Kristen Bowie

Co-Founder, Director, & CO-President

Kristen, a native of Durham, North Carolina, graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. With more than ten years of teaching experience, including positions in the inner city, Montessori, and parent-tot programs, Kristen is passionate about education and school funding.

With Kim, she served on various boards working in areas of finance, fundraising, grant review, branding, and strategic planning.

Recognizing a dire need for funding in schools in underserved communities where teachers often choose to purchase classroom supplies out-of-pocket, Kristen was motivated by her roles as a teacher, volunteer, and parent to help alleviate the financial strain on teachers so that students can achieve their highest potential in the classroom.

Kim Peters

co-founder, director, & secretary

Kim, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, graduated from Michigan State University. She launched her career at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in professional services marketing and public relations.

When taking time off to raise her children, Kim spent her time in leadership and volunteer roles for various educational boards with positions in event planning, communications, branding, and fundraising.

As a trustee of the District 39 Educational Foundation along with Kristen, she noticed the need for support for teachers and students in underserved communities.

Cara Andrus

director, Junior board liaison, & Social Media Chair

Cara, a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, graduated from Miami University of Ohio in Communications and received a Master of Education from DePaul University. She taught high school English in Chicago Public Schools where she experienced firsthand what it’s like to teach without adequate resources.

Since leaving the classroom, Cara volunteers for various organizations focused on youth and education.

Recognizing that the gap between wealthy school districts’ resources and those of underserved communities is great, she is committed to providing teachers and their students with resources that can enhance learning.

Karen Fischer

Director & Treasurer

Karen, originally from Rochester, NY, studied accounting at Penn State University. She started her career at Ernst & Young as a CPA, spending seven years working in audit and mergers & acquisitions. She then moved to Edelman PR and TimeWarner (now part of AT&T) where she worked in finance.

Most recently, Karen has focused on volunteering for nonprofits, mainly those supporting young people from underserved communities. She's taken on leadership roles in many organizations, including positions as chair and treasurer. Karen is passionate about helping to end generational poverty and believes this can be achieved through education.

Amanda Doblin

Director & Communications CHair

Amanda, originally from Toledo, Ohio, earned dual degrees in Education and English Literature from Miami University. She started her career teaching high school English and completed her Master's in Education, specializing in Training and Development, during this time.

After moving to Chicago, Amanda spent time as an instructional designer for McDonald's Corporation. However, she missed the direct impact of teaching and returned to the classroom at a small private school. There, she not only taught language arts but also assumed leadership roles.

After years in the school system, Amanda took a break to raise her children. She remained connected to education through volunteering for education-focused organizations and working as a freelance writer.

Amanda's passions align with the mission and vision of Opportunity GrandED where she can support teachers and students.