STAFF: 

Executive Director -  Tina Jones, tina.jones@girlsontherun.org

Girls on the Run is an amazing organization and I’m thrilled to be able to help young girls of all socioeconomic backgrounds, deal with the challenges that girls face in their daily lives. I am a Mom of three kids, two of them girls and I understand how important a program like Girls on the Run can be to them. I am also a runner and triathlete and I know how much I count on my physical exercise to help keep me balanced in life, keep me motivated and focused on what is important. Through Girls on the Run, I hope to reach out to as many girls possible so that they can understand that to be the best they can be they need to love themselves, take care of their bodies and use the support network around them to continue to move forward. Girl Power!

Program Coordinator – Kim Timms, sites@gotr-milwaukee.org

I have been an athlete all my life and now, as a mother of 3 daughters, I understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.  I am so excited to be a part of Girls on the Run, an organization that gives young girls the tools they need to develop healthy habits, both physically and mentally!   Having completed an Ironman Triathlon and coaching other first time women and children triathletes, I know first hand how powerful it is to see people do more than they ever thought possible.  Girls on the Run empowers girls at a young age to believe that anything is possible!!

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Stacey Meyer – Board Chair, president@gotr-milwaukee.org

The girls who participate in Girls on the Run take away so much more than completion of a 5k, gain a new appreciation for themselves and those around them. Having been involved in both athletics and after-school activities throughout my school years, I know the impact these activities can have on the development and self-esteem of a girl. Everyone faces challenges growing up and Girls on the Run gives girls the tools they need to succeed and steer themselves in the right direction. I am excited and grateful to be part of Girls on the Run because it really does change lives.

Jen Costa – Board Vice-Chair

I became involved with GOTR 3 years ago because I’ve personally experienced and counseled girls dealing with “girl box” issues.  I feel strongly about being involved with an organization that provides the tools young girls need to build confidence and feel good about being “in their own skin”.  Aiding in the growth of this chapter is vital to not only these girls’ futures, but ours as well.

Katherine Schoen – Treasurer, treasurer@gotr-milwaukee.org

I feel very privileged to be involved with GOTR of Greater Milwaukee. Starting at an early age my participation in track programs provided me with so much; not only developing a lifelong love of running, but also with friends, the support of team, and a sense of accomplishment. I have found that one of the best things about running is the feeling of success that comes from knowing that through preparation and hard work you were able to cross the finish line. GOTR supports this through the 5K, but its a lesson that the girls can take with them and apply to many other aspects of life.  The unique thing about GOTR is it is not just a track program, it works to develop the complete person by increasing self-esteem, body image, and empowers the girls in many aspects of their life. The GOTR program benefits not only the participants, but their families, and our community as a whole.

Leila Wright – Secretary, secretary@gotr-milwaukee.org

I chose to get involved with Girls on the Run because as soon as I started learning about the program I fell in love with it.  Growing up I was very shy but was involved in athletics so I was able to overcome of my shyness and make friends.  I understand that not all girls are athletic and not all girls want to participate in sports; Girls on the Run seems like the perfect program for them.  Growing up as a girl is tough, and girls can be really nasty to each other so it is great to be part of an organization that is trying to change that one girl at a time.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Nicole Klaas

Running has been an important tool in my own life for goal-setting, stress release, and keeping me positive. So, I was drawn to Girls on the Run as an opportunity to support an organization that encourages physical activity and empowers girls to achieve their utmost potential. By volunteering as a running buddy, I saw the curriculum in action. I believe it is a well-structured approach for teaching important life lessons in ways that are fun and reinforced through physical activity. But, the absolute best motivator for getting and staying involved with this organization is race day! Nothing matches the energy and excitement of that day. Many of us remember the sense of accomplishment that came with completing our first 5K, 10K, or half marathon, and the opportunity to be a small part of helping hundreds of girls experience those same feelings is immensely rewarding.

Sara Schnoor

As a child growing up with a ridiculous lack of hand-eye coordination, I stayed as far away as I could from team sports, which for a young girl in the early 1980’s meant that there were few other prospects for fitness activities outside of my regular gym class.  For this reason, my passion for physical fitness came much later in life.

I was drawn to Girls on the Run not only because of the 5k training opportunity that it provides to young girls, but also the self-esteem component.  Our participants have the chance to incorporate fitness into their lives at a young age and learn to be comfortable in their own skin while participating.  If only I would have had a program like this back then!

Leia Scoptur

I have spent most of my adult life working with children from all walks of life. However, through my work as a counselor with at-risk kids and with my work through the Milwaukee Public Schools, I saw first hand how children can make bad choices so easily because they lack the foundation of self-respect, self-esteem and confidence.  I was drawn to Girls on the Run, because I think girls are especially vulnerable to peer and societal pressures.  This programs gives girls the skills, resources and safety to grow into confident and self-assured young women.  These girls can then share the message with others and their family.  The additional benefit of athletics and running helps send an even clearer message of healthy living to the girls and gives them an outlet for dealing with stress and other things life throws their way.

Jill Sommers

Jill Sommers, owner of M2L Life Coaching, Has been working in the field of health and wellness for over 25 years. Her passion to help people achieve new heights in their lives has led her to coaching, teaching, volunteering and Mentoring. A 3-time Ironman finisher, Jill also teaches wellness classes at the University of WI. Jill is the proud mother of a college-age daughter and feels very honored to be an active member of the GOTR board of directors.