Match Support Specialist: Ashley Kohler
Education: Lock Haven University to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Social Work
Hometown: Tioga, PA
What I Do: As a School-Based Case Manager, I oversee all of the Bigs and Littles in the Big Buddy Program throughout Tioga County. I recruit, train, and provide match support to high-schoolers and their elementary student matches. During the school year, I organize and facilitate monthly activities for our Littles in each of the five schools that I serve. I also maintain contact with all Bigs and Littles on a monthly basis throughout those five schools to assess the status of the match.
What Drew Me to BBBS: I was drawn to BBBS because I wanted a way to help the children of a the community that I grew up in and loved be ready for the next step in their lives. I believe that this program provides an additional support for the children of this community to excel and to feel that they have someone there to support them during school, which can be tough. I think that a child can never have too many supports and people that care able their well-being.
Goals for the Program: My hope for this program is that the children involved in this program, know that they are not alone. That the relationships that they are able to build with each other show that meaningful bonds are possible and that they are able to replicate those bonds with others, in their family or in their community. I'd love for this area that I loved to return to the area that I loved, and that first has to start with the children. My goal is to help that progress in any way that I can.
Education: Lock Haven University to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Social Work
Hometown: Tioga, PA
What I Do: As a School-Based Case Manager, I oversee all of the Bigs and Littles in the Big Buddy Program throughout Tioga County. I recruit, train, and provide match support to high-schoolers and their elementary student matches. During the school year, I organize and facilitate monthly activities for our Littles in each of the five schools that I serve. I also maintain contact with all Bigs and Littles on a monthly basis throughout those five schools to assess the status of the match.
What Drew Me to BBBS: I was drawn to BBBS because I wanted a way to help the children of a the community that I grew up in and loved be ready for the next step in their lives. I believe that this program provides an additional support for the children of this community to excel and to feel that they have someone there to support them during school, which can be tough. I think that a child can never have too many supports and people that care able their well-being.
Goals for the Program: My hope for this program is that the children involved in this program, know that they are not alone. That the relationships that they are able to build with each other show that meaningful bonds are possible and that they are able to replicate those bonds with others, in their family or in their community. I'd love for this area that I loved to return to the area that I loved, and that first has to start with the children. My goal is to help that progress in any way that I can.
