Our Board

The Board of Directors as a whole and on the individual level strive to exemplify all of the core values of Navigators. One of our greatest strengths is in our diversity. We come from varying genders, backgrounds, racial and cultural upbringings, religious or non-religious affiliations, and socioeconomic status’. We share a commitment to creating an inclusive environment that allows for the open sharing of a range of knowledge, skills, and experiences where everyone feels welcome and included, while showing respect and care for one another. We are a parent-led all volunteer board.

Meet Our Board Members

Rivka Hodgkinson - President

Rivka is mom to 4 children who have all participated in Navigators at some point. She is one of the founders of Chapter 175, and is excited to be a part of bringing family-based gender-inclusive scouting to West Michigan. She grew up camping with her family, is a life-long learner, and passionate about raising children who can be equipped, effective, and empathic adults.

Programming Committee Co-chair
Marketing and Membership Committee Chair

Jenn Manninen - Vice President

Jenn is the mother of one active and curious six-year-old. She and her partner of 21 years along with their Navigator spend quality time together hiking, traveling and experiencing new things. The Manninens moved from New York City four years ago, and the natural beauty found in West Michigan was a major attraction! They feel so fortunate for daily access to local trails, parks and green spaces. As a secular family, it’s important they promote and live humanist values, which align well with the values of Navigators.

Programming Committee Co-chair

Dennis Geoghegan- Treasurer

Dennis is father to an enthusiastic junior Navigator who loves being outside when not putting together Lego Model kits! He brings to the board wealth of experience in business administration. His wife, Michelle is owner of Black Tulip Salon here in Holland. Together they enjoy searching for daily adventure!

Fundraising Committee Chair

Brittany Piers - Secretary

Brittany is mother of two lively and adorable children along with her husband, Tim Piers, MSW. She has previously sat on the board of two other non-profits as well as serving on a number of non-profit committees. As a former social worker turned stay-at-home mom, Brittany is excited to be a part of the Navigators team as part of her commitment to social justice and equity. To paraphrase Thomas Paine, the Piers family embraces the motto: "My country is the World and my religion is to do good".

Candy Crabill-Klynstra- Board Member

Candy Crabill-Klynstra is a pediatric Speech Pathologist with over 20 years of working with children and a mom to one kid and one dog. She, her spouse and their child relocated to West Michigan from Bend, OR in 2021 to be closer to family. Although Candy’s spouse is a native Michigander, they were excited to join Navigators USA to make new friends and experience new adventures in the outdoors. They love hikes to the beach, kayaking, paddleboarding and traveling. They also enjoy cooking and are always on the lookout for great doughnuts. Candy is delighted by the secular and inclusive environment of Navigators USA and looks forward to supporting and helping to grow Chapter 175.

Deputy Secretary

Sarah Bunker

My name is Sarah! I have 12 kids, 2 humans and 10 felines. I love cats, crafting, being outside, foraging, music, movies, tv, traveling and thrifting. Joining Navigators was appealing for a few different reasons; my son and daughter could join together, religion did not play a role and it seemed to be more consistent than a previous attempt at scouting. I also like that parents are encouraged to join in. Now having been a part of the group for over a year, I have found much more for my kids and myself in the meetings. Navigators nutures qualities that I find most important to learn. Kindness, equality, empathy and accurate knowledge. As for myself, I have met people I now consider friends and I learn something new everytime we meet. As a member of the board and programming committee, I look forward to showing by example open mindedness and thoughtfulness.

Programming Committee

Want to Get Involved?

JOIN US! We're actively recruiting for new board members. We welcome all kinds of support and skill sets!
Do you like to help plan? Do you have great ideas? Join one of our committees today!

Programming
Events & Community Service
Fundraising & Sponsorships
Membership & Marketing

Since we are a parent-led organization, we encourage all parents to find a way to participate, even if you are not a formal board member!
While we are parent-led, we welcome those with an interest in supporting our organization to join the board as well with their time and talents, even if they are not currently parents of Navigator aged children.