Celebrating Youth & Community Engagement

“My mentors are all of the “found teachers” who came out of the woodwork at different times in my life when I needed to hear a different perspective, receive some extra encouragement or learn a specific skill to help me become the best version of myself. I’m still a work in progress, but I credit my many mentors for getting me this far!” Jill Hinners has led Mentor North since July 2022. Before that, she was at the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior. She previously worked at three Duluth elementary schools with AmeriCorps/MN Reading Corps. Jill has been living in Duluth for almost 25 years and is very connected to the community. Jill is skilled in non-profit management, grant writing, and engaging with employees and the community. She is also experienced in program management, community outreach, event coordination, volunteer management, and building partnerships. Her expertise also extends to writing, books, and publishing, particularly focusing on strengths-based, inclusive, and collaborative service delivery. In addition to her professional skills, Jill is committed to ongoing learning. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Carleton College and has completed various certificate programs focusing on non-profit administration, fund development, human resources, and volunteer leadership. Jill is also passionate about outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and canoeing. She is dedicated to creating a positive work environment for the Mentor North team and aims to build trusting and supportive mentoring relationships for youth and adults.

“I see mentoring as this hugely beneficial strategy for promoting growth, positive development, and resilience for all individuals involved. I have been lucky enough to have had some fantastic mentors throughout my life, all of whom pushed me to become a more confident, determined, kind, and open-minded person. I face each day equipped with the values and principles they have distilled within me. I strive to use their teachings for the betterment of the planet and the people who live on it.” Jon has a staunch passion for community-building, diversity, and social work. He is excited for the opportunity to forward Mentor North’s mission within the Twin Ports as their Mentor Engagement Coordinator. Initially from the Twin Cities, Jon moved to the Twin Ports area after completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English at Macalester College. Since moving to the North Shore, Jon has been working in the non-profit realm, specifically in mental health, youth development, and community service. He has had various roles in the Twin Ports area, working at Hartley Nature Center, Northwood Children’s Services, Essentia Health, and the Minnesota Historical Society. Throughout his career as a counselor, educator, and program coordinator, Jon has developed a yearning to build positive educational opportunities and promote community well-being. Jon first discovered his devotion to service through the Boy Scouts of America, where he was awarded the distinguished Eagle Scout honor. Jon has earned numerous certifications and awards throughout his career, including the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Reuben W. Anderson Scholarship, NHS Membership. His commitment to community service is evident through involvement in various organizations, such as the Minnesota Landmarks, National Honor Society, Lakeshore Players, Friends of the Stillwater Library. In his personal life, Jon finds a great amount of enjoyment exploring the shores of Lake Superior. Jon is an avid skier, hiker, snowshoer, and all around adventurer. He finds the Minnesota Northwoods the very best place to call home. He is fond of the arts and culture that the Twin Ports provides, whether that be taking in a live show, movie, art class, or simply indulging at a local coffee shop. Jon is excited to be part of Mentor North and to start some new adventures with the welcoming community it provides.

“Mentoring unites our community by helping youth as they go through challenging life transitions, including dealing with stressful changes at home, school, or transitioning to adulthood. Close, healthy, supportive relationships between mentors and mentees that last for a significant period of time are central to success.” Becka Repeka-Lynn Tuinei-Williams is a dedicated and passionate Mentor North Superior Program Advocate with a rich and diverse professional background. Her career journey began in Child Care, where she spent 10 years working with 2-year-olds, fostering a nurturing environment for early childhood development. She then transitioned to a healthcare role at Essentia Health, where she gained experience in Charge Entry, Patient Account Self-Pay Collections, and Financial Clearance over four years. Driven to positively impact her community, Becka returned to school and earned an associate’s degree in human services from Northwood Technical College. Her academic achievements have empowered her to serve as the Mentor North Superior Program Advocate for the past four years, where she has played a crucial role in supporting the youth of Superior, Wisconsin. Becka's expertise lies in her exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which she uses to build productive relationships and solve problems within her community. Her creativity, adaptability, and active listening skills are key assets in her role, enabling her to connect with her caseloads, recruit volunteer mentors, and engage families in the Superior School District. She is also instrumental in organizing community events and fundraising efforts for Mentor North. Becka has earned numerous certifications throughout her career, including Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Teens, Suicide Prevention QPR Gatekeeper, and Mental Health Ambassador. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in various organizations, such as the Mentor North Outreach Committee, LiveWell Northern WI, CAPC Child Abuse Prevention Coalition, and the Family Services Advisory for the Superior School District. She also serves on the board of Club Superior Volleyball as a Parent Liaison, where she assists in coaching, organizes team apparel, and contributes to fundraising efforts. Becka's educational journey includes graduating from Superior Senior High School in 1994 and completing her Associate's Degree in Human Services in Fall/Winter 2022. She has also pursued additional training in areas such as supporting youth with disabilities in mentoring, child abuse prevention, and caregiving in community-based residential facilities. Outside of her professional life, Becka enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, hosting themed gatherings, enjoying bonfires, movies, live music, and going on road trips. She is an active volleyball player, participating in both court and sand volleyball. Becka is also passionate about arts and crafts, particularly drawing, painting, and creating flower arrangements for special occasions. Becka's unique background is a source of pride and inspiration. She is American Samoan on her father's side, with a rich cultural heritage reflected in her Samoan name, Repeka, and her middle name, Aiganofolelei, which means "family togetherness." Standing at 6'2", Becka is a remarkable presence in her community. She is known for her interpersonal communication skills and unwavering dedication to advocating for the well-being of the youth, teens, and seniors in Superior, Wisconsin.

"Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I didn't have access to many resources outside of my immediate family. Thankfully, I had some wonderful teachers who really leaned into my strengths and interests, while also introducing me to new ways to look at the world. I will always be grateful to them for helping to shape my path in life. On the other side of the mentorship coin, I've had the honor of being a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and that is really what sparked my passion for youth development. It is such a privilege to witness a young person's potential grow, and every child deserves to have a safety net around that potential." Lydia grew up in rural Pennsylvania and moved to Montana after completing a Bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics. In Helena, Montana, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the 6th Ward Garden Park, helping to make gardening space and education available for all. While serving as a VISTA, Lydia also completed a Master's degree in Public Health. Despite planning to leave Montana after her year of service ended, she ended up staying for nearly 8 years. During this time, she worked for Women Infants & Children, the MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program, and a Farm to School program. Montana is also where she met her husband, Luis, and where they welcomed their daughter, Marisol, toward the end of 2022. Toward the end of 2020, after months of feeling isolated from Covid-19 shutdowns, Lydia chose to enroll as a mentor with her local Big Brothers Big Sisters program. She assumed that if she was feeling so isolated, youth must have been feeling the impacts from months of shutdowns even more. She was matched with a 10-year-old Little Sister and they connected quickly, spending many hours talking about school, their favorite dog breeds, and K-pop bands. Lydia loved her mentoring experience and jumped at the chance to work for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country when a program manager position opened up. She spent two years working with both community and school-based matches before moving to Duluth, MN with her husband and young daughter. In her free time, Lydia enjoys photography, kayaking, hiking, reading, xc skiing, and spending as much time outside with her family as possible!

“I love how mentors can help youth and young adults see and believe more in themselves than they ever thought possible. As a mentor myself, I appreciate how much I continue to learn from the youth I support. Our world needs the kindness, empathy, drive, and connectedness that mentor relationships create – and I will always support building those remarkable opportunities.” Samantha is a dynamic and passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, currently serving as the Development and Communications Coordinator at Mentor North since 2023. Samantha's journey began in the classroom as a high school biology teacher, where she ignited a love for science in her students. Her dedication to education led her to spend nine enriching years at the Great Lakes Aquarium, where she worked with a diverse range of animals, from snakes and electric eels to otters. During her time at the aquarium, Samantha discovered her true calling: creating accessible spaces and opportunities for people with disabilities. Her passion for inclusion has expanded to theaters, art galleries, museums, and more, where she continues to work tirelessly to remove barriers and foster community partnerships. Samantha is celebrated for her storytelling ability, her expertise in building partnerships, and her keen attention to detail in event planning. She is committed to making events, spaces, and systems more accessible to all people, always considering diverse learning styles and needs. Among her notable achievements, Samantha was honored as "Teacher of the Year" by her students at a high school in Virginia in 2012. She has been an active participant in various leadership roles, serving on the board of the Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) and dedicating over five years to the Duluth Commission for Disabilities. Her leadership and dedication to accessibility have made a lasting impact on the communities she serves. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Her commitment to lifelong learning extends to her role as a Master Naturalist Instructor, where she shares her love of nature and science with adult learners. Outside of her professional life, Samantha enjoys spending time at the lake, whether swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, or simply reading a good book. She raises monarch butterflies in her native pollinator garden and delights in attracting hummingbirds with her flowers. A lover of literature, she participates in book group discussions and hosts game nights and adventures for friends and fellow members of the Northwoods Women in Science group, which she has been a part of since 2012. Samantha's unique experiences include surviving two significant brain injuries, which have given her profound insight into living with invisible disabilities and chronic conditions. Her fascination with animals is evident in her collection of animal facts and anecdotes, including being bitten by a baby alligator and pooped on by more animals than she can count. Her vibrant personality shines through in her ability to connect with others, whether speaking one-on-one or addressing an audience of 2,000. Samantha is driven by a desire to make the world a better place, believing that everyone can contribute in small and big ways. Samantha lives with her partner of 15 years, Tiff, and their beloved fur baby, a cat named Turtle. Together, they continue to enjoy life, laughter, and making a difference in the world.

