Joni Thompson
CEO / Co-Founder
Since 2010, I have had the honor of serving as the CEO and Co-Founder of Angels of Action, a mission that began as more than just an idea—it was a calling from God. This journey wasn’t about career ambition; it was about answering a deep, undeniable pull to serve the children in my community, ensuring that no child goes hungry. Leading with love has been the foundation of everything we do at Angels of Action, and it continues to shape our mission every day. Born and raised just outside of Detroit, I moved to Mecosta County in 2009 and quickly felt a deep connection to this community. With over 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, I could have followed a different path, but my heart has always been with children. Being adopted at an early age instilled in me a profound sense of purpose—one that has driven me to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and, above all, worthy. No child should ever wonder if they matter, and through Angels of Action, we work tirelessly to ensure that every child we serve knows they are loved, cherished, and never forgotten. Throughout my life and career, my mission has remained the same: to enrich the lives of others and to lead with love. It’s not just a motto; it’s the heartbeat of Angels of Action, and it’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS
Kim Easler
Community & Fund Development Director
For nearly four decades, Kim has called the Big Rapids and Morley-Stanwood area home, having lived in the community since 1985. A true Michigander with a heart that spans across the ocean, she cherishes her Scottish roots and holds Bonnie Scotland close to her heart. "Scotland is in my heart, on my mind, and will always be my second home," she says. Kim has been happily married to her husband, Josh, since 2006 and is a proud mother to three amazing children—Chris (who is married to his wonderful wife, Kristina), Brysen, and Harper. Her family, both near and far, is the foundation of her joy and inspiration. With a deep passion for helping others, Kim finds purpose in her work at Angels of Action, where she gets to serve alongside staff, volunteers, churches, agencies, and community organizations to make a real impact in the lives of children and families in Mecosta and Osceola counties. "I am beyond blessed to do this work every day—supporting our community, lifting up families, and ensuring that no child is forgotten. Working with Angels of Action isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, and I’m grateful to be a part of it."
Laurie Kohn
Programs & Operations Director
For Laurie, Angels of Action is more than just a workplace—it’s a calling. Having worked in the school system, Laurie saw firsthand the impact of hunger and hardship on children in our community. She began volunteering with Angels of Action, and it didn’t take long before she realized that her heart was fully committed to this mission. Now, as Program & Operations Director, she works tirelessly to ensure that every child in need is cared for, nourished, and supported. Born and raised in Morley, Laurie is a proud Morley Stanwood graduate who has deep roots in the community. She and her husband still call the area home, where they live with their beloved dog, Bella. Laurie’s greatest joy is her family—her four grown children, a son-in-law whom she considers one of her own, and most of all, her cherished grandson, with whom she treasures every moment. Outside of work, Laurie loves exploring all that Michigan has to offer—from wineries and unique eateries to antique shops and scenic adventures. She’s always chasing the perfect sunrise and sunset, finding beauty in the simple moments that bring joy. Her passion for serving children, strengthening families, and leading with love makes Laurie an integral part of Angels of Action’s mission to uplift and care for the most vulnerable in our community.
OPERATIONS TEAM
Lori Holmquist
Administrative Manager
For nearly a decade, Lori has been a part of Angels of Action’s mission—first serving on the Board of Directors since 2015, and now as a valued member of our team since January 2023. With 35+ years of financial and customer service experience, she brings a strong commitment to helping children and families flourish. “Having grown up and lived in Osceola County all my life, I was beyond excited to see Angels of Action expand into these communities. Every single program we offer provides much-needed support to children and families, and I encourage anyone unfamiliar with our work to take the time to learn more.” Lori is a proud graduate of Pine River Schools and calls Reed City home, where she lives with her partner, Lupe and their four beloved cats. In her spare time, she finds joy in crafting, reading, bargain and antique hunting, and spending time with family and friends. Lori’s heart for service and passion for uplifting others make her a perfect fit for Angels of Action, and she is honored to continue carrying out the mission of leading with love and providing hope to families in need.
