From bottom of stairs to top:
​Janie Butler, Sandi Lehrman, Leslie Strohm, Larry Manaugh, Karen Norris, Jim Morrow and Kate Brekke.

Kate Sullivan Brekke
Kate holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Missouri. She built a successful career as a broadcast journalist in major media markets and later worked in education with Fairfax County Public Schools. Kate brings expertise in communication, interviewing, storytelling, and confidence-building to her mentoring, helping students express themselves and achieve their goals.

Janie Butler
Janie earned her undergraduate degree in business management from James Madison University and M.Ed. in Counseling from James Cook University (Singapore). She was a Senior Training Consultant with Lexis-Nexis in Washington, DC. After years of volunteer leadership in community and school organizations in the U.S. and Asia, she transitioned to professional counseling roles supporting students and employees. Her mentoring strengths include empathy, guidance, and coaching others to navigate personal and academic growth.

Dr. Sandra Nusinoff Lehrman
Sandi received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University and trained in pediatrics and infectious diseases at MGH and the NIH. As a physician-scientist, she led drug development for viral diseases and advocates for people with rare conditions. Sandi brings analytical insight, compassion, and a lifelong dedication to service to her mentoring.

Larry Manaugh
Larry earned his M.A. from Indiana University after completing his undergraduate studies at Purdue University. He began as a high school social studies teacher before moving into a long and successful career in packaging industry sales and management. Larry’s mentoring draws on his leadership, life experience, and commitment to guiding young people through education and career choices.

Jim Morrow
Jim holds a degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Iowa. His career included roles as a geophysicist, software developer, and software sales executive in banking and payments technology. An active volunteer and board member for an educational nonprofit, Jim brings mentoring skills in problem-solving, goal-setting, analytical thinking, and professional development.

Karen Norris
Karen is a lifelong educator and North Carolina native. She spent her career as a teacher and continues to support student learning as a tutor with The Learning Trail and a Step Forward mentor. With her expertise in education and guidance, Karen offers encouragement, patience, and support to help students build confidence and succeed academically.

Leslie Chambers Strohm
Leslie is a retired attorney who specialized in higher education, healthcare, and business law. A math major with a passion for problem-solving, she served 12 years as Vice Chancellor and General Counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill. Leslie’s mentoring emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and professional growth.