Board of Directors
Staff
Heritage Membership
The Heritage Membership is an honorary membership that is bestowed upon any past board member, Big or Little who has contributed significantly to the good of the agency.
Justin Anderson
Tom Breidenstein
Verna Brown
Laura Horning
Ralph Mauriello
JoAnn Plum
Elaine Rose
Alice Sencindiver
David St. Clair
Board of Directors Bios
Denise Hess, Board President
Denise currently serves as the president of the board of directors. She is the deposit services regional manager for First United Bank & Trust. Denise was a 2023 graduate of Leadership Berkeley. She is married to her husband Joshua and they have three children: Ava & twins, Kash & Harlow. They also have Maddyn the dog and Chai Latte the cat. Her family is constantly on the go being involved in softball, dance, volleyball, show choir, and numerous nonprofit organization to which they donate their time.
Denise’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“As stated in the BBBS mission statement, one-to-one mentoring relationships can ignite! It is that word that lights a passion for mentoring our youth for all children to have additional opportunities to feel welcomed and supported. In addition, I have personal past experience with BBBS that I have been able to witness the power of the organization in creating lifelong mentorship.”
Dr. Mary Hendrickson, First Vice President & Big Sister
Mary has been a board member since 2016, currently serving as chair of the board Development Committee. She was previously the secretary and president of the board. In addition, she is a Big Sister. Mary’s profession is educator. She has been the director of Behavioral and Social Science Division at Hagerstown Community College since 2014. Before that, she worked as an administrator and faculty member at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA for 26 years and she was a faculty member at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Mary earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and an M.A and B.S. from Minnesota State University (Mankato). She is a member of and secretary for the Washington County Commission for Women. Awards include Outstanding Service to the College (Wilson College), Sears Roebuck Award for Outstanding Teaching, and various grants for research. Mary has spoken at several conferences and published articles. She was selected for a travel award to Amman, Jordan by the U.S. State Department and by Wilson College for travel to Japan, China, and South Korea. Mary’s family consists of her husband Robert, her daughter Erica, her husband Jon, as well as her pups and kitty.
Mary’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission celebrates the power of mentorship. As a teacher and administrator, I have witnessed the impact on students who blossomed from the mentorship of faculty and staff. Young people look to adults for love, support, and guidance. Good mentors help them to mature, grow in confidence, and become resilient as they face life’s challenges. The bond of acceptance and friendship between a Little Sister or Brother and a Big Brother or Sister can be an invaluable resource that benefits both parties.”
Kathy Curtin, Second Vice President & Big Sister
Kathy always had an interest in becoming involved with the agency, but felt she was too old! She became a Big Sister in her 50s, and she’s so glad she did! She was matched when her little sister was seven years old. Kathy was invited to join the board of directors several years later. She is a retired social worker and enjoyed working w/ families.
Kathy’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“I am so proud to be a part of BBBS and share my passion for our mission.”
Ty Hemmis, Treasurer
Ty has been a board member since October 2018, serving as the treasurer since 2022. He helps provide financial guidance, reporting out the agency’s financial performance to the board on a monthly basis and ensuring the agency remains in a financial position to continue defending the potential of the youth in Washington County.
Ty earned his Bachelors in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration from Frostburg State University in 2014, transitioning right into public accounting where he earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and gained experience with auditing and performing tax returns for nonprofits among other industries. Ty transitioned to global industry in 2018, spending time at JLG in Hagerstown, MD and CertainTeed in Williamsport, MD, before taking his current position as Senior Controller of District Cannabis, which operates in Maryland and DC.
One of his proudest moments in his career was helping to establish a partnership between JLG and BBBS, one that has continued after my departure from JLG.
Ty lives here in Washington County with his wife, Samantha; children Camden and Kyla; cat Manny; and dog Lady.
Ty’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“Growing up in a two-parent household with support for my education, athletics, and other activities, I was blind to the void of support and mentorship for the youth in the community. After reading about BBBS and gaining an understanding of the mission and value to the youth in our community, I felt compelled to help fill that void by volunteering my financial skills to help guide the organization. It’s very simple: One child left without a positive mentor in our community is one too many.”
