National Board
The national board is made up of directors, advisors, and officers. Learn more about the current board members below.
Directors
Amanda Bennett Lothrop
National Co-Director
Doane '06
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an emphasis in Actuarial Science, Doane University; Masters of Business Administration, Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University
Occupation: I work for Deloitte Consulting. A healthcare actuary by background, I currently help federal and state governments solve their most complex financial and policy challenges related to the US healthcare system.
Family: My husband, Griffin, and I are happily living in New York and enjoying our energetic, fun-loving daughters, Annabelle and Bernadette. And of course, no family is complete without the furry members: we have twin cats, Laverne and Shirley.
Influences: My husband, who is always loving, supportive, and ever caring; my mother, who taught me how to love and care for others; and my Church community, who taught me how to share God’s love with others through my gifts.
Favorite CK Memory: The auction we hosted each year at Doane to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The entire community would participate. We hosted it in the cafeteria over dinner, so it was always a lively crowd of students bidding on items that faculty, staff, and local businesses donated. It’s a heartwarming (and fun!) event that I’ll always remember fondly.
Reason for joining the Board: From the time I was first exposed to Cardinal Key, I was impressed with the organization’s core values and how diligently everyone worked to uphold the mission. This is what first inspired me to become active in the organization and it is keeps me actively involved to this day. I joined the Doane Cardinal Key Chapter in the Spring of 2004. During my time at Doane, I served as chapter Vice President and President. I was fortunate enough to be the Doane representative at the National Cardinal Key Convention in 2005 where I was elected National Vice President. After which, I served as a National Advisor on the Board of Directors until I was elected National Co-Director during the 2009 National Cardinal Key Convention in Atlanta.
Favorite Quotation: I have many, so I’ll just share the one that stands out in my mind at the moment: Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere else, Albert Einstein
Favorite Vacation: My favorite vacation would have to be the trip Griffin and I took to Africa with a number of other Doane alums (including his parents!). A Doane professor led the trip and she has spent a fair amount of time in this area, so we were really able to explore the local area in more of a non-tourist capacity. Plus, the safaris were absolutely amazing!
Devin W. Lammy, M.Ed.
National Director
Truman '03
Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Truman State University; Masters of Education in Health Education & Promotion, University of Missouri
Family: My husband and I will soon celebrate 19 amazing, difficult, beautiful years of marriage. We have 4 fantastically wild and wonderful children, three of whom are medically complicated. They keep us busy, and our lives full of laughter, and it just keeps getting better.
Occupation: Homemaker & Business Clerk for two state-chartered, liberal arts public schools. Previously: Health Promotion Specialist with emphases in Sleep Hygiene and Tobacco Harm Reduction
Influences: Always: my husband, parents, and grandparents, especially my grandmothers (may I be like them when I grow up!). Recently, I have gained wisdom from Sharon McMahon & Becky Kennedy, Ph.D.
Favorite CK Memory: As an undergraduate: hacking through 1000 Hills State Park with machetes and Blue Keys to clear trails, and spending hours laughing and sharing at Retreats. As a board member: watching a desire to improve and challenge their chapters grow in the delegates at each National Conference…also the night of the “indoor waterfall” at the 2011 National Conference.
Reason for joining the Board: Joining Cardinal Key as an undergraduate changed my life for the better, for good. When I ran for National President, I hoped to support Cardinal Key at a National Level and to empower local chapters to more deeply impact their schools and communities. After serving as National President, I remained on the Board of Directors until Amanda and I were appointed National Directors at the 2009 National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Favorite Quotations:
- When you have endured tragedy, the things that seemed so important to the maintenance of a way of life do not have the same significance. Jacqueline Winspear
- Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Albert Einstein
- Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Random Personal Fact: I have an extensive repertoire of nursery rhymes!
Favorite Books: A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens; The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, Laurie R. King; Murder Must Advertise, Dorothy L. Sayers; Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, Susanna Clarke; Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, Betty McDonald.
Advisors
Chelsea Nwankwo
National Advisor
Southeastern OSU '12
Education: I graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. I am currently working on a second Bachelor from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Occupation: I currently work as medical customer service advocate for an insurance company full time and as a part-time barista at a family member’s coffee shop. I am also a full-time student and currently working on starting my own freelance photography business.
Family: I do not have a significant other or kids yet lol, but I do have a 1 year old calico named Peachy and a sweet niece named Nevaeh. I spend a lot of time with my niece being the cool aunt I was always meant to be as well as with my extended family and friends.
