Staff & Board
PAULA KAUFMAN - Executive Director
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Paula is an entrepreneur and successful businesswoman. Her passion to help women at risk with a desire for a new and better path, led to the creation of Out of a Jam, Inc. She is our fearless leader and her creativity, generous heart, and foundational faith are an inspiration to everyone she meets.
As a successful employer, Paula learned firsthand how businesses struggle to find and keep good people especially those companies involved in the culinary industry. Her 8 week curriculum prepares students to excel in the workforce and to become better in every aspect of their lives. Feeding, Nourishing and Transforming young adults in Fort Wayne and beyond!
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OUR STAFF
BERNIE KAUFMAN-Administrator
As the husband of our fearless leader, Bernie has been volunteering at Out of a Jam from the beginning. He works hard by helping to keep all the parts moving. He provides oversight for everything related to finance and communicates with the Board of Directors as well as major donors.
As the Head Chef Jamee brings culinary structure to Out of a Jam. From working with students in the kitchen to managing, the food truck at markets and events, he oversees all aspects of food, which is just about everything! We are grateful for Jamee's expertise and we couldn't do what we do without h
JAMEE THIELE-Head Chef
Out of a Jam has been blessed to leverage Tonya’s diverse background into creating sustainable teaching programs. Tonya’s organizational talents show up in just about every program she starts and manages. She keeps us well-equipped to provide quality training for the youth in our community.
TONYA BIRKEY- Program Director
Lydia provides admin support to each of our team members. She keeps our calendar managed, schedules employees, and oversees payroll, Her IT background helps us navigate the digital world of the future.
LYDIA SCHNIEDER-Admin Assistant
Emily is often a gopher at Out of a Jam because she can do just about anything. On any given day, you might find her teaching students in an after-school program, managing the website, or taking pictures. Her professional photography background provides us with compelling ways to share the happenings at Out Of A Jam.
EMILY TRAYNOR-Social Media & Design
Board Of Directors
The Board of Directors is committed to the mission, the people we serve in our community and the staff and volunteers that are part of this amazing organization! Our board serves in various ways from reviewing financial statements to planning fundraising events to volunteering in the kitchen.
While our primary responsibility is governance and sustainability of the organization, we also prioritize fun, food and friendship!
Melanee Findley - Board Chairman
Tina Bennett - Development Committee
Abeer Saeed - Development Committee
Christopher Stockamp - Strategy Committee
Carrie Gutman - Legal & Finance Committee
Shelly Rhoades - Legal & Finance Committee
