Ashley Risting, Executive Director

Ashley was named the executive director of LINK in January 2022. Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge to this position. She previously served as the Christian Education/Youth Director at the Grinnell United Methodist Church for more than 12 years. Prior to living in Grinnell, Ashley attended Penn State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education.

Ashley Grundler, Administrative & Mentor Coordinator

Ashley has been working with mentoring in Grinnell for nearly 8 years. She began as a volunteer and eventually joined as a mentor coordinator in 2017. In August 2021, she was named the administrative coordinator for the afterschool, summer, and mentoring programs for LINK Grinnell. Before joining LINK Grinnell, Ashley was employed by Grinnell Regional Medical Center in the Communications & Development Office.

Program Leaders:

Ani Ford

Erin Nicklas

Roman Mackenzie

Reese Madren

Josie Noland

Kate VanCompernolle

Kelsey VanCompernolle

Abby is a Grinnell native. She earned a B.A. in Psychology, a Ph.D. in Applied Child Development from Tufts University and a Ph.D in Human Development & Family Studies with a focus in Early Childhood Education from Iowa State University. In addition to serving on the LINK Board, she currently works as an Early Childhood Researcher & Program Evaluation Specialist at the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley.

Rachael is passionate about the Grinnell community, and serves as the President & CEO of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition to being a LINK Board Member, she is also active on the local boards for Grinnell United Way and UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center.