Born & raised in Fort Wayne, I just completed my undergraduate degree in Human Services at Purdue Fort Wayne along with two focus areas in Business Administration & the Justice System. I have a 4-year-old Calico cat named Tater-Tot. Socializing with individuals from all backgrounds has always come naturally to me & I am excited to make a career out of it.
TEAM LEADS
MARK BUCHANAN
Mark Buchanan has worked in human services since 2002 in various roles as a residential advisor, career specialist, psychiatric residential treatment, and various forms of case management. Mark obtained his undergraduate degree from Indiana Tech and his graduate degree from Liberty University and also works as an adjunct instructor of human services at Ivy Tech College. Mark moved to Fort Wayne from San Diego, CA in 2009. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 teenagers, woodworking, and exploring the Midwest.
ASHLEY FIRESTINE
Big Futures Lead, Community Exploration and Data Coordinator
Direct Dial: 260-387-6076
EMAIL ME
ASHLEY FIRESTINE
I enjoy making people laugh and spending time with my 3 children; Melanie, AJ and Ryne. Falling in love with BBBS at a young age and all they offer I’m excited to help the Littles grow and reach their full potential while building a life they are proud of.
JASSMINE MORENO
A Fort Wayne-native, I received my Human Services degree from Purdue Fort Wayne in December 2017. I’ve always had a passion for helping children thrive no matter their circumstances, and BBBS was just the place for me. I enjoy binging Criminal Minds, spending time with my family and my Little, and shopping.
MATCH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
MIRANDA JACKSON
A graduate of Bishop Luers High School, I went to IPFW for Human Services and worked as a Pizza Hut server for 10 years. I have loved every minute of working at Big Brothers Big Sisters. My favorite color is purple, I love to read everything and I have three fat cats.
MIMI AHIAKWO
I graduated from PFW last December with a degree in Psychology and French. A fun fact is I really like the French language and culture. I would love to visit Normandy, France someday.
VERONICA ENGLE
After graduating from Ball State in 2019, I worked with Fort Wayne families as a case manager and I came to BBBS to continue this line of work. I love spending time with my black cat, Olive, and watching bad movies.
SITE-BASED MATCH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
OMAN KING
My name is Omandeep, Oman for short. I completed my Associate's in Human Services at Ivy Tech in 2020. I am currently working on my Bachelor's in Human Services at Purdue Fort Wayne. I have always had the desire to work with youth in the community, and BBBS gave me that opportunity! I enjoy spending time with my husband and our cat, Momo. I also enjoy being artistic, spending time in nature, and reading.
ERICA STREICHER
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Erica's main, and most important, job for the past 12 years has been raising four children. I love to help others and have had the chance to do so through many volunteer opportunities. In my free time I enjoy playing golf and traveling.
WENDY HAMPTON
I am married, a mom of 3 boys, and I have 4 grandbabies plus a puppy! I received my degree from Trine and have been blessed working as a house manager of a recovery home at Oaklawn and Bashor Children's Home. I am also a BIG, and my passion is working with children. I hope I am making a difference in this world by helping others. I love to thrift shop!
BIG FUTURES MATCH SUPPORT SPECIALISTS
RACHAEL HAGGENJOS
All of my career I have worked with children and I love it! I’m a mom of two beautiful girls and I'm married to a lovely husband. After graduating from IPFW with a Bachelors in Human Services I worked with ParkCenter, Big Brothers Big Sisters and teaching children with Autism at Mapleseed Farms. I enjoy bringing light to our kids', families' day.
OLIVIA KUMP
I am a first-generation college graduate that obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University Bloomington. My passion for helping others and making a difference has led me to various roles working with children. I enjoy reading, hiking and camping. One aspect of my life that I take immense pride in is my journey as a childhood cancer survivor. This personal experience has fueled my dedication to helping others, particularly children, navigate through difficult times.
BRE LEVY
I’m a Fort Wayne native who loves checking out local coffee shops, reading, and hanging out with my dog, Dexter. I have a huge passion for traveling; I’ve been to 7 different countries and recently my partner and I started a long-term goal of visiting all 30 MLB stadiums.
ACTIVITIES COORDINATORS
STEPHANIE MARTIN
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, I graduated from Snider High School in 2002. After completing my undergraduate degree at Ball State University, I returned home to Fort Wayne and began my career with FWCS, where I spent 17 years teaching fourth grade and writing curriculum. Outside of work, I am actively involved in my community and church. I cherish spending time at the beach, traveling and going on new adventures, and couponing to find great deals. My friends have nicknamed me "Coupon Queen".
EMILY VAN ZANDBERGEN
I am from Virginia and Tennessee. I spent my college and graduate studies in Chattanooga, TN majoring in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Before moving to Fort Wayne, I studied Wedding Planning and have worked in the event industry for two years. I enjoy being able to create these memorable events and working in a team setting to connect with clients and team members.