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 Project & Committee Leadership, Monitoring, & Support, Human Resource Management, and Overall Organizational Health & Team Support. In her role, Amanda values the “incredibly talented administrative team” 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.
Amanda is a long time leader in the nonprofit sector and considers herself a “doer”, both personally & professionally. She enjoys engaging and inspiring others to see goals accomplished, as well as coaching others to be their best selves.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 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 graduated with her Sociology Degree from the University of Dubuque, and is 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 Development & Operations
COORDINATORS
Abby Lawrence
Office Coordinator
ALLYSON AVENARIUS
Development Coordinator
Dakota Dix
Program Coordinator
Matt McCarthy
Program Coordinator
Jen Gesie
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Grace Jackson
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Deja Young
Early Childhood Lead Classroom Coordinator
Lilly Connolly
Early Childhood Classroom Coordinator
Special Projects
Andy Draus
Special Project Support
Unless noted, photos ©Robin Hoerner of RH Photography. Used with permission.