Brooke Kerbs, Secretary
Brooke’s passion for the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters began in 2000 when she was in college and got matched with the affiliate in Chattanooga, TN through her undergraduate internship. Within a few weeks of seeing the impact of 1:1 mentoring, she knew the mission of BBBS was something special. She went on to work for BBBS in Frederick County, MD for several years and then joined the community here in Washington County by serving as a Big in 2007. Brooke has been on the board of directors since 2013. During this time, she has had the privilege of serving in many capacities including president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president, and secretary. Playing a small role in the governance of the agency is important to her, but she would have to say her favorite part is helping with activities where Bigs and Littles can have fun together. Brooke has had the honor of working in her job as a social worker at the Washington County Mental Health Authority for the last 19 years. In 2020, she was given the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County’s Champion of Youth award. This was especially meaningful to her because working to make life better for youth through her job and volunteer roles is a key value by which she lives. Brooke was raised in Washington County and this community holds a special place in her heart, so it was extra special to receive an award for doing what she loves in the place she loves. She and her husband have two wonderful children of their own and, in her spare time, she enjoys spending time exploring the foods, sights, and activities of Washington County and the surrounding area.
Brooke’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me” is a famous quote by Fred Rogers. I think one of the best things about my involvement with the agency has been the inspiration I feel while spending time with the heroes of our community!”
Paul Dexter, Big Brother
Paul is a new resident to Washington County, MD. He has been serving as a Big Brother to two Littles and joined the board of directors in April 2024. He recently retired from active duty (CAPT/06) with the United States Public Health Service after a 20+ year career serving as a microbiologist with the Food & Drug Administration. Paul was deployed multiple times in his career to include a two-month mission to Texas in 2021 serving as the officer in charge supporting children entering the USA as unaccompanied minors. He has two college-aged children (son and daughter) and he lives in Williamsport, MD, working as a consultant to clients who perform pharmaceutical drug manufacturing.
Paul’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“My interest in the BBBS mission is a personal one based on my own family history, and I am grateful to support this important organization.”
Trina Johnson
Trina has served on the board of directors for more than 20 years and has been actively involved with group events and fundraisers. She was a Big Sister for two young ladies and was part of the Site-Based Mentoring Program for two young boys.
Trina has been the director/teacher of a childcare center for 39 years and has had the pleasure of having two generations of children in my care over these years.
Watching little children learn and grow has been a loving achievement for her. Being nurtured and cared for is so vital to children and she enjoys being their caregiver.
Trina enjoys spending time with her family for holidays and special occasions or to just be there for each other.
Trina’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“Since caring for children is in my nature, I am happy to be a part of such a wonderful mentoring organization who impacts the children in this community in such a positive way.”
Corey Linthicum
Corey is a new BBBS Board Member. He is a 2002 graduate of Linganore High School, in Frederick County, MD. He started his working career as an owner of a landscape company. After exhausting himself for years, he transitioned into working for Rentals Unlimited in Hagerstown, MD. Corey serviced equipment, delivered equipment and eventually ended up in the outside sales position. It was an amazing company to work for and engrained him into the Washington County Community. He was always interested in real estate from an investment standpoint and became licensed in 2005 simply to do his own transactions. After a timely phone call from a great friend and now business partner, it was decided that Corey would try his hand in the real estate industry full-time. He really didn’t know what that meant at the time or have much of a clue for what he was signing up for. He jumped in the deep end and started making the transition. Though not easy, Corey was able to scrape by and absorb as much knowledge as possible from my now business partner, Mike Deming. Then in 2022, they decided it was time to make yet another leap and open our own brokerage. They were able to acquire an old service station on Northern Ave. and make it our own. And AEK Real Estate was born. Corey has been married for 16 years to his wife, Amanda. They have one daughter named Emma. She is the “E” in AEK!
Corey’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County is important to me because I truly believe that the children of this community deserve every opportunity to succeed and this is my chance to give back to that cause. I am honored to be a part of this organization and look forward to applying my skills to help the team.”
Laura Oates
Laura has been on the board of directors with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County since 2017. She enjoys serving on the Programming Committee and planning and executing fun events and activities for our Bigs and Littles. Laura also designs the logos and materials for our events, as well as designs the marketing materials, website, and other publications for the agency. If you attend any of our events, you will usually see Laura behind the camera snapping pictures.
Laura graduated from Washington County Technical High School with a concentration in visual communications. Then she went on to graduate from Shepherd University with a degree in graphic design. She founded Laura Oates Design in 2007, a graphic design company working with local and national clients.
