Board of Directors
Officers
Executive Director/Founder | Michelle Robin | Your Wellness Connection
Dr. Michelle Robin is an speaker, author, podcast host and practicing chiropractor. She is the founder and CWO of Your Wellness Connection, P.A., one of the nation’s most successful integrative healing centers focusing on disciplines such as chiropractic, Chinese medicine, energy medicine, naturopathic medicine, functional medicine, massage therapy, counseling, nutritional and wellness coaching, and movement arts.
Chair | Vic Riffel | Sunlighten
Vic works in the health and wellness industry at Sunlighten, a company dedicated to helping people feel better naturally through infrared technology. In his role, he collaborates with experts in functional medicine, fitness, and longevity to help expand education around innovative wellness tools and practical lifestyle strategies that support long-term health. Vic is passionate about whole-person well-being and has appeared on podcasts and wellness platforms to share insights on infrared therapy, recovery, and sustainable health habits. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his husband and being a proud dog dad while embracing an active, balanced lifestyle.
Secretary | Cameron Cobb
With a background in health sciences, holistic wellness, and business development, Cameron Dollar brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and community engagement. Having previously worked with Small Changes Big Shifts in an administrative role supporting various areas of the organization, she has a strong connection to its mission and a passion for promoting whole-person well-being and meaningful, lasting change.
Treasurer | Mary Widmer
Mary retired after 40+ years of senior executive experience in finance, accounting, human resources, and strategy development where she honed the ability to adapt quickly to challenges and changing environments by using strong organizational and management skills. Being able to give back by supporting nonprofits like Small Changes Big Shifts is a privilege.
Directors
Jasmin Avakyants | REACH Healthcare Foundation
Jasmin Avakyants is Program Officer, responsible for administering grants, informing grantmaking strategies, and engaging the community to identify opportunities that align with the foundation’s mission to advance equity in health coverage and care. Avakyants joined REACH in 2022, bringing experience in the nonprofit sector in the areas of program development, strategic alliances, community engagement, and strategic communications and planning. Working under the direction of Vice President of Programs Carla Gibson and in collaboration with other foundation staff, Avakyants is charged with grantmaking strategies and expanding partnerships in the nonprofit and civic sectors.
Whitney Bartelli | CommunityAmerica Credit Union
Whitney serves as the Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at CommunityAmerica Credit Union, overseeing the areas of brand strategy and brand growth, content strategy, social and digital engagement and management, product development, member/corporate communications and community engagement. With a people-helping-people focus, Whitney’s teams are focused on elevating CommunityAmerica’s brand and connecting Kansas Citians to its mission of helping members achieve financial peace of mind.
Crystal Jenkins | Hoffman Institute
Crystal Jenkins specializes in wellness and behavioral counseling for individuals and groups. She is experienced in treating a wide range of psychological issues with adults and children. Crystal has been a teacher and coach for over 30 years. She has a love for speaking, teaching, and coaching others to find their path to freedom and clarity. She is also a Hoffman Institute Teacher as well as a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator.
Past Chair | Courtney Thomas | Newhouse
Courtney is a strategically wired visionary, complex problem solver, public speaker, and people motivator. Her entrepreneurial approach and leveraging innovation to grow both business and people, have been the key ingredients to her successful 20+ year executive career in nonprofit business turnaround. Courtney Thomas is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She moved to the Kansas City community in 2002. In addition to Newhouse, she has delivered award-winning marketing campaigns and unlocked new revenue opportunities as CEO at Central Exchange, CEO of Great Plains SPCA, and COO at Wayside Waifs, while also being a wife, the mom of three, and dedicating her time to serve on boards of directors.