Staff & Board

Staff

Lori Lehman
Executive Director

Lori joined the FWCL family in November 2022. She has a long history of working in social services including Assistant Executive Director for Wellspring Interfaith and Operations Manager for Redemption House. Lori is passionate about elevating families out of poverty and promoting education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Purdue University with a minor in Psychology.

Her daughter is currently pursuing her Master of Arts Degree in History and Secondary Education and is very active in the Aspiring Educators chapter of her school. Lori and her dog Pepper love to hike the Indiana State Parks and hope to one day visit all the National Parks.

Sami Kugler FWCL Director of Instruction.

Sami Kugler
Director of Instruction

Sami was welcomed to the FWCL staff in May of 2019 after she graduated with her Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Psychology, and an Associate’s in Chemistry from the University of Saint Francis. In December of 2020, she completed her Master’s Degree in School Psychology. Sami also enjoys volunteering at many agencies, including Toys for Tots and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Through her experiences in the school setting, Sami has been involved in many conferences related to students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health struggles, and various other Learning Disabilities. She also attended the National Conference for School Psychologists, where she was trained by professionals in the field on modern techniques and approaches related to trauma and adverse childhood experiences, as well as academic interventions. Sami’s greatest passion is working with and connecting with students, and she loves getting to witness the moment of realization when a student understands a new concept.

Sami was named Director of Instruction in September 2021.

Lois Rehrer
Office Manager

Lois came to FWCL in November 2007. Her main responsibilities include scheduling of students and staff, bookkeeping, student management, database management, and greeting and directing students and parents.

Lois has extensive office operations experience. She has worked in several different office settings spanning over 25 years. Her volunteer experiences include those with church and school organizations.

Lois loves to travel with her husband and spend time with her family and friends. The joy of her life is her two grands!

Jennifer Parry
Instructor

Jennifer has been with the FWCL since May of 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of New Hampshire.

Jennifer has participated in workshops and conferences about youth development presented by Great Kids Make Great Communities, Indiana Youth Institute, and Junior League. She finds Conscious Discipline and being Trauma Informed critical to understanding today’s youth and giving them the tools they will need for future success.

Emerald Veltum
Instructor

Emerald arrived at FWCL in March of 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Christian Ministries and a Music Minor from Anderson University since 2018.

Emerald previously worked as a substitute teacher in EACS as well as was a former employee at the Euell A. Wilson Center helping lead their Study Island Program. She currently volunteers leading youth at her church and is highly involved with serving the community of Fort Wayne.

Emerald’s heart is focused on caring for and encouraging children to see their unique potential personally as well as academically. She hopes to teach in a way that not only will help children to understand program material and broaden creativity, but also to appreciate and enjoy life and learning more.

Diana Yngstrom-Bugge
Consultant

Diana began her journey with FWCL in May 2005. She wore many different hats on her way to being named the Executive Director in 2011. In December 2022, she retired from that position and now serves as a consultant to help with financial reporting on a very part-time basis.

Educated in Europe, Diana brought with her 10+ years of working in non-profit environments in New York and Virginia. She has served as a Financial Manager, a Director of Volunteers and a Director of Fundraising. Throughout her life, she has been an active volunteer and all of her non-profit and volunteer experiences have been for the benefit of children and families.

Diana enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family (which includes 4 wonderful grandsons!)