She was married in 2001 to my husband Doug, and we have 3 teenage boys.
Laura’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“I feel Big Brother Big Sisters of Washington County truly is an agency that can make a big impact on our local youth and in turn on our local community. I like that 100% of the funds raised stay right here in Washington County. It is so amazing interacting with the Littles and seeing all their smiling faces when we participate in fun activities and share experiences together that they might not otherwise be able to participate in.”
Krystle O’Brien
Krystle is a dynamic veteran and passionate entrepreneur with a heart for service. She served our country with honor, embodying discipline, integrity, and dedication during her military career. After transitioning to civilian life, she found her calling in entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to continue serving our community in a new capacity.
Drawing on her leadership skills (graduate of Leadership Washington County Class #34) and adaptability cultivated in the military, she founded My Pristine Clean, a community-focused cleaning business to include a scholarship for Front Line Workers to receive free house cleanings during the pandemic! Later, she optimistically equipped her top two cleaners with an extensive client list, equipment and entrepreneurial training to start their own cleaning businesses. They’re still successful to this day, carrying on the My Pristine Clean ethos!
After successfully stepping away from 10 years of cleaning, Krystle decided to move forward to her next venture exploring her true passion – a digital marketing agency aimed at helping local businesses thrive in the online world. Through her agency, she provides tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes, leveraging the power of digital platforms to enhance their visibility and reach.
What sets Krystle apart is her unwavering commitment to giving back. She believes in the importance of supporting our community and actively seek out opportunities to make a positive impact. Whether it’s through pro bono work for nonprofits, organizing community events, or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, she is always eager to lend a helping hand.
Driven by a passion for both business success and community betterment, Krystle embodies the ethos of a modern-day leader: innovative, compassionate, and dedicated to making a difference through further serving our community on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Washington County!
Gary Weaver
Gary grew up in the early 1950s in what he calls “the projects” in Hagerstown’s West End. He was the only child in a single-parent family. His mother worked full-time to support them. They lived in Westview Homes, a subsidized housing community, which is now Gateway Crossing. While there were men in the family, Ms. Weaver did not consider any of them companionable with Gary. With great foresight, she recognized the need for an adult male role model in his life. Therefore, in 1962, when Gary was nine-years-old, she contacted Big Brothers to request a Big Brother for him.
Gary’s first Big Brother was Sterling Dorsey with whom he was matched until 1967. Gary notes that Mr. Dorsey gave him his foundation and taught him how to make good choices. Following his match with Mr. Dorsey, Gary was matched with Big Brother, Carl Davis, who had moved to Hagerstown with his family to work at Fairchild Industries. Gary was welcomed into the Davis family and it revealed to him what a family was like. Unfortunately, Mr. Davis and his family had to move to Georgia in 1968 following the closure of Fairchild Industries.
Gary’s final Big Brother was Donald Haynes with whom he was matched from 1968-1971. Gary describes Mr. Haynes as a very positive person with a wonderful outlook on life. He notes that Mr. Haynes is the person who directed his life and will direct his future. He and Mr. Haynes became very close friends. So close that when Mr. Haynes was considering proposing marriage to his companion, he asked Gary for permission in doing so. This made quite an impression on Gary. Mr. Haynes was Gary’s best man at his wedding.
Having a Big Brother had changed Gary’s life and he wanted to help the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, MD, Inc. (BBBS) progress. In 1972, at the young age of 19-years-old, he applied to serve as a Big Brother. He would go on to mentor three Little Brothers between 1972 and 1984. Gary’s service did not end there. He joined the BBBS Board of Directors in 1990. He served as the President of the Board of Directors in 1995 and 1996 and, again, in 2005 and 2006. Gary’s great passion for the work of BBBS has significantly helped the work of BBBS progress. He has always readily and openly shared the story of his life and his life-changing experience as a Little Brother. The power and impact of this message is immeasurable.
While Gary is currently a member of the BBBS Board of Directors, he has also been given the lifelong, honorary designation of Heritage Member. This honorary designation formally recognizes Gary’s contribution to the work of BBBS.
