Meet our Team
Meet Our Founders
The Layman Family
Our family was forever changed on January 15, 2008 when our daughter, Kate passed away. We knew life without her would be hard and that there would always be that ache of missing her. We never would have dreamed that a simple idea of giving away some books in her memory would blossom into what it is today. Yes, we miss her each and every day, but we have a wonderful story to tell about our little girl and the legacy built to remember her.
We are so grateful to our entire team who has come along with us, building the organization, sharing our story, giving away books and making us better each and every day.
Meet the Kate’s KArt
Staff
Krista Layman
Executive Director
Krista Layman brings a heart for children and a background in education to her role as Director of Kate’s Kart. With a degree in Elementary Education, she has experience both in the classroom and in youth ministry, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of connection, compassion, and meeting children where they are. These experiences continue to shape her approach to the organization’s mission of bringing comfort and joy to hospitalized children through the gift of books.
As Kate’s mother, Krista’s passion for the mission is deeply personal. She is committed to honoring Kate’s legacy by ensuring that every child and family served experiences a moment of choice, comfort, and imagination during their hospital stay. In her role as Director, Krista oversees all aspects of the organization, guiding the mission forward with purpose and care.
Jennifer Nixon
Program Assistant
Jennifer is often the first friendly face you’ll see in the office or the cheerful voice you’ll hear on the phone. As Program Assistant, she plays a key role in keeping Kate’s Kart running smoothly—coordinating volunteers, processing donations and acknowledgments, supporting social media, and managing daily office operations.
Jennifer’s heart for the mission began as a volunteer in 2012, and in 2024, she officially joined the staff. Her long-standing dedication and passion help ensure that more children receive the comfort of a brand-new book during their hospital stay.
Chandra Dorsman
Community Relations Assistant
Chandra is often out on the road, making sure our Karts are always stocked with brand-new, engaging books. Traveling across Northeast Indiana in our big pink van, she delivers more than just books—she brings energy, joy, and her bubbly personality to every stop.
Through her work, Chandra helps ensure that children in hospitals always have access to the comfort and escape a new book can provide. She has been a dedicated volunteer since 2019 and joined the staff in 2025, continuing to share her passion for the mission in an even greater way.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a true working board. Whether it be planning events, balancing checkbooks, designing and proofing newsletters or deciding on policies, our board is committed to making sure Kate’s Kart is a thriving, growing charity.
Trent Diller
Board President – Senior VP/Agency Partner, Insurance Management Group
Diana Scheele
Board Vice President – Retired Vice President of Human Resources, Maple Leaf Farms
Amanda Garner
President-Elect – Director, Baden, Gage & Schroeder
Hollie Mitchell
Board Treasurer – Manager of Clean Energy Procurement, Steel Dynamics
Audrey Bigelow
Board Secretary – Senior Account Executive, 3BG Supply
Rory Moehnke
Community Volunteer – Retired Sales Manager, Regal Beloit
Kristin Smith
SBA Leader, 3 Rivers FCU
Courtney Leach
Digital/Social Media Manager, Parkview Health
Ed Derdzinski
Business Consultant, Community Volunteer
Mary Trabel
AVP of Financial Planning and Analysis, Lincoln Financial Group
Armando Rangel
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group
Volunteers
Our team of volunteers are the face and hands of Kate’s Kart. Whether they are in the hospital distributing books every month or working in the office sorting, labeling and organizing the books, we couldn’t do what we do without them. Below are just a few of the over 100 volunteers we have on our team.
Meet a few of our wonderful volunteers and hear first hand their “WHY” for volunteering.
