Leyland named Mentor of the Month

Jo Leyland has been chosen TeamMate of the Month for August.
Leyland has been a mentor for Markenna, a CCS sophomore, for five years and has just begun her first term as a member of the TeamMates Board of Directors.
Markenna has a variety of interests, so they enjoy playing games, drawing floor plans, making lip balm, crafting mosaic tiles and talking.
Leyland has been interested in the TeamMates organization for many years, especially after hearing Tom Osborne speak about the program at a city conference.
At the time, there was no program in Chase County, so when it came to Imperial, Leyland was excited to join as a mentor.  
“We may never know how this small commitment of time can affect the life of a young person,” Leyland said, “and yet I feel so rewarded that Markenna is willing to hang out with me. Spending time with her is a highlight to my week and I come away refreshed and renewed.”  
Leyland serves as the Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Imperial.
She and her husband, Jeff, have two daughters, Chelsea and Shelby, who are both teachers in Seattle, Washington.
TeamMates has been a great experience, Leyland said. While it is a perpetual theme from other mentors, she added, it is such an important program for the community.
“One hour each week is a small commitment, but the totality of the program is huge for our young people.  If you’re not a mentor now, please consider joining the team,” she said.