Dorine Lilly

CHAIR

I have been involved with the Community Compassion Network for the past 15 years.  I have been a board member for 10 years as well as the fundraising chairperson for Pack the Pantry.

I am involved with CCN because I believe no one should be hungry or need infant supplies especially here in Mt Pleasant, Isabella County.  By volunteering my time and energy, I am able to see the need, provide some help as well as see the kindness and generosity of all our volunteers.  By chairing our annual "ASK,"  I see the unbelievable generosity of our community to help the needy and support CCN.  Being involved in CCN is both heartwarming and fulfilling for me.

Lori Root

CO-CHAIR

My name is Lori Root. I have lived in the Shepherd area for almost 30 years. In 2019, I retired after over 24 years working in the Human Resource Office at the St. Louis Correctional Complex.

I have volunteered with the Food Pantry since 2016 and have been on the CCN Board since 2021. I am currently co-treasurer.

I enjoy working at the Food Pantry and working with the guests. If nothing else, I hope my interaction will brighten someone's day.

Deb Skinner

TREASURER

I am a resident of Mt Pleasant. I was born and raised in Mt Pleasant and graduated from Central Michigan University in 1972 with a degree in Elementary Education.

My husband and I raised our three children here, enjoying all that comes with raising a family in a great small town.

I had a career as an office manager and bookkeeper for my father and mother for 37 years.

I began my association with the Community Compassion Network during the mobile pantry years, working in the registration area. I joined the CCN Board in 2016. During the year, 2017, I became the Treasurer for CCN and continue to hold that position today. I have served as a Team Leader, Guest Escort, and Register of Guests for the Food Pantry.

In 2021 I became part of the William Brockman Infant Pantry Leadership Team, one of the 3 programs of CCN. On that team I help with purchasing, record keeping, and helping with the distribution of diapers, wipes, formula, baby food and care items to supplement the needs of children in need from birth to the age of four years in Isabella County.

I am a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, a member of the Mt Pleasant Women's City Club, and a 36-year member of Chapter DN of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. An organization of women helping women achieve their educational goals through scholarships, grants, and loans from our 6 philanthropies. Including the ownership of Cottey College, a women's college owned/supported by P.E.O. since 1927.

I served on the Michigan State Chapter P.E.O. Executive Board for 7 years and then on the International

Leadership Team on the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund Board of Trustees from 2007 – 2012, serving as Chair of the ELF Board of Trustees during the 2011-2012 term.

Serving on the Community Compassion Network Board is one of the most important things I have done in my life. I know I am where I should be.

ALWAYS LEAVE PEOPLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM. HUG THE HURT. KISS THE BROKEN.

BEFRIEND THE LOST. LOVE THE LONELY.

Jane Wilsher

SECRETARY

Lives in Lake Isabella, Michigan.

Served on CCN Board for 6 years – Serve as Secretary of Board, and co-Pantry coordinator

Led and coordinated work team in the Sponsorship of a CCN Mobile Food Pantry and in the assembly of Kid Snack Bags for CCN's Nutrition Club at CMU for several years, prior to joining the Board

Retired from CMU Campus Dining after 41-year career with Aramark.

Currently employed as Kitchen Manager at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen

Previously involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region as a Board member and Big Sister

Favorite quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others". Mahatma Gandhi

Andrew Miller

I have been serving on the Board since 2015 where I have served as Vice-Chair and Chair. I volunteer Monday and Wednesday mornings on the Truck Crew that unloads the truck that comes from Greater Lansing Food Bank and food donations that are dropped off. On Wednesday afternoons I work in the warehouse, distributing produce, and as Team Leader.

Bert Deming

I started volunteering for CCN back when we had a mobile food pantry. I was asked to be a board member at 2015.

I now help with unloading the food truck, and getting ready for our guests to come in.

