The Heart of It All: Celebrating Our Girl Scout Volunteers

In the heart of Troop 22166 is Andrea Alexander, a leader who blends creativity with intention in every activity she plans. Andrea doesn’t just lead her Daisies; she encourages them to see the world differently and believe in what they’re capable of. For her, Girl Scouting is about watching little sparks of confidence grow into bold ideas, brave actions, and lasting life skills.

One of Andrea’s proudest moments came during a finance badge activity. She noticed that her girls, like many children today, struggled to understand how money really works, especially the invisible transactions that happen with credit cards. 

So, instead of sticking with a worksheet or simple talk, Andrea transformed their meeting into a magical, hands-on experience: a winter-themed storefront where each girl could "shop" using a budget. With hand-labeled price tags, paper money, and twinkling holiday decorations, the girls practiced making smart spending choices in a space that felt both joyful and real.

In that moment, something clicked. The girls weren’t just playing store, they were learning how to think critically, set limits, and understand the value behind every purchase. What could have been just another badge turned into a memory they’ll carry forward, and a life skill they’ll build on. 

Andrea brings that same thoughtfulness to every troop meeting, every badge earned, and every moment of growth. Her leadership is a reminder that when volunteers lead with heart, learning becomes magical, and Girl Scouts becomes something extraordinary.

For LeKisha Anderson, leading a Girl Scout troop is about more than activities and badges. It’s about cultivating a culture of belonging. She’s created a troop where every girl feels seen, accepted, and celebrated for exactly who they are. That’s especially true for the girls with Autism and different learning styles who thrive under her guidance, thanks to LeKisha’s sensitivity, adaptability, and patient encouragement.

Her meetings are infused with care. She adjusts the pace when needed, tailors the structure of activities, and ensures that no girl is left behind, not socially, not emotionally, not creatively.

This kind of leadership isn’t always visible on paper, but its effects ripple through every girl in her troop. Kindness becomes second nature. Inclusion becomes a habit. Girl Scouts becomes a haven.

LeKisha also revived a time-honored Girl Scout tradition in her troop SWAPS. What began as a fun, crafty addition to meetings has blossomed into a meaningful ritual that builds connection and creativity.

Through these tiny tokens, her girls express themselves, share stories, and strengthen their bonds with one another and with Girl Scouts across the country.

Her troop reflects the very best of Girl Scouting: a sisterhood where every girl is lifted and every difference is celebrated.

Amber Witt is the kind of leader every Girl Scout hopes to have, energetic, thoughtful, and deeply invested in helping girls grow into leaders. Under her guidance, Troop 23134 doesn’t just participate in Girl Scouts, they shape their own experience through active, intentional decision-making.

Amber’s commitment to a girl-led approach is at the heart of her troop’s success. Her Girl Scouts take ownership of their journey, voting on badges, planning events, and leading ceremonies.

The result? A vibrant troop culture where girls feel heard, empowered, and excited to show up week after week. That excitement has translated into something remarkable: 100% retention rate two years in a row, a testament to the sense of belonging and purpose Amber has built.

Her meetings blend structure and spontaneity, skill-building and play. From textile art and STEM activities to field trips and community service projects, every gathering offers something new and enriching. And yes, she’s also perfected the art of ending meetings with a well-loved snack.

As this year’s troop leader of Troop 23134 AND the Unstoppable Girl Scout Troop, Amber’s leadership leaves a lasting imprint, not just in badges earned, but in the confidence and character her girls carry with them every day.

For Kathy Nealy, the joy of volunteering lies in the connection it brings, to her troop, her community, and the Girl Scout mission. While she cherishes the simple fun of troop life (“hanging out with the girls” remains her favorite part), Kathy’s impact stretches far beyond any single meeting.

In the wake of COVID-19, Newton County saw a steep decline in Girl Scout membership. Rather than step back, Kathy stepped up, determined to rebuild what had been lost. Through relentless outreach, warm relationship-building, and a contagious enthusiasm for the program, she helped recruit more than 400 new Girl Scouts in just two years.

Kathy’s leadership as Service Unit Director has been transformational. She’s reenergized local volunteers, strengthened community partnerships, and sparked new excitement for Girl Scouting in her area.