“I’ve had a variety of mentors throughout my life that have supported and challenged me to be the best possible version of myself. I continue to learn and grow through interactions with those around me. It’s exciting to be part of an organization that brings people together to build positive relationships, give youth opportunities to experience new things, and foster resilience.” Sherry Boock has dedicated her career to working with children and families, driven by a passion that began at a young age when she babysat neighborhood children. Over the years, she has developed a rich and varied career path, taking on roles that have allowed her to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. Sherry has worked in group daycares, operated her own licensed home daycare, served as a shelter advocate, and excelled as a special education paraeducator. Her journey has also seen her thrive as a Children's Program Coordinator, and she is currently the Lead Program Advocate with Mentor North. Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to balance her professional commitments with staying home full-time to raise her children for several years. Sherry consistently meets and surpasses the goals set before her, demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence. She is adept at managing her time effectively, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Sherry embraces opportunities for personal and professional growth, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills. She is skilled in delivering engaging presentations and sharing her insights and expertise with audiences of varying sizes. Sherry has amassed a wealth of knowledge from working with children and families in various settings, equipping her to address diverse challenges with empathy and understanding. Sherry was honored by the Northwestern School District as Paraeducator of the Year, recognizing her outstanding contributions to special education. Sherry has pursued higher education at UW Eau Claire and Milwaukee Area Technical College, gaining valuable insights and skills along the way. Sherry is a Certified Trainer and Safe and Strong Child curriculum facilitator. She is a Certified Facilitator for Triple P Seminars and Discussion Groups, focusing on caregivers of children aged 0-12 and 12-16. Sherry is a Certified Facilitator for Triple P: Family Transitions Level 5, supporting families during challenging times. She holds certification as a Lead Teacher in Early Childhood Education. Sherry is trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, equipping her to support the mental well-being of young people. Sherry enjoys hiking, identifying birds and wildflowers, and listening to live music with her boyfriend. She treasures spending time with her children and their partners, watching movies, reading, exploring new places, and cooking. Her diverse interests reflect her love for nature and the arts and her commitment to family and community. Sherry has a silly, goofy sense of humor that brings joy to those around her. Her playful spirit is reflected in her collection of silly bird photos captured by her bird feeder camera. While she believes everyone is unique due to their many facets, Sherry's genuine passion for laughter and life shines through in everything she does. Sherry is passionate about supporting young people at every stage of their lives. Her dedication to empowering the next generation is evident in her professional endeavors and personal interactions as she strives to make a positive and lasting impact on the world around her.

