Wendie Preiss
Wendie Preiss
Executive Director
I started volunteering in the donation room as a way to get connected to the community. FROM’s values are what kept me here. I love that we get to be part of a ministry that makes a long-lasting, positive impact on the lives of others daily. What a blessing!
Fun Fact: When I was in Middle School, I wanted to be a comedian. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that I was not good enough to make a living as one. Though I headed down the math and sciences path, I have always enjoyed the laughter of others and the sense of community that comes with it.
Arianne Hall
Arianne Hall
Development Director
The Lowell community reminds me so much of my hometown and I love that FROM specifically offers the opportunity to see the impact we’re making right here in our community. I love building relationships with people and listening to them share their story (that’s what makes me love writing so much!)
Fun fact: I won a ‘celebrity’ cow milking contest when I was a teenager!
Walter Jones
Walter Jones
Program Manager
Walter’s passion for community support and individual development shines in his role as Program Manager. He holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Cornerstone University and brings a rich background from his time as a pastor, with Job Corps, and in residential behavioral health. This broad range of experience has provided him with valuable leadership, mentoring, and compassionate service skills. Beyond his work, Walter is a family man, happily married to Jazhmin with three sons.
When he has downtime, he enjoys the peace and quiet of fishing.
Lauren Johnson
Lauren Johnson
Thrift Store Manager
Lauren brings a wealth of retail experience with her, having spent many years managing a CVS. Her leadership skills and customer-focused approach make her a great fit for the role and for FROM’s mission. A proud Lowell resident, Lauren was inspired to join the team after seeing firsthand the positive impact FROM has had on her own community.
When she’s not at the thrift store, you’ll likely find Lauren enjoying a good book, out fishing, or working on a crochet project.
Christy Baldwin
Christy Baldwin
Business Manager
FROM is an organization dedicated to supporting the Lowell community, a place that I have lived in & loved for 20+ years. My lifelong goals include working with kind-hearted people and filling the needs of others in a big way, like FROM does. Being part of this team is truly a calling and a blessing. Working on different projects with a wide variety of people is my favorite part of my job. There’s always another project to work on and a chance to learn from others. I like meeting new volunteers and getting them excited to participate in our projects too.
Fun Fact: I’ve enjoyed birdwatching my whole life. The Barred Owl is my favorite because when they get talking to each other it sounds likes laughing monkeys. I can’t help but giggle!
Haley deVries
Haley deVries
Development Coordinator
Before I joined the team at FROM, I worked in development at several other local nonprofits.
Growing up in West Michigan, giving back to the community that shaped me means a lot.
Because of my own experiences with mental health stigma and challenges with the healthcare system, I’m very passionate about standing up for equality, dignity, and empowerment for everyone. I’m also a digital artist and musician; I love creating, playing guitar, and singing whenever I can.
Brandon Augustine
Brandon Augustine
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandon Augustine comes to FROM after spending nearly 12 years at Goodwill. With over 20 years of experience in retail, his time at Goodwill cemented his passion for nonprofit work. Brandon’s early experiences in the foster care system gave him a personal appreciation for the difference a caring community can make. That perspective fuels his commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Outside of work, Brandon is a proud nerd and creative tinkerer. He’s a PC gamer (Halo is his go-to), a 3D printing enthusiast (ask about the skull pen cup), and an unapologetic dog person; his Anatolian/Great Pyrenees mix and Chihuahua rule the house. He loves cooking, camping (though his vintage camper is still a work in progress), and getting his hands dirty with car repairs or any new project that sparks his curiosity.
Whether it’s helping someone find their footing or figuring out how to fix a jammed printer, Brandon shows up ready to learn, build, and make life a little better for everyone.
Kelly Glas
Kelly Glas
Healthy Food Coordinator
I was introduced to FROM through a previous board member while in college. This led me to completing my college internship here. A couple years later, when I found out there was a position available in Food Access, I quickly jumped at the opportunity to be back! I love having the chance to bring together farmers, retail stores, volunteers, and clients in order to serve our neighbors in need.
Fun Fact: I love to be outside whenever possible hiking, paddle boarding, etc.
John Barnett
John Barnett
Transportation & Client Services Coordinator
I spent several decades in the military, returning to Michigan in 2019. Prior to joining the team at FROM, I taught high school psychology and physical education in Grand Rapids. My wife is originally from Lowell, which is why we chose to move here post-military. We’re proud of our three adult children and our grandchild. When not at work, I enjoy trail running and hiking and landscaping projects. We also enjoy socializing with family and friends in the Lowell area.
Fun Fact: My go-to karaoke song is “My Way”.
Jamie Watrous
Jamie Watrous
Sales Floor Specialist
Jamie joined Flat River Outreach Ministries after working many years in the medical field. She loves meeting volunteers and community members during her time in the Thrift Store!
Fun Fact: Jamie continues to work a few nights a week at Green Acres Of Lowell after forming such amazing relationships with the residents.
Phil Gerard | Board Chair
Carla Stone | Board Vice-Chair
Paul Mundt | Board Treasurer
Amy Bell | Board Secretary
Board Members:
Jake Heitman | Bill Jones | Mary Nugent | Hunter Pham | Kelly Powell | Shelli Otten | Terry Conley | Beryl Bartkus
