BBBSF says goodbye to long-term CEO/Executive Director, Kay McKay as she retires from BBBSF and says hello to the new CEO/Executive Director, Merk Perelstein!
We are very sad to see Kay McKay retire after her 40 year tenure at BBBSF. She has had an immeasurable impact on countless children, families, her staff and community people whose lives she has touched in so many ways. She has been a fearless leader and mentor for BBBSF and for many other community organizations and she will be sorely missed.
Jenean Merkel Perelstein, called "Merk" by her friends and colleagues, currently serves as the new Executive Director/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff. With a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology, she brings to this position an holistic perspective gained through years of applying an anthropological approach to a broad range of organizational systems.
Previously, Merk and her husband, Scott, worked to bring the dream of homeownership to many Arizonans with their company, National Home Buyers Assistance. Merk taught both Cultural and Medical Anthropology at Northern Arizona University as adjunct faculty, and has worked with a variety of social service providers in the areas of program evaluation, program management and fundraising.
She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Flagstaff Leadership Program and advises for Pine Forest's Capital Campaign where her two sons, Ethan (7) and Finn (5) attend school.
As a 12-year resident of Flagstaff, Merk looks forward to many more years here helping the children of our community lead successful lives by pairing them with appropriate adult mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff.
2008 BIGS of the Year
Neil Weintraub is our 2008
Big Brother of The Year
Neil began his involvement with BBBSF as a board member in 2001 and then quickly decided to take the plunge and begin his seven year journey as a Big Brother. His journey as a Big Brother has allowed him to provide guidance and friendship to six Littles in our School Based mentoring program. He is currently matched with Justice, an energetic, enthusiastic sixth grader who has been in the SBM Williams program since 2004 and Neil’s Little Brother since September 2006.
Neil is the South Kaibab Zone Archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service, which is one of the largest and richest archaeological sites in the United States. He regularly introduces Justice, as well as the rest of the Williams SBM matches, to new perspectives through his archaeological background, such as throwing the atlatl – a prehistoric hunting tool. Neil also keeps up with Justice’s interests through lively conversations while providing encouragement and advice. Neil has been able to bring out a new and more confident side in Justice; he has gone from a quiet follower to a confident leader because of Neil’s positive influence.
Not only is Neil dedicated to his Little brother but he is also dedicated to providing a Big Brother or Big Sister to every child who needs one. Neil has been a driving force in recruiting new Bigs through his willingness to participate in recruitment events throughout our community. We can always count on Neil to say yes when we call no matter the question. Since joining the Big Brothers Activity Board in 2001 Neil has been instrumental in expanding one of our oldest fundraising events. Our annual “Run for the Magic” half-marathon and 5k run has more than doubled in size as well as profit because of his passion. With Neil’s interest in expanding this race and his efforts in spearheading the Flagstaff Summer Running Series, a collaboration of several non-profit organizations who have races as fundraisers, our race has gone from a $10,000 fundraiser to a more than $20,000 fundraiser. Neil is the finest example of what a Big Brother should be – caring, dedicated, and genuinely concerned with fostering competence, confidence and caring in our youth and we are proud to honor him as Flagstaff’s Big Brother of the Year!
Tricia Ferguson is our 2008
Big Sister of the Year
Tricia began her adventure as a Big Sister in September of 2006 when she was matched with Victoria. Her dedication to Victoria over the last year and a half has been remarkable. Victoria has gone from a shy 7 year old girl to an outgoing, adventurous and caring young girl.
Tricia has introduced Victoria to countless activities that Victoria would not have otherwise been exposed to. With Tricia as her Big Sister, Victoria is able to have one-on-one time every week that she doesn’t have to share with her three siblings. Together, they have discovered their love for ice skating, baking, arts and crafts, and reading.
Tricia takes an active role in Victoria’s school performance, encouraging her to read chapter books and to get along well with her peers. Since they were matched, Victoria’s mother Nancy has noted her grades and social skills have improved tremendously. Tricia’s gentle personality has a calming effect on Victoria which has helped Victoria relate better to her three siblings and her mother.
Tricia is currently a junior at Northern Arizona University majoring in International Hospitality and Management. She incorporates her love for travel, education and cultural exploration in her activities with Victoria. They have visited the stunning Grand Canyon, Sedona’s Slide Rock Park, taken the sky-ride at Arizona Snowbowl, attended several plays at NAU, and gazed at the stars at Lowell Observatory. Tricia has also increased Victoria’s connection to her community by volunteering to walk dogs at the humane society, and together they made and distributed Halloween bags for neighborhood children.
Tricia has demonstrated the exemplary role of a Big Sister by being not only compassionate and creative in her match, but also modest about her accomplishments with Victoria. Her positive influence on Victoria is far-reaching, making her Big Brother Big Sisters of Flagstaff’s Big Sister of the Year.
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