Newton County isn’t just rebounding, it’s thriving.

She proves that leadership isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes it looks like persistence. Sometimes it looks like connection. And often, it looks like showing up, again and again, with love for the mission and belief in what Girl Scouts can be.

After ten years as a dedicated volunteer, Lena Carstens has built more than a troop, she’s built a family. Girl Scouts has given Lena and her daughter the gift of meaningful time together, from planning meetings to heading out on weekend camping trips.

As her daughter prepares to head off to college, Lena looks back on their shared experiences with deep gratitude and pride in the journey they’ve taken side by side.

Her troop of 12th-grade Ambassadors is a testament to long-term mentorship. This year, four of her girls earned their Gold Awards, marking the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. One of her greatest joys has been watching her girls grow into articulate, confident communicators through their cookie booth experiences.

The transformation from hesitant salesgirls to resilient, savvy entrepreneurs has been striking and it’s given her Girl Scouts real-world skills they’ll carry with them for life.

Lena’s leadership is rooted in relationships. Her consistent presence, belief in her girls, and thoughtful guidance have made Troop 17149 a place where confidence grows, friendships deepen, and young women discover their voice.

Margaret Hruschka is a shining example of what it means to live the Girl Scout Law. A lifetime member, former Junior Board participant, and active Council volunteer, she brings energy, reliability, and a spirit of service to everything she touches.

Whether she’s supporting logistics at a large-scale event or stepping in behind the scenes to make things run smoothly, Margaret is always ready to raise her hand and ask, “How can I help?”

During her time on the Junior Board, Margaret played a key role in helping to shape and promote Toast to Adventure, one of our most impactful fundraising events. Her leadership helped grow awareness and support for the mission, allowing more girls to access the transformative experiences Girl Scouts offer.

Today, as a member of both the Silver Society and Golden Guild, Margaret continues to give back with grace and enthusiasm. She’s one of our most trusted event volunteers a familiar face who brings warmth, steadiness, and genuine joy.

Her belief in the power of Girl Scouts is unwavering, and her legacy of leadership stretches far and wide.

When Girl Scouts venture into the great outdoors, they do so with more confidence, skill, and courage thanks to volunteers like Amelia Denning.

As an Outdoor Training Volunteer, Amelia doesn’t just teach, she equips. She creates an environment where both youth and adults feel safe trying something new, asking questions, and embracing the thrill of nature.

Her trainings are full of practical wisdom such as how to pitch a tent, build a fire, read a map, but they’re also full of encouragement.

Amelia celebrates the small wins that lead to big breakthroughs: the girl who ties her first knot, the adult leader who hits her stride planning a troop camping trip, the young Girl Scout who realizes she’s stronger and braver than she thought.

Those moments matter. And they last.

Amelia’s reach goes far beyond her own troop. Her work ensures that dozens of leaders and hundreds of girls across our council feel prepared for the trail ahead. 

To meet Marisa Crawford’s troop is to witness what happens when service, adventure, and girl leadership are at the core of everything.

Over the years, Marisa has introduced her Girl Scouts to challenges that expand their world, from rock climbing and canoeing to coding, archery, orienteering, and even camping at a chimpanzee sanctuary. Her troop meetings are hands-on, high-energy, and heart-forward.

But what truly sets Marisa apart is her unwavering focus on community impact. Fueled by their cookie sale proceeds, her troop has taken on service projects that leave a real mark. They’ve maintained trails in national parks, painted hospital murals, sent care packages to veterans, and built a sensory trail for children with disabilities at an equine therapy center. 

Their environmental work, such as recycling over 1,000 pounds of plastic bags, planting trees, and constructing benches for local schools, speaks to a deep-rooted sense of responsibility and care, a mission that is rooted in Girl Scout philosophy, “leave it better than you found it.”

Marisa believes that when girls are trusted with real projects and supported through real challenges, they don’t just rise to the occasion, they exceed expectations. And that’s exactly what her troop continues to do. 

