Angel was born in Christian County, Kentucky but calls Owensboro home. She moved around 13 times before landing here in Daviess County.  She grew up a dance and pageant girl and discovered a love for sports (soccer mainly) somewhere in the middle of it all. She is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College where she played soccer, cheered, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. 

 Angel has worked in both the Daviess County and Owensboro Public School Systems.  She also worked for many years for the City of Owensboro in the Parks Department as a supervisor over Youth Programming and Leadership.

 She has a passion for serving Owensboro-Daviess County and the tri-state area in a variety of ways from volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations and events, to being an active member of local advisory councils and committees.  She currently serves on the board of directors for the Owensboro Family YMCA, on her church leadership board in the Marriage Ministry, she sits on event committees for St. Vincent De Paul, and is part of the Homeless Coalition of the Ohio Valley.

 Angel is the founder and Executive Director for My Sister’s Keeper and says the shelter was not her dream it was a calling.  She knows it is her purpose to serve women and children and help them to get to a better place in life.  When she was younger she was raised by a single mother who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet.  She remembers struggling and wants to meet others right where they are at and help them thrive.

Allyson Sanders came to Owensboro to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College, from Paducah, KY. It was a KWC she met and married her college sweetheart Marshall Sanders.  After graduating in 2005 with a B.S. in Communication Arts, they settled in Owensboro to raise their youngest daughters, Amari and Analea. 

Service is Allyson’s passion. As a Director of Sales, Marketing & Experiential Learning at Owensboro Community and Technical College’s Workforce Solutions division, Ally serves by helping enhance lives through educational attainment and employment.  She also serves through her membership on the YMCA Board, KWC Alumni board,  the Neblett Center’s Initiative Western Academy steering committee, as well as volunteering at Dugan Best, Habitat for Humanity board, My Sisters Keeper board chair, former Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s Youth Director, 2020 Leadership graduate and Leadership Class Member of the year2020, 2021-22 Civic Leadership participant and in 2019 opened a local business The Party Space Place, LLC a micro venue dedicated to providing the community with a unique event space.

From the moment Angel first introduced the idea of bringing an emergency women’s shelter to Owensboro Allyson was all in. With a heart for service and a passion for seeing people reach their potential, taking part in this project was a no brainer. MSK, although branded as a women’s shelter is so much more, going beyond just being a “hot & cot” space, MSK is providing women and children with the resources to go beyond just a single night of safety but the goal is to provide them with enough to sustain a lifetime of self-sufficiency and support.

Adam Johnston was born and raised right here in the great OBKY.  Adam graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School and then went on to earn his Associates, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees.  Adam has since retired from the Owensboro Police Department after 20 years of service.  Adam has now joined the team at Precision Products as a Forensic Specialist.

Adam is the proud father is three kids, Ella, Aiden, and Reese.  He is an active member of Immaculate Parish, a graduate of Leadership Owensboro 2018, and also owner operator of Blue Line Entertainment.  Adam also volunteers on the Vision Committee for Puzzle Pieces.

I decided to be a part of MSK because I am always looking for ways to make a difference.  In my 20 years of law enforcement experience I saw first-hand the presence of homelessness in our community and the lack of resources available. I feel like I bring something different to the table as well. Another reason I decided to join MSK is because honestly with a face like Angel’s, who could say no?

The sky is the limit when it comes to what MSK can do for this community.  I am excited to see what difference we can make and how the community can come together.  Together we all can make a difference.

Lori Thurman is the Development Officer for Girls Incorporated.  She taught social studies at Owensboro High School for 28 years where she was department chair, gifted specialist, and National Honor Society sponsor. Lori has attended the Owensboro Salvation Army for 30 years where she is the Corps Sergeant Major, Sunday school teacher, and brass band member. Lori has been married to Todd Thurman for 21 years , and they have two children, Max (19) and Gracie (15). 

Lori currently assists My Sister’s Keeper with grant writing and fundraising. For the past three years, Lori has led the Salvation Army Can-TEEN homeless feeding ministry and seen firsthand the numbers of women and children who are living on the streets of Owensboro. “I am so excited for the shelter to open and meet the needs of women in our community. MSK’s mission aligns with my calling to love my neighbor.”

Angie has been the Community Services Manager for Audubon Area Community Services since 2001.

Kelsey started her career in law enforcement at the Owensboro Police Department before finding a home at the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. She has been in law enforcement for almost 9 years and is currently a sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is married to Ian Clark and has a bonus kiddo, Presley Clark. Kelsey loves CrossFit, beach trips, and is a co-owner with Big Turkey Foot Coffee. She has a passion for volunteering at Camp Marc (an adult summer camp for individuals with special needs), spreading awareness for mental health, and demonstrating that everyone can make a difference in the world. Kelsey says: “Working around humans that thrive on helping women and children become successful in life is exactly where I want to be. I cannot wait to see what ideas and adventures MSK brings to the table.”