Sara Hinojosa
Marketing & Programs Coordinator
Sara has lived all over Michigan but has now found her home in Big Rapids. A 2019 graduate of Evart High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ferris State University in 2023. Her journey with Angels of Action began in 2022 as an intern, where she quickly discovered her passion for serving the community. During her internship, she became deeply involved in the organization’s mission, and in 2023—before even graduating—she officially joined the Angels team as an employee. Sara is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, and she feels blessed to be part of a team that leads with love and serves with purpose. Outside of work, you can find her spending time with friends, family, and her beloved cats.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Gielczyk
President
As Board President of Angels of Action, Anne Gielczyk is dedicated to leading with compassion, strategy, and a deep commitment to serving children and families in our community. A Big Rapids native, Anne’s journey has always been rooted in education, leadership, and a passion for making a difference. She earned her marketing degree from Central Michigan University before spending time in New York City, but her heart brought her back home. She pursued teacher certification and later earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Ferris State University. Anne taught for several years before focusing on her family and career. She is now the Executive Vice President of NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions, a national leader in career and technical education, pre-employment and workforce certification assessments, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping career readiness and workforce development. Even with a busy professional life, Anne’s dedication to service never wavers. She is passionate about the work of Angels of Action, ensuring that the organization continues to grow, thrive, and provide essential resources to the children and families who need them most. When she’s not leading board initiatives or making an impact in the workforce sector, Anne can be found cheering on her boys at their sporting events and spending time with her family. Her commitment to community, leadership, and service makes her an invaluable part of Angels of Action’s mission to uplift and support those in need.
Julie Miller
Treasurer
As one of the founding members of Angels of Action, Julie Miller played a pivotal role in bringing the organization to life. Driven by a deep passion for serving children and fighting food insecurity, she helped turn a vision into a reality—creating a nonprofit that ensures no child in our community goes hungry. Julie has long believed that one person can make a difference, but a community united can create lasting change. Her goal has always been to inspire others to get involved, showing them that their time, resources, and compassion can have a real impact on a child’s life. A graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in business, Julie’s background in sales and management gave her the skills to help build and sustain Angels of Action. She continues to serve as the organization’s Board Treasurer, ensuring the financial health and stability of the nonprofit so that it can continue to grow and serve those in need. But beyond the logistics and planning, her heart remains with the children and families Angels of Action serves. When she’s not working to expand the organization’s impact, Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, embracing the moments that matter most. Her dedication to leading with love and creating a community where every child is seen, valued, and nourished continues to shape Angels of Action’s mission today.
Kayla Kesting
Vice President
Kayla Kesting has been a dedicated member of the Big Rapids community since 2004, when she and her husband relocated from Chicago. Drawn to the close-knit, supportive atmosphere of a small town, they knew it would be the perfect place to raise their son and daughter. With a deep passion for service, Kayla has actively contributed to numerous local organizations, including WISE, Stage M, and ArtWorks. She is also the president of the Big Rapids Investment Club and a past member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) Big Rapids. Professionally, Kayla recently earned her real estate license and is currently with Big Rapids Realty. Her diverse background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Food Management from Illinois State University, 11 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserves as part of a combat surgical unit, and over a decade of management experience. Her leadership, organizational skills, and ability to connect with people make her an asset in every role she takes on. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Kayla enjoys fitness, painting, interior decorating, home staging, traveling, and outdoor adventures. Her commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the community makes her a valued member of the Angels of Action Board of Directors.
Danielle DeJean-Hansen
Secretary
Danielle DeJean-Hansen has been deeply rooted in the Mecosta and Canadian Lakes community since moving to the area in 1986. She currently serves as Board Secretary for Angels of Action, bringing her organization, leadership, and passion for service to the team. Additionally, she is the Board Vice President for Sports Boosters and the Board Director of Concessions for Youth Basketball, further showcasing her dedication to supporting local athletics and youth programs. Professionally, Danielle is a Program Manager for Big Rapids Products, balancing her career with her commitment to family and community. She and her husband, Chris, share a deep love for sports with their two wonderful children, Jordan and Jaylyn. With Chris and the kids actively involved in athletics, Danielle is always on the go, traveling across the state as their biggest fan. When they aren’t on the road for games, the DeJean-Hansen family cherishes their time together fishing, having movie and game nights, and engaging in friendly family competitions—where teasing and laughter are always part of the fun. Danielle’s unwavering dedication to family, teamwork, and community service makes her an invaluable part of Angels of Action’s mission to support and uplift children and families in need.
Kelly Nelson
Board Member
Kelly was raised in Lakeview, Michigan, and has dedicated her career to serving others through healthcare. With 28 years of experience in the field, she has spent the last 14 years with Retirement Living Management—first as an administrator and, for the past seven years, as a Regional Consultant. In addition to her professional leadership, Kelly has been actively involved in her community, serving on multiple boards, including the Greenville Danish Festival. She and her husband, Alex, reside in the beautiful community of Canadian Lakes. They are proud parents and loving grandparents to two wonderful grandchildren. Kelly is passionate about giving back and is honored to support Angels of Action in its mission to serve children and families in need.