WHO WE ARE

Our
Mission & Values

Our mission is to transform our little sisters from a young lady to the woman they are created to be by providing wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, and an image they can relate to through group sessions, goal setting, and accountability.

Developing Butterflies Big Sister Program was established April 6, 2016, by Gena McDonald. 
Gena was born in Dayton, is a mother of two (a son and a daughter), holds a Bachelor degree in Applied Behavioral Science, Certified Confidence Life Coach, Certified Community Health Worker and is very passionate about helping young ladies or "little sisters" be confident in who they are to overcome their obstacles. She didn’t have a bad life, but growing up with three parents on drugs and witnessing domestic violence, she was already considered a statistic to repeat her environment. 

Gena wasn’t involved in any mentoring or big sister program but realized that if she had a mentor or big sister, she could have made some better choices sooner-than-later, which is how Developing Butterflies came about; giving back what she didn’t have! She wanted to provide a program where little sisters could come be themselves and build strong, lasting relationships, while receiving support and guidance.

       
Developing Butterflies is a community-based group mentoring program that practices a 1-on-1 mentoring match-up.  Once paired, little sisters may meet with their big sisters outside of group to catch up, receive assistance with a project, or attend community events. 

It is a 11-month program based on the four stages of how a butterfly develops: Egg, Caterpillar, Chrysalis, and Butterfly.  Each stage focuses on a subject that includes three topics covered over a 3-month period.  We meet as a group three Thursdays each monthfor sessions, to attend community events, and to volunteer.  This includes one session covering “Real Talk.”  Real Talk is an open forum discussion facilitated by the young ladies, giving them a chance to discuss things they deal with on a day-to-day basis.  There are guest speakers, resources, activities, and an opportunity to recap the topic of the month.

Developing Butterflies Board Members

Gena McDonald

Founder & Executive Director

Michele Mockabee

President

Malarie
Sharpe

Secretary

Vanessa 
Hollins

Vice President

Leslie
Ralston

Board Member

Clarissa
Foster

Treasurer

Nicole
Crutcher

Board Member

Kennedy Miller

Board Member
AFFIRMATION MOTTO:

Be Bold, Spread Your Wings, and Fly High

Be Bold:
I am Beautiful, I am Deserving, I am Confident, I am ME!
Spread My Wings:
 If I think it, I can believe it, I can achieve it! I can do anything that will increase me to be a better person!
Flying High:
  The skies are the limit I will fly high and nothing can stop me!
I AM a Butterfly!

OUR SLOGAN

Making a M.E.S.S.
M - Motivating  
E  - Encouraging  
S  - Supporting
S  - Sisters 

Meet Our Big Sister's

Reshauna Bolds

I am Big Sister Ro… Reshauna Bolds. I am an administrator at Miami Valley Hospital. My role at the hospital allows for me to speak on behalf of patients and families as an advocate for care. I am a caregiver by nature, the mother of 1 daughter Taylor, stepmom of 2 of a 22 and 17- year old, foster mother to a 12 and 13- year old. I love kids!! I am a girl scout troop leader and volunteer for many other organizations. My purpose is to serve others which brings me to why I am a part of Developing Butterflies!! Who I have grown to be is why I a Big Sister!

I feel it is important for our girls to have someone that they can trust and for their families to know that we are the extension of the village that we all need to raise our children. The way it used to be!!

Truth, love, stern when needed and transparency is what I will offer. We share our stories, struggles and wins…. We allow for them to see us cry, laugh and check them when necessary. I am best for my hugs, even though they resist at 1st! The best thing about Developing Butterflies is that we embrace each other and even though it is set up to mentor the girls, it ends up that we ALL mentor each other. We are learning our “Super Powers” and gain what we need to spread our wings and FLY!!! 


Tasha Toone

Arionna Woodard

Arionna is a big sister in the Developing Butterflies program. She currently attends school at Wright State University in pursuance of becoming a registered nurse and works in healthcare as a nursing assistant. Arionna says that one of her favorite aspects of Developing Butterflies is that it provides nourishment for every little sister to grow into their “best-self”. One of Her favorite quotes is “Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between the sun and moon, they shine when it’s their time.”New Paragraph

Tierra Currington

Tierra Curington is a native of Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Trotwood-Madison High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Central State University. Tierra is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She joined Developing Butterflies to encourage and inspire the success of female youth in her community.

Permesia Sledge

Kristy Chinn

Kristin's purpose is to foster the development of children and provide the opportunity for them to see beyond their present and look towards their future. She develops and implement activities and trainings that span the scope of The Ohio Learning Standards and life skills all while keeping it interactive and engaging.

Growing up as an only child in the inner city of Cincinnati to a single mother, she vowed to always be present in her community and help the next person. She started her journey through volunteering for different organizations as she attained her degree from Central State University. After hearing about the mission and vision of Developing Butterflies, she knew she had found the right fit for her to continue her passion. 


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