Jim Zuna
Jim has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County since 2011. He is a member of the board of directors, and has served in a number of officer positions, including terms as vice president and president of the board of directors. He was previously recognized as the 2011 Board Member of the Year. For the last twelve years, Jim has served as emcee for Bowl For Kids’ Sake, and frequently participate in the various activities and fundraisers held by BBBS. He is an attorney who works in cases related to child welfare. When not working or serving with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jim regularly performs in theatrical productions with The Potomac Playmakers and Authentic Community Theatre, and can be seen playing guitar at area open mic nights.
Jim’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“I firmly believe in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the benefits that one-on-one mentoring that our children receive.”
Staff Bios
Tom Kline, Chief Executive Officer
Tom has been the chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County since December of 2012. He works collaboratively with our board of directors, staff and volunteer mentors (Bigs) to ensure the agency has the financial and human resources it needs to fulfill its mission. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Shippensburg University, where he graduated with honors. Tom originally thought he wanted to be a school counselor, but learned public administration and nonprofit management are where he can best make an impact. Following this path, Tom later received a Graduate Nonprofit Management Certificate from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of the XXII class of Leadership Washington County. His proudest achievement was being named the 2006 recipient of the Family Partnership Award by the Maryland Coalition of Families. His human services career has been founded on the principle of recognizing the strengths in others and fostering synergistic relationships. Tom has been married to my wife Pamela since 1995. They have two sons, Nathan and Aaron, a daughter-in-law Hannah, and a grandson named Easton. He believes wholeheartedly families are forever.
Tom’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County is important to me because I believe in the power of human connection and know it is the catalyst for our development and progression. We have all had special relationships in our lives that have helped shape who we have become. Having the opportunity to facilitate these relationships for some of the kids in our community has been such a blessing for me both professionally and personally.”
Abby Whittington, Match Program Coordinator & Big Sister
Abby began my journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a match support specialist in July of 2020. In November of 2022, she became the match program coordinator. She provides match support for our matches to ensure the wellbeing of the relationships and to promote the longevity of these relationships. Abby also assists with the training and support of new match support specialists and interns. She graduated with my Master of Social Work degree from Salisbury University in May of 2022. She received my Bachelor of Social Work degree from West Virginia University in May of 2020. Abby has been married to her husband, Kaleb, since 2021 and they have a sweet little pup, Rosie, who is the light of their lives!
Abby’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The mission of BBBS is very important to me because I know from experience that a single person has the ability to completely change a child’s life. The relationships that we foster have the power to transform futures and I am so thankful to play a part in promoting the wellbeing of these relationships.”
Karla Baker, Match Support Specialist
Karla has been a match support specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County since December of 2022. She also helps with our matching and enrollment as needed. Her main duties include building relationships with and keeping in contact with our Bigs, our Littles, and their parents/guardians. She is there to ensure that things are progressing smoothly and to facilitate and guide them when issues arise. Karla enjoys keeping all our participants informed about upcoming activities at Big Brothers Big Sisters and in the surrounding area.
Karla graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Over the years, she has worked as a foster child and family counselor for the Department of Children & Families, a case manager for the severely mentally ill, a special education paraprofessional and a substitute teacher for WCPS. She spent 10 years as a preschool director and teacher in Hagerstown and Middletown. Her proudest working achievement was having my preschool named as the Best in the Tristate Area in 2020.
Karla has been happily married to her husband, Jim, since 1996. They have three grown children. Drew is an officer in the Air Force, Kyra just completed her Master’s Degree in Psychology, and Chase attends WVU’s Business School. They are a military family and have lived in Michigan, Texas (twice), Florida, Spain, Hawaii and Maryland.
Karla’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission speaks to my heart because I truly believe there is untapped potential in every child and that we are all here to help each other succeed in life.”
Kerry Fair, Enrollment & Matching Coordinator
Kerry joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County in the fall of 2023 as the enrollment & matching coordinator. She works to engage new Big Brothers and Sisters and supports them through the application process to becoming a volunteer. She also works to support families who wish to enroll their child. The best part of her position is matching a Big Brother or Sister with a Little Brother or Sister by carefully considering personalities, challenges and strengths. Kerry has worked with families and children for over 25 years in a variety of positions and believe in the power of collaboration, strengths-based approaches and family-driven outcomes. She proudly earned a Masters in Social Work degree in 2020 while working full-time and raising my son as a single mother.
Kerry’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County is important to me because I believe we all have the potential to make an impact in our community and positively change the course for vulnerable youth.”
