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 2 Senior Navigators, 1 Junior Navigator, and 1 Stargazer. 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 Co-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

Joseph Alfonso - Treasurer

Joseph has a background in finances and will enjoy helping us reach our financial goals to support our adventures. He also looks forward to helping the chapter increase our financial capabilities to ensure more access to larger variety of learning resources for children in our West Michigan community.

Fundraising Committee Co-chair

Leah Alfonso - Secretary

Leah spends almost every weekend out in nature, either traversing the waterways or exploring the many camp grounds our state has available.

She understands the importance of nature in our children’s developing minds and enjoys ensuring all the background work is completed to maintain smooth operations.

Event Committee Co-chair
Marketing and Recruitment Co-chair

Andrew Matekson - Legal Counsel

Andrew is father forest who is unschooling alongside three kids and his artist wife on an educational forest farm. He has an interest in ecology and the wonders of nature.

He also is a lawyer with a law practice based in Michigan. He is a member of the board as well as providing legal counsel.

Alyssa Zapata - Board Member

Alyssa is a momma to 7 year old Joaquin & 2 year old Valerie who both love to explore, craft, and learn. Alyssa is married to Adam and they are both also our parents to a loving pitbull named Daisy. The Zapata family joined Navigators when Joaquin was 5 years olds, and now can’t wait to really dive in again as Valerie can start learning more alongside her big brother.

Fundraising Committee Co-chair

Brittany Piers - Board Member

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".

Event Committee Co-chair

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.