Influences: My influences are my niece and my mom. My niece because she pushes me to want to be a better person and role model everyday. My mom because of her extraordinary ability to always see the best in everything.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite CK memory from my chapter is the annual candle lighting ceremony that has been held on campus since 1921. As a cardinal key member, we are responsible for lighting the candle as Southeastern Symphonic Choir sing. During this even we not only represent our school but cardinal key to all members of the community that attend the event.
Reason for joining the Board: I joined the board to give back to Cardinal Key and to help current and future cardinal key members in becoming the best person they can be through the organization.
Favorite Quotation: “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Favorite Color: My favorite colors are wine, maroon, rustic pink, and black.
Favorite Food/ Meal: My favorite food is Tex-Mex, but my favorite single dish is macaroni and cheese.
Favorite simple pleasure: My absolute favorite thing to do is nap. I am a nap queen. I have a busy schedule always but any chance I get, I always try to squeeze a nap in!
What animal would you be and why: I would be a sloth because they eat and then sleep the majority of the day. They also just look super relaxed and happy all the time.
Hannah Smiles
National Advisor, Expansion Committee Chair
Truman State University, 2020
Education: I attended Truman State University and completed my bachelors degree in Exercise Science and minor in disability studies in 2020. After graduation from Truman, I moved to St. Louis where I attended Washington University in St. Louis and completed my doctorate in occupational therapy in 2023.
Family: I grew up in the Chicago suburbs with my parents and three older siblings. Our family is quickly expanding as I now am an aunt to 5 nieces and nephews. I am the second CK in my family – shout out to my older sister Gretchen who was a CK national board member 2009-2023!
Occupation: I am currently working as an occupational therapist in elementary and high schools as well as coaching high school basketball.
Who inspires you: I am daily inspired by my students I work with: their joy, passion, and love for the world around them.
Favorite CK memory: I hold so many CK memories from undergrad until now, but a recent favorite was riding around Washington D.C. on the back of fellow advisor Tori’s scooter during a recent national conference!
Reason for joining the Board: I joined the board to give back to all that Cardinal Key has given me and continue its awesome legacy by supporting chapters across the country.
Favorite Quote: As long as thanks is possible, joy is possible.
Passions: I’m passionate about service, disability justice, equity, nature, learning, and women’s sports!
Favorite simple pleasure: A PB&J at the summit of a hike
Favorite Vacation: I recently traveled to Banff National Park in Canada and it was stunning! The mountains, lakes, wildlife, and views were perfect!
Favorite Food: Ice cream!
Stefanie Jo Svoboda
National Advisor, Social Media Chair
Wayne State College '09
cknationalsocialmedia@gmail.com
Education: I received my undergraduate degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Organizational Leadership from Wayne State College in 2009. In 2012, I received a Masters of Arts in Communication and a Graduate Certificate in Training and Development from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I hold a Wilderness First Responder certification and I am currently taking doctoral courses at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Family: My husband, Nick, and I have two kids, Trey Von and Natalie Jo, and our large, lovable furball, Frank.
Occupation: I am an Associate Dean of Virtual Learning at Southeast Community College.
Influences/Who Inspires You: People pursuing their passion, specifically when it entails the betterment of others or themselves, the outdoors, or serving as a positive influence. My grandparents, Les and Lois Von Seggern, embody it and so much more. They have served as key inspiration for a variety of facets in my life.
Favorite CK Memory: All the conferences and board meetings. I love getting together with such wonderful individuals and meeting new Cardinal Key members.
Reason for joining the Board: I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture to assist more chapters and make a larger, lasting impact.
Favorite Quotation: Too many to list
Passion:
- Leading a life of service – Helping people from physical work to learning something new
- Outdoors
- Learning new information and acquiring different skills and experiences
Favorite simple pleasure: Exploring, being outside/ active, a good conversation, or helping someone
Favorite vacation or dream vacation: Backpacking, bikepacking, river trips, exploring foreign countries or even a new place in general.
Kristin Walstrom Korneliussen
National Archives Committee
Truman State University '04 & '05
Education: I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from Truman State in 2004 and then immediately followed that with a Master of Arts in Education-English in 2005.
Family: My husband Jon and I are the proud parents of Elsa (2013), Lena (2016), and Erik (2019). I am originally from Kansas City, while my husband is from Seattle; we moved to Memphis in 2010 and have been here ever since.
Occupation: I am a high school English teacher by trade, but now I primarily stay home with my children and teach as an adjunct instructor at a community college.