“I have been lucky to have many positive influences in my life. Those positive influences have made me a successful individual. No matter where you are in your life, YOU can be THAT positive influence to a kid, and that is powerful! Mentoring allows us to build stronger kids and a better community.“ Nicki Seibert is a dedicated community advocate and leader who is deeply committed to supporting youth and promoting inclusivity. Her professional journey is shaped by her desire to be the best partner and mother while positively impacting her community. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, MN, in 1995 and earned her degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2004. During this time, Nicki embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children and actively engaging in their passions. Throughout her career, Nicki has held various positions that reflect her dedication to community service and youth advocacy. She has served as the Mentor North Duluth Program Advocate, facilitating 36 impactful mentor matches and demonstrating the profound influence mentors have on young lives. Nicki also coordinates the Duluth Youth Agency Coalition (DYAC) and is a Duluth Mayor's Indoor Athletics Venues Task Force member. Her leadership extends to roles such as President of the Duluth Lacrosse Booster Club, President of the Duluth Wolfpack Youth Lacrosse Association, and Concessions Director of Portman Hockey. Her involvement in these organizations has significantly contributed to the growth and success of youth sports in Duluth. Nicki's expertise lies in relationship-building, active listening, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Her detail-oriented approach, strong communication skills, and confident leadership make her an effective team player who excels at multitasking. She is driven by a genuine desire to ensure equity for all individuals in her programming, community, and events. In recognition of her contributions to Duluth's youth sports, Nicki was appointed to the Duluth Mayoral Task Force in 2023 and honored by the Duluth Girls Wolfpack team in 2024 for her significant impact on girls' lacrosse. Her professional development includes certifications in anti-racism, CPR and first aid, SAFESport, concussion prevention, and mandated reporting. She actively trains through Mentor Minnesota and serves as a DEIB committee member at Mentor North. Beyond her professional achievements, Nicki enjoys spending time with her wife and three children, agate hunting on Lake Superior's shores, and exploring Sanibel Island for seashells. She loves relaxing at her family's Third Crow Wing Lake cabin, where she enjoys puzzles and pontoon rides. Nicki is a sports enthusiast passionate about watching and supporting her children's activities, from dance to drumming. Traveling with her wife, Alisha, and trying local foods further enrich her life. Nicki's unique experiences include being a high-level girls' basketball coach for nearly 20 years in the Twin Cities and Duluth, where she even ran her basketball camp. She also founded the youth lacrosse program for girls in Duluth, paving the way for today's successful high school program. Her love for animals shines through as a "crazy cat lady" with five cats that bring joy to her daily life. As a proud lesbian wife and mother, Nicki tirelessly works to create a better community for all who call Duluth home. Her passion for her family, empathy, and ability to connect with others shape her approach to relationships, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. She believes in the incredible potential of neurodiverse kids and the importance of community connection for their success. Nicki's dedication to helping people and making children smile is at the core of her personal and professional life.

“Becoming a mentor not only impacts the mentee’s life, but also broadens the mentor’s perspective, fosters personal growth, and enhances their own life by staying engaged and passionate about ongoing learning. The joy found in helping others, becoming part of a new community, and fostering positivity underscores the transformative power of mentorship. By purposely engaging in activities that truly matter, mentors contribute to changing lives and making the world a brighter, more hopeful place for the next generation.” Porsha Hoffmann is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in psychology, counseling, and community service. Currently serving as the Training and Evaluation Coordinator at Mentor North, she has demonstrated a consistent commitment to personal growth, community engagement, and living a sustainable lifestyle. Porsha began her professional journey after graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Her career took off as a counselor at Northwoods Children's Home, where she quickly advanced to a senior counselor role, managing budget and medication responsibilities. This experience laid the groundwork for her transition to Woodland Hills, where she excelled as a senior counselor and crisis manager, honing her skills in training staff and teaching emotional management strategies. Following her success in these roles, Porsha joined Community Action Duluth as a financial coach and instructor. Her expertise in financial management, counseling, and crisis intervention allowed her to develop and implement programs that addressed the needs of diverse populations. Her ability to communicate complex concepts effectively has made her a sought-after leader and educator. In April 2020, Porsha took on the role of Program Advocate, followed by her position as a Training Consultant from September 2021 to November 2023. She currently serves as a Training and Evaluation Coordinator and mentor at Mentor North, where she continues to impact her community positively. Porsha's career has been marked by several notable achievements. She was honored with the Emerging Leaders Award from the YWCA and recognized as Staff of the Month at Woodland Hills. Her professional certifications include Homeownership Counselor and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor. She has promoted various programs on television, underscoring her dedication to advocacy and community engagement. Beyond her professional life, Porsha leads a unique and fulfilling off-grid lifestyle. She lives in a one-room cabin an hour outside Duluth, embracing simplicity and self-sufficiency. Her interests include hiking, foraging, beekeeping, and homesteading. She is passionate about creating and selling handmade products, such as maple and birch syrup, jams, and crocheted items, all reflecting her love for a rustic, woodsy aesthetic. Porsha's deep commitment to sustainability and minimalist living extends to her business and farm, which she and her husband operate entirely by hand, without the use of heavy machinery. Her love for nature and rural life is complemented by her upbeat and optimistic outlook on life. As a mentor and educator, Porsha finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role at Mentor North, where she can align her skills, values, and homesteading lifestyle with her commitment to community growth and resiliency. Her passion for living a simple, off-grid life that emphasizes self-sufficiency and a deep connection to nature drives her continued dedication to her work and community.