Denny Bailey

My name is Dennis Bailey. I am married and have a son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. I have volunteered at the Food Pantry since December 2020. At Faith Lutheran Church, I have volunteered whenever needed as well as currently serving on the Church Council. I helped build the original playscape at Island Park. I am currently a volunteer with Campus Life. I also volunteer and drive for the Commission on Aging. Because Christ call us to help the poor and needy, I serve in the community as He leads me.

Diane Saltarelli

Hi, I'm Diane Saltarelli. This is my second year serving on the CCN Board of Directors. I was also a board member at Life Choices. My first experience with CCN was (and still is) volunteering in the William Brockman Infant Pantry.

Prior to volunteering in retirement, I was a teacher for 22 years and an elementary school administrator for 10 years. I also supervised special education student teachers part-time at CMU.

I live in Mt. Pleasant with my husband Bill, who is a retired health science professor at CMU. Our son Andy works for Stanford University and lives with his family in Boulder, CO. Our daughter Katelyn is a local pediatric PA and lives with her family in Remus, MI. My five grandchildren are the light of my life.

Lacey Gardner

I joined CCN’s board in 2021. I currently live in Mount Pleasant and have for most of my life. I have three daughters and am a locally practicing primary care physician assistant. I have previous experience on the boards for the Goodrow Fund and Child and Family Enrichment.

Pat Simon

Patricia "Patty" Simon, Board Member since 2017.

I began volunteering at CCN's Mobile pantries in 2008.

I am a Retired RN BSN with Trauma and Family Health Specialties.

My experience also includes the Emergency Management Team of Isabella County.

I love working at the pantry, and enjoy the smiles we see when we provide for the guests' needs.

Peg Simon

I have been volunteering with CCN since 2008 and have been a member of the CCN Board since 2013. I am retired from a career in the Industrial Printing Business and am a Ferris State University graduate. Also, I service on an Advisory Board at Gratiot Isabella Technical Education Center and am a 4-H Leader in Isabella County.

I started volunteering with CCN through my local church when CCN was ‘mobile’. My father was a long-time volunteer at a local hometown Food Pantry for many years, upon his passing I dedicated myself to volunteering locally to honor him. It was a great decision, as I love the mission of CCN and enjoy serving others.  “It makes My Heart Sing!” 

Scott Wager

My name is Scott Wager. I'm a long-time resident of the Mt. Pleasant area and a graduate of Central Michigan University. I currently reside at Lake Isabella with my wife Vera. I am the manager (now semi-retired) of a local electronics retail store. I started volunteering at the Food Pantry in the Fall of 2021 in the Produce Distribution area and have been on the Board of Directors since the Fall of 2022.

Stephane Maillard

I started volunteering in 2017 for CCN when it was still a mobile pantry. I mosly volunteer on Saturdays as an guest escort. I'm also in charge of the CCN website and other IT related issues. I became a board member in 2019. Outside CCN, I'm a web developer at CMU and love volunteering at my church and visit museums.

Stephanie Ohms

I'm Stephanie Ohms from Clare, MI. I've been part of Community Compassion Network for over 10 years, started out when CCN did the mobile pantries hosted at different churches & organizations around Mt Pleasant. Being very involved I was asked to join the board in 2015 where I have been very active in escorting guest thru the pantry on Saturdays and helping where I can. My everyday job is a graphic designer, so one of my tasks is keeping up the CCN Facebook page and create many of the CCN flyers, schedules & promotions. I'm a member at Central Michigan Free Methodist Church where we have several that volunteer that help from unloading the food trucks, stocking warehouse & escorting guest thru the pantry. My favorite time is seeing the guest amazed by how much food a family gets and seeing smiles on their face as they leave the pantry. The one on one you get with the guest in a short period of time can be priceless.

Wendy Malish

After retiring from a career at Dow, I became a weekly volunteer at the food pantry. I also volunteer at the Isabella County Commission on Aging (COA) where I am trained and certified to provide Medicare counseling to seniors. I joined the CCN board in 2024 and strive to ensure seniors are aware of the resources available to them at both COA and CCN.