Meet Our Staff of Talented, Passionate Professionals
Our staff at Flat River Outreach Ministries is comprised of professionals with a wide range of skills, strengths, and work experience. But one thing is true for each of them: their dedication and passion for the organization and the people they serve in the Lowell-area community.
Wendie Preiss – Executive Director
Preiss has worked as a consultant to nonprofit organizations including Heart of West Michigan United Way, Michigan State University, and FROM in the areas of cultural intelligence, data analysis, and team building. Prior to owning her own business, she worked for Amway for 15 years in a variety of leadership and functional positions, including an assignment in Tokyo, Japan. She and her husband and their two boys (age 14 and 9) have lived in Lowell for five years. She began volunteering at FROM over a year ago in the Treasures Thrift Shop donation room and volunteered her time to do an analysis of store revenue and identify areas of growth.
Amanda Haberlein – Marketing and Communications Director
I have over 14 years of experience working in communications and marketing for non-profit organizations. I enjoy helping promote programs that can make a difference in people’s lives and working at FROM allows me to do that every day. I’m married with a very active son who keeps me on my toes. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and making memories.
Arianne Hall – Development Director
I love building relationships with people, and helping them connect their passions to opportunities that make an impact. I really appreciate that I can see the impact FROM’s work is making firsthand, because it’s happening in our community. When I’m not at work, I love planning my next international trip with my husband, reading, or helping my parents on their dairy farm.
Patricia Murray – Program Manager
I have the incredible opportunity to work with an amazing group of volunteers who provide education, employment services, and support to Lowell residents who are in need. The best part of working at FROM is being part of a group who has the passion and energy to empower those who are struggling. Outside of FROM, family, home repair projects, exercise classes, and reading are a few of the things I enjoy in my spare time.
Monica Light – Client Service Coordinator
I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. I have worked in the fields of education and mental health providing children, parents and families support and encouragement in their life journey for over 20 years. I appreciate the opportunity to work with a great FROM team providing services and resources in the Lowell community. My family has lived in the Lowell area for 17 years and my two children graduated from Lowell High School. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, biking, hiking and reading.
Diane Kleczynski – Volunteer Coordinator
My husband Bob and I have lived in the Lowell community for 20 years. Our son, Josh, finished his Master’s in 2014. Before coming to work at FROM, I had volunteered here for over 14 years, serving on the Board and helping with several programs. They call me “Sheriff” around here because I pay attention to every detail and always take care of things. When I’m not working, I love to bake and share goodies with everyone at FROM. I enjoy reading and trying to master Sudoku puzzles.
Kathy Southland – Treasures Thrift Shop Coordinator
I have lived in the Lowell area for forty-three years. Although my work background has been in medical billing and customer service, I have volunteered for FROM for over six years. And now I am part of the staff as Treasures Thrift Shop Coordinator. What keeps me busy besides delivering great service to my team and customers is my church service where I teach second graders in preparation for their first communion. That, and being a wife, mother of four, grandmother of ten, and great grandmother of five.
Diane Barnes – Receptionist
I graduated from Davenport University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I worked for many years in the automobile business as an accountant and Office Manager. My role at FROM has been long and varied, from volunteering at Treasurers Thrift Shop and the Food Pantry to the VITA tax program to reception and administrative duties. On a personal note, I enjoy attending my grandchildren’s sports and events, as well as volunteering at my church and on boards and committees, such as United Methodist Women and Lowell United Methodist Preschool.