Influences/Who inspires you: Personally, I am inspired by those closest to me, my dear friends and family, especially my husband and mom. Professionally, I keep in touch with several former teachers I now consider to be mentors and friends.
Favorite CK Memory: Service and sisterhood are so deeply entwined in my CK memories, so if forced to choose, my favorite memory would have to be our semester retreats where we had dedicated time to plan, reflect, and bond.
Reason for joining the Board: CK was such a huge part of my college experience that I was thrilled at the opportunity to become involved once again.
Favorite quotation: “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” -Groucho Marx
Passion: I am passionate about my family and truly love motherhood, which is by far the most difficult–yet fulfilling–thing I have ever done. I am also passionate about community and the various ways we are all connected; that said, I crave the time to recharge through solo activities like reading and writing as well.
Favorite book: My all-time favorite book is Anne of Green Gables (and its seven sequels). I have been able to relate much of my life to Anne’s, finding something new in each re-read. I love these books so much that my college roommate and I even traveled to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where the story is set.
Random personal fact: I skated for Memphis’s roller derby league for a season (before having children); my alter ego was Hip Czech.
If I could live anywhere and why: I would live in Bamberg, Germany. I did my student teaching at a DoDDS (Department of Defense) high school there, and I am not exaggerating when I say that the experience changed my life. Not only did I make some life-long friends and get to visit many fascinating places, but I also met my husband during that semester. We returned several years later to get married and are anxious to go back with our children someday. Bamberg is magical.
Officers
Name, School and Graduation year (if applicable): Morgan Thorne, Truman State ‘24
Position: National Past President
Email: cknationalpastpresident@gmail.com
Education: I completed a BA in biology in May 2024 and am currently attending medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Family: I live in St. Charles, MO with my husband, Cody.
Influences/ Who inspires you: I am inspired by my family who has instilled in me the value of service. When I was growing up, my family volunteered as Sunday School teachers for ages 4-5, participated in the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and helped with our church’s childcare. I admire how they are always willing to give anything to help anyone in need.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite CK memory was volunteering at the Humane Society with another CK when she decided to adopt a dog named Annie.
Reason for joining the Board: I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Cardinal Key. CK has given so much to me and it’s my hope that I can give even an ounce of that back by serving on the National Board!
Favorite quotation: Never be so kind, you forget to be clever. Never be so clever, you forget to be kind. –Taylor Swift
Passion: I’ve always had a passion for working with kids. This is one of the many reasons I love supporting Breakthrough T1D through CK. I currently volunteer as a baby cuddler in the NICU and at a local elementary school where I help teach students about topics in healthcare. I hope to become a pediatrician one day!
Favorite vacation or dream vacation: My friends and I took a road trip to go to the Eras Tour in Indy!
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite food or meal: Pasta
Name, School and Graduation year (if applicable): Kiersten Marek, Truman State University, May 2027
Position: National President
Email: cknationalpresident@gmail.com
Education: I am a Health Science major with minors in Biology and Business Administration at Truman State University. After my time at Truman, I plan to attend dental school to become a dentist.
Influences/ Who inspires you: My sister inspires me the most. Seeing her balance so much with grace, strength, and love motivates me to keep pushing towards my goals and to always make time for others, no matter how busy life gets.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite CK memory is Trick or Treat, Save Your Sweets. Each Halloween, we visit houses throughout the community to collect donations for Breakthrough T1D. It is always a fun and exciting night and I love how it brings everyone together for a good cause while supporting an organization that truly makes a difference.
Reason for joining the Board: I wanted to join the board because I care deeply about helping others and making a positive impact. I love the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself and helping members feel supported and inspired.
Passion: My passion is helping others, whether it is through health, service, or simple acts of kindness!
Proudest accomplishment: Working with a team at Truman State to raise over $17,000 for families and children in need in our community.
What motivates me to work hard: My desire to make a positive impact and to continuously improve myself in everything I do.
Work a campus job? I work as a biology lab assistant, where I help conduct research.
Name, School and Graduation year (if applicable): Grace Berck, Truman State University, 2027
Position: National Vice President
Email: cknationalvicepresident@gmail.com
Education: I am currently an Exercise Science major with minors in Biology and Disability Studies at Truman State University. After I graduate, I plan to attend grad school to earn my doctorate in physical therapy.
Family: I grew up as a military brat with my parents; Jacob, my little brother; and my dog, a Goldendoodle named Zeus. I lived in nine places growing up, the most recent being Germany, where I love going back to during my breaks to spend time with my family.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite Cardinal Key memory is going on speed dates as a pledge. Setting time aside every week to chat with and get to know my new CK sisters during walks, coffee dates, or while running errands together led to me creating long-lasting friendships that may not have happened if I had not had that one-on-one time with them.
