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
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!
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!
Kelly Glas
Healthy Food Program 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.
Monica Light
Program Manager
I’ve worked in the fields of education and mental health providing children, parents, and families support and encouragement in their life journey for more than 20 years! I appreciate the opportunity to work with a great FROM team providing services and resources in the Lowell community.
Fun Fact: My family has lived in the Lowell area for nearly 20 years and my two children graduated from Lowell High School. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, biking, hiking, and reading.
Lauren Johnson
Thrift Store Manager
Lauren joined our staff as the Thrift Store Manager. Lauren has worked in retail, managing a CVS for many years before accepting her role at FROM. She lives in Lowell and was inspired to apply to FROM after seeing the way it has impacted her community.
She is excited to begin her role and get to know everyone here. When Lauren isn’t at work, she likes to read, fish, or crochet. Her fun fact is that she loves to collect Converse Shoes and has an impressive collection. We are excited to welcome Lauren to the staff!
Kate Smith
Thrift Store Coordinator
Kate came to Lowell in 2017 with her Husband and their daughter, They quickly fell in love with the community and sought out ways to serve it through their church, school system, and volunteering at local businesses. Kate has always been a thrifter at heart, using her gift of repurposing old treasures to furnish dozens of shows and stages as a prop and set designer since 2004. She also has a passion for serving youth, especially middle schoolers, in youth camps, youth groups, and in local theaters.
Fun Fact: She is a proud goat mom of 5.
2023 FROM Board Members
Eric Wakeman – Board Chair
Shelli Otten – Board Vice-Chair
Paul Mundt – Board Treasurer
Amy Bell – Board Secretary
Carol Briggs
Dawn Broene
Phil Gerard
Jake Heitman
Jim Hodges
Bill Jones
Mary Nugent
Hunter Pham
Kelly Reitsma