Nikki Kettlewell

Executive Director

Welcome our new Executive Director Nikki Kettlewell! We are fortunate to have her passion for helping others and a let’s “get-it-done” attitude.

Nikki is a wellness enthusiast with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness and Health Promotion from Oakland University. During her time there, she served as the secretary of the WHP Society.

After graduating, she spent five year at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills as an Employee Wellness Coordinator, overseeing programs like nutrition , weight management, and smoking cessation.

Who We Serve

We serve students and families across the Grand Traverse counties who are experiencing food insecurity daily by stocking school base pantries with healthy food items, personal hygiene, items, and clothing. We help eliminate the transportation barrier that often prevents students from accessing the items they need most.

How We Serve

Our part-time Executive Director, Nikki Kettlewell, and a team of volunteers shop multiple times per week in an effort to stock our school based food pantries with nutritious food and personal hygiene items. We partner with Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan and the Northwest Food Coalition to distribute rescued food items and locally grown fresh produce and proteins to our various locations.

STEP UP NORTHERN MICHIGAN
EXECUTIVE BOARD

Cathy O'Connor

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Cathy has a passion for schools, students and all things related to the education and social development of young people. After graduating from Gaylord St. Mary’s, she received a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan and MA in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.

Robin Appleford

Vice President

Robin is a mom, wife, art director, designer, massage therapist, and “jack-of-all-trades and master of none”. Robin’s career in creative advertising and graphic design has spanned over 20 years at ad agencies in the Chicago and Detroit area and local freelance. She has received national awards in Communication Arts Magazine, Print, and a Chicago Addys winner.

Leslie Cooper

Secretary

Leslie Cooper is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cooper Strategic, founder of Leslie Cooper Design and author of multiple health and fitness books and cookbooks. She has designed and led seminars for leaders and spouses in several prominent companies and with countless entrepreneurs.