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Laura Gallaher

Executive Director

Laura has dedicated her life to Common Good. She believes in creating a culture of belonging for everyone who steps through the doors. Fostering authentic connections is at the center of her heart as she walks alongside the students and families in her community. Laura encourages, dances, prays, hopes, and explores with everyone at Common Good.  

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Brenda Blakovich

Associate Executive Director

Brenda is passionate about serving students and families in our community. She enjoys connecting donors and volunteers to programs that focus on closing the educational achievement gap for students and empowering families to create better lives for themselves. Whether it’s giving money, painting the walls, or fixing a van, she loves seeing the direct impact that donations can have on the Common Good community.

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Emmanuel “Manny” Mock

Path Program Manager

Manny has a passion for mentoring high school graduates facing life’s new challenges. He believes in building character through kindness, love, and support. Listening is at the core of his work as he problem solves with young adults on important decisions such as finances. Manny brings joy to the table, sharing his experiences to help others.

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Sara Trapp

Business and Development Manager

Sara is committed to creating safe spaces of belonging for the community. With a focus on organization, communication, and supporting people where they are, she cultivates authentic connections with students, families, and community partners.

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Brenda Vanegas

Family Support Manager

Brenda understands the power of education and works hard to empower students at Common good to discover the best version of themselves. Her commitment to teamwork helps foster strong connections with students, families, and coworkers. Whether it’s a big or small win, Brenda knows how to celebrate everyone at the Common Good.

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Noranne Hendricks

Elementary Program Coordinator

Noranne is committed to creating programs at Common Good that allow students to discover their true potential. She believes that everyone can grow, learn, and make mistakes in a safe space. Noranne is grateful that God led her to Common Good — a place she feels loved, cared for, and seen.

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Greison Mitchell

Youth Program Coordinator

Greison started his journey with Common Good as a mentor. Bringing his positive energy to every situation, he helps connect our community and inspires us to always have fun. Greison is passionate about spreading joy and building relationships in a safe environment.

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Hannah Bellew

Americorps Member

Hannah understands that Common Good is a place where everyone encounters love. And she is committed to doing life with people different than herself. From playing four square to having challenging conversations, Hannah consistently chooses courage and peace.

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Sarah Huster

Americorps Member

Sarah is passionate about loving her neighbors well. With a heart for creativity, fun, and joy, she believes that Common Good is making a difference in people’s lives. And she upholds our vision to see and help people live into their God-given potential.

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Dan Fowler

Matchstick Goods - Social Enterprise Director

Dan understands the power of community. His previous work leading a social enterprise in New Orleans taught him that communities are powerful tools for creating lasting change. He believes Matchstick Goods is more than a ceramics studio. It’s where students and families can access fair-wage jobs that empower them to be the best version of themselves.

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Izabel Gomez

Matchstick Goods - Studio Supervisor

Izabel recognizes Common Good’s impact on its community because, as a student, she felt encouraged to be who she wanted to be. And now, as a team member, she wants to give back and support our students, families, and neighbors. Through her passion for creating, Izabel desires to spread happiness and love to and from our Common Good community.

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Jason Rueger

Matchstick Goods - Ceramicist

Jason began his path at Common Good as a mentor. He quickly realized how deeply the organization cared for and respected our North Lexington community. Jason believes that every moment and person matters. He uses his resilient spirit to encourage, walk alongside, and love every person at Common Good.

Our Board of Directors

RICHARD GRIER  | President | Director of Business Development, Rising Sun Developing
SUSANNAH SIZEMORE  Vice President | Business Owner
BEN MILLER  |  Treasurer | Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis, Congo Brands
TOM EBLEN  
|  Retired United Methodist Pastor
STEPHANIE GILBERT  |  Owner/Architect, Stephanie Gilbert Architect, LLC

VALENTIN GOMEZ  |  Parent Leader & Neighborhood Resident
MARISHIA HAMILTON
|  Parent Leader & Volunteer Service Coordinator, Community Action Council
CHRISTY HILER  |  President, Cornett
DOR'CAS KAINDU |  Common Good Graduate
SARAH MCGINNIS  |  Community Member
SARA SCHUER  |  Middle School Learning Specialist
KRIS WINDERS
 |  President, BBN Physical Therapy