Amanda Avenarius joined St. Mark Youth Enrichment as the Director of Programs in 2013, and transitioned to Associate Director soon after. Her organizational focus is strategic partnerships & planning, Human Resources, and overall organizational health leadership.
Amanda has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years, and considers herself a “doer”, both personally & professionally. She enjoys engaging and inspiring others to see goals accomplished, as well as coaching teammates to be their best selves.
In her role, Amanda values the “incredibly talented administrative family” she gets to work with every day and finds joy in connecting “the best humans” with youth & families whom we all believe deserve love, safety, and belonging.
Outside of work, Amanda loves spending time with her family, especially her beautiful grandchildren. She considers herself a homebody but enjoys time boating, partaking in hands-on projects & crafts, cooking & baking, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and UTV expeditions with her husband & family.
Education & Certifications
Amanda has a BA in Sociology from the University of Dubuque with a minor in Criminal Justice and an AA in Education. She is also a Certified Gallup Strength Coach.
Working Genius
Tenacity & Invention
LEADERSHIP
Dawn Cogan
Executive Director
Amanda Avenarius
Associate Director
Amelia Foley
Director of Programs
Jenna Johnson
Assistant Director of Programs
DANIELLE WILLIS
Director of Early Childhood
Ashley Hinzmann
Assistant Director of Early Childhood
Kaitlin Schmidt
Director of Strategic Resources
COORDINATORS
Abby Lawrence
Office Coordinator
ALLYSON AVENARIUS
Strategic Resources Coordinator
Dakota Dix
Program Coordinator
Matt McCarthy
Program Coordinator
Jen Gesie
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Grace Jackson
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Nicole Salyer
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Lilly Connolly
Early Childhood Classroom Coordinator
Lindsey Regan
Early Childhood Classroom Coordinator
Special Projects
Andy Draus
Special Project Support
Unless noted, photos ©Robin Hoerner of RH Photography. Used with permission.