Angela Yamashita, Little Leadership Academy Group Mentoring Program Coordinator & Big Sister
Angela has been the program coordinator for the Little Leadership Academy Group Mentoring Program (LLAGMP) since 2022. In this role, she works closely with our community partners, Girls Inc. of Washington County and the Boys & Girls Club, to deliver our youth leadership curriculum to the Littles in their afterschool programs. Her responsibilities encompass everything from recruiting and training to matching, as well as the day-to-day coordination and implementation of the LLAGMP program.
After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, Angela made the decision to pause her career to care for her son, who has a physical disability. Driven by her desire to be a helper in my community, she began volunteering at Girls Inc. of Washington County in approximately 2012. Since then, she has been actively involved in various capabilities, including dance & fitness instruction, literacy programs, and mentoring initiatives, all aimed at supporting the youth in our community. Currently, Angela is also serving as the vice-chair on the Washington County Diversity & Inclusion Committee, advocating for policies that foster inclusion for all residents of our county.
As an immigrant and an English as a second language learner, Angela is very proud to be the first member of her family to attend college on a full-ride scholarship and graduate with honors. At home, she is a wife to her supportive and patient husband, Brandon; and a tired mom to four wonderful kids, Ethan (in college), Olivia (in high school), Adelyn (in middle school), & Ryden (in pre-k).
Angela’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County is important to me because I’m blessed to have great mentors throughout my life. I also proudly consider myself a graduate of the “School of Mr. Rogers.” As he famously said, “All of us, at some time or another, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connect us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” The mission of BBBS aligns with my belief that we are all interconnected, and we all possess the ability to love and contribute through our unique talents and gifts. Witnessing the positive impact of our LLAGMP program on both mentors and mentees has been incredibly rewarding and affirming for me personally.”
Sarah Banks, Little Leadership Academy Group Mentoring Program Facilitator & Big Sister
Sarah has been a proud member of the BBBS Washington County team since 2019, providing health and life-skills content to Littles, resource referrals to families as needed, and by supporting BBBS agency events. She has been a co-facilitator of the agency’s site-based Little Leadership Academy Group Mentoring Program since the program’s launch in 2021.
Having lived and worked in Washington County for nearly 20 years, Sarah has a sharp awareness of the diverse needs and strengths of Hagerstown and its residents. After nearly a decade in business and retail management, she chose to pursue a more meaningful path in the human services field. She has served families in Washington County in many capacities in the area of family support. Sarah has a strong background in the areas of positive parenting, early childhood development, leadership, adult case management, life-skills, and family self-sufficiency. She is currently a family support worker for Bester Community of Hope, a San Mar Initiative, working directly with families and children in the South End of Hagerstown.
Sarah has extensive experience supporting families and parents in Washington County in the area of personal and familial goal-work. She is formally trained in evidenced-based positive parenting curricula, including the Chicago Parent Program and Triple P for both children and teens, in addition to extensive training in the core competencies of prevention-focused child welfare, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. She seeks to build capacity, cultivate resilience, and strengthen connections within families and within the community.
Sarah is a proud aunt to human baby Sean and a cat mom to Cobweb, a snotty and sneezy spooky boy.
Sarah’s reflection on the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County:
“I believe strongly in the BBBS core values, and will always seek to ignite the power and promise of youth by meeting children and their families where they are, celebrating the beauty and the value of diverse perspectives and strengths, and by taking every opportunity to protect the magic and whimsy of childhood for Washington County kids.”
Janet Slack, Bookkeeper & Big Sister
Janet has been the bookkeeper of Big Brothers Sisters of Washington County since July of 2012. She work closely with the chief executive officer monitoring the financial ins and outs of the agency. She has been involved with BBBS since 2004, first as a Big Sister and then a board member, eventually becoming an employee. Janet has been matched with her current little sister for about 5 years. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting from Towson State in 1979. She obtained her CPA certification in 1981. Janet’s 30+ years with Citicorp as an accountant ended in 2010, allowing her to retire at an early age. She loves working part-time and enjoys the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of establishing relationships that last for years to come. Janet has one beautiful daughter and three loving and fun granddaughters. Her significant other George has an additional seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild that also provide much love and fun. They spend lots of time attending kids sporting events, concerts and recitals. Enjoying life the best they can!