Reason for joining the Board: I joined the Cardinal Key National Board to become more involved in our philanthropy, Breakthrough T1D. I want to support our chapters in continuing to serve and partner with them to create change because this organization has made so many incredible advancements and positively affected the lives of so many people.
Favorite quotation: “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Passion: My passion is learning about and getting to know other people
Favorite color: Blue and purple
Random personal fact: I love traveling and I’ve been to 24 countries so far!
Work a campus job? I work in a cadaver lab as a TA for an anatomy class.
EmmaLeigh Kendrick
National Secretary
Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2025
cknationalsecretary@gmail.com
Name, School and Graduation year (if applicable): EmmaLeigh Kendrick, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 2025
Position: National Secretary
Email: cknationalsecretary@gmail.com
Education: Idabel High School, Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Bachelors)
Family: My mom and stepmom are alumni of Southeastern. I knew for a while before starting my college career that I would be attending their alma mater. My dad introduced me to the world of volunteering and joining every group available. He helped me understand the importance of community.
Influences/ Who inspires you: My parents inspire me in different ways. My mom inspires me to always be myself and to have empathy for others. My dad inspires me to help the people of my community and the surrounding areas. I’ve seen both of them always work hard and they would do anything for me. I strive to make them proud in any capacity because I know what they’ve done for me and others.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite Cardinal Key memory is one of our Valentine’s Day events. This was a recruitment event. We did charm bracelet making! I had been obsessed with this, so I already had a lot of tools and charms. We hung out as a group and just chatted while making bracelets. We were able to share about Cardinal Key with a bunch of new members, who were unable to join at the time but are still interested. I brought sucker valentines and put my Instagram on them for any questions or friendship. They were a hit!
Reason for joining the Board: I wanted to continue my leadership service by joining the board. It has always been such a huge part of my life and I don’t plan on leaving it anytime soon. It’s so fulfilling to meet new people and to be part of so many different communities!
Favorite quotation: “You just gotta keep livin’ man. L-I-V-I-N.”
Passion: I am extremely passionate about all things music. My goal is to find a job that allows me to forever be around music. Music is so powerful in all genres and for all reasons. The feeling I get at a live show is something that can’t be replicated. (I cry every time!)
Favorite book: My favorite book has been The Outsiders since 8th Grade!
Favorite band/ song: Treaty Oak Revival / Chasing my Tail- Treaty Oak Revival
What makes me laugh the most: My stepdad and my best friends. I have to compare every new person I meet to these guys because you HAVE to be at least half as funny as them to make it around me.
Name, School and Graduation year (if applicable): Tori Brewster, Concord University, 2026
Position: National Parliamentarian
Email: cknationalparliamentarian@gmail.com
Education: I am currently a senior at Concord University and will be graduating in Spring 2026. I am a biology major with an emphasis in biomedical sciences. I have recently applied to veterinary school and I hope to continue my education at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine where I will complete the DVM program over the span of four years.
Family: I am the oldest of five siblings (3 blood, 2 bonus). I live with my mom and bonus dad in Bluefield, WV, but I often visit with my dad and bonus mom in Summersville, WV. My family is super important to me and I could not have made it this far without them.
Influences/ Who inspires you: My (late) Nana inspires me to continue pushing myself towards my goals. She was my biggest supporter in life and I work hard every day to make her proud of who I am becoming.
Favorite CK Memory: My favorite CK memory was my initiation. My candle flame kept going out and another inductee tried to help me relight it with her flame but ended up spilling the wax on both of us. We were both fine, and we still laugh about it to this day.
Reason for joining the Board: I joined the board because I am passionate about making a difference and CK has helped me do just that. I am excited to work side by side with my fellow officers to give back to our communities!
Favorite quotation: “Embrace your differences and the qualities about you that you think are weird. Eventually, they’re going to be the only things separating you from everyone else” -Sebastian Stan
Passion: I am very passionate about serving others and making them feel seen and heard!
Favorite vacation or dream vacation: My dream vacation would be to take a two-week tour of Italy to enjoy the culture, sights, and pasta.
Superhero power: As a Marvel nerd, I would enjoy having Wanda Maximoff’s superpowers.
What makes me laugh the most: Laughter is the best medicine! I am always laughing the hardest when I am spending time with my family because we are one big circus.