With 18 years of dedicated Girl Scout service, Kenzie Burks has become a cornerstone of the SE DeKalb community. As both a troop leader and Service Unit Director, she’s built her legacy around collaboration, hands-on learning, and creating empowering experiences for girls and fellow volunteers alike.

Kenzie finds deep joy in watching her girls try new things and celebrate their own accomplishments: from first-time camping trips to earning high awards.

Above all, it’s the long-term connections that truly reflect her impact. For example, one former Girl Scout honored Kenzie in a college scholarship essay, writing about how her leadership shaped her life. Others reach out years later from college to say thank you, to share life updates, or just to reconnect.

For Kenzie, those moments are everything and a reflection of the community she’s nurtured and the lives she’s touched.

Her story is filled with milestones and memories, but the through line is clear: Kenzie leads with warmth, wisdom, and a lasting belief in the power of girls.

Thank you, Kenzie, for nearly two decades of inspiring leadership and for showing what Girl Scouting can mean when it’s done with heart.

Tara’s Girl Scout journey began when her now-high school Seniors were just beginning their adventures as Daisies. Today, she leads a vibrant, multi-level troop of 45 girls, guiding Scouts from kindergarten through 10th grade with steady encouragement, thoughtful programming, and a deep commitment to their growth.

She’s helped create unforgettable experiences for her girls, from camping adventures under the stars to a meaningful troop trip to Savannah. Each event is designed to push boundaries, spark confidence, and give girls the opportunity to lead.

But Tara’s proudest achievement isn’t just in the activities, it’s in the team she’s built. She credits her dedicated leadership team for helping shape such a thriving troop culture, where older girls mentor younger ones and every volunteer feels empowered to contribute.

Tara’s presence has helped shape a generation of girls into confident, capable leaders and has inspired fellow volunteers along the way. Her commitment to Girl Scouts is clear in every memory made and every milestone reached.

For Aeriel Ross, Girl Scouts isn't  just a volunteer role, it’s a return to something deeply personal. A proud alum with fond memories of her own troop experiences, Aeriel grew up with Girl Scouting as a joyful part of her childhood. Now, as a mother and troop leader, she’s creating that same magic for a new generation, including her kindergartener, who recently became a Daisy.

The difference? This time, she sees it all through a new lens.

Girl Scouts not only shaped Aeriel’s childhood, but it also  shaped her values: kindness, honesty, hard work, and a lasting commitment to serving others. And now she’s doing the same for her troop. With flexible, girl-led meetings and activities that follow the girls’ curiosities, Aeriel builds programming that is meaningful, empowering, and accessible for every girl.

One of her proudest moments so far came when her Daisy daughter independently came up with a Take Action project. Identifying a problem and brainstorming a solution, she inspired her troop to bring the idea to life. For Aeriel, it was a moment of full-circle pride, as a mom, a leader, and a Girl Scout alum watching the next generation take charge.

Aeriel leads with intention, love, and a deep belief in what Girl Scouting can do. Her troop is a space where confidence grows, ideas spark, and little leaders take their first steps toward making the world better.

With 50 years of Girl Scout service, Rebecca Mortenson embodies what it means to live the Girl Scout mission. A 1st Class Award recipient herself, she’s worn many hats across the decades (troop leader, mentor, council volunteer) and built a legacy that now spans four consecutive generations in her immediate family.

For Rebecca, the beauty of Girl Scouting lies in its consistency of purpose. The program may evolve, the badges may change, but the heart remains the same: helping girls grow into strong, capable young women. She's seen the flexibility of the program firsthand in how it adapts to the interests and needs of each new generation, while staying rooted in service, sisterhood, and leadership.

Her proudest accomplishments are impossible to narrow down, but there are some standout moments:

• Earning her 1st Class Award as a girl
• Cheering on her daughter’s Gold Award
• Watching her granddaughter complete her Silver and begin her Gold journey

All three generations have earned High Awards, inspired by the leader who started it all—Rebecca’s own mother.

Rebecca’s Girl Scout journey isn’t just long tenured, it’s deep. It’s woven with milestones, memories, and a belief that girls, when supported and challenged, become exactly the kind of women the world needs.

Her story is one of legacy, love, and a lifelong commitment to helping girls rise.