Meet our Leadership Team!
For 19 years Aaron Parrott has been serving the nonprofit sector in a variety of roles, primarily through faith-based organizations. In his current role as Executive Director of MentorKids USA, Aaron is responsible for providing visionary leadership and financial stability to a growing nonprofit organization. Over the last 16 years, Aaron has grown with MentorKids, starting as a Mentor Coordinator in 2005 and serving in various management roles over the years. Beginning in 2010, Aaron was a key member of a management team tasked with restructuring MentorKids. As a result of this process, MentorKids has grown from an annual budget of $180,000 to over $1,000,000, and from serving approximately 100 children to now impacting over 500 children.
Aaron’s background growing up in Central and South America, in addition to a BA in Religious Studies from Westmont College, a Masters in Nonprofit Studies from ASU, and experience working with at-risk youth help him add unique value and perspective to MentorKids USA and the nonprofit sector.
As a husband and father of two young children, Aaron spends most of his free time playing with his kids and working on never-ending home improvement projects.
Outside of work and family, Aaron’s other passions include surfing, gardening, attempting to golf, and serving through his home church (Valley Presbyterian Church).
Aaron Parrott, Executive Director
A native of Arizona, Laura has been married for 10 years and has two sons, Michael and Noah. She has been with MentorKids for 7 years. She started as a teacher in the Palomino neighborhood and transferred to South Phoenix after her youngest child was born.
Laura has an Associate Degree in Business Management, s Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Tourism Management, and a Master’s in Elementary Education. She chose to work at MentorKids because of the Christ-centered programming.
“Working at MK for the past 7 years has been such a joy! Getting a firsthand experience with all the various positions over the past 7 years from Lead Teacher to Program Coordinator to Neighborhood Manager has helped me better prepare my staff and empathize with them. I absolutely love being a Neighborhood Manager! Building relationships is one of my favorite things and I get to do that daily when I interact with families, local businesses, churches, and the South Phoenix community!”
Laura Soto, South Phoenix Neighborhood Manager
Jill has served in a variety of roles both within the for-profit and non-profit sectors – including as Operations and Communications Manager for the NC Zoological Society, Director of Communications & Marketing for Arizona Christian University, and the Director of Advancement for Choices Pregnancy Centers.
She holds a BS in Christian Ministry/Business Administration from Arizona Christian University and a MA in Christian Leadership Studies from Liberty University Theological Seminary.
Jill and her husband, Scott, love to travel. She has lived in 4 countries and 7 states and has a long bucket list of places still to visit! But her favorite place to go is wherever her children and 5 grandchildren are!!
Jill Bailey, Development Director
Ellerie Leptich is an accomplished professional serving as the Paiute Promise Neighborhood Manager. Since joining MentorKids in 2022, Ellerie has made significant contributions to the organization, starting as a dedicated K-3 program teacher. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, having earned two bachelor's degrees in English and Russian Studies from the esteemed University of Arizona.
Before her tenure at MentorKids, Ellerie demonstrated her commitment to youth development as a staff member of the Navigators at Arizona State University. Additionally, she engaged in transformative summer missions projects in Southeast Asia and Compton, California, further solidifying her dedication to empowering communities.
Ellerie's unwavering passion lies in fostering the growth of young students into impactful leaders within their own community. By assisting them in exploring their innate talents and nurturing their Christian identity, she strives to facilitate profound personal and spiritual development. Witnessing the transformative power of the Paiute after-school program as it positively impacts families holds a special place in Ellerie's heart.
Hailing from Arizona, Ellerie is deeply rooted in her local community, where she was born and raised. Beyond her professional pursuits, she has a keen interest in photography and enjoys exploring various coffee shops, embodying a sense of adventure and creativity in her personal life.
Ellerie Leptich, Paiute Neighborhood Manager
Nora Espinoza has worked for MentorKids USA for 7 and 1/2 years. She graduated from NAU with a bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. Nora and the Palomino team are committed to equipping and empowering youth to reach their full God-given potential. Nora loves the kids and families in the Palomino Neighborhood, and she is excited to continue to see God's faithfulness and plan for the Palomino Promise Neighborhood.
Nora has been married to Ruben for two years and they enjoy traveling, painting, and spending time with their families.
Nora Espinoza, Programs Director
Alejandra, an Arizona resident of 16 years, is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology for Family Therapy alongside an Associate degree in Business Management. Alongside her academic pursuits, Alejandra is an avid enthusiast of photography, music, and video production, with a special affinity for the piano, which she has played for many years. Her rich musical background includes a decade-long involvement in her church chorus.
Alejandra's journey with MentorKids USA began seven years ago when she generously volunteered her time, assisting with music lessons and caring for infants during mom's group sessions. Prior to her involvement with MentorKids, she dedicated five years as an assistant teacher at Palomino Intermediate School. Alejandra's passion for continuous learning drives her to explore new knowledge and activities that she can later share with our students, fostering their growth and exploration. She thrives on building meaningful connections with families and students, ensuring that the MentorKids experience is a shared and cherished one. Alejandra takes great joy in witnessing the positive impact of our work, guided by a sense of divine purpose, on our students, families, and staff as they collectively journey towards personal growth and development.
Alejandra Arellano, Palomino Neighborhood Manager
Raquel Varela, originally hailing from Redondo Beach, California, made her move to Arizona four years ago. With a 25-year-long marriage and four responsible children, family plays a central role in her life. Raquel is an active participant in her ministry, where she serves as a Bible teacher and extends her support to those in need through activities like feeding the homeless and spreading the word of God. Her commitment to these endeavors brings her a profound sense of satisfaction.
Outside of her ministry and family time, Raquel enjoys the outdoors, especially when spent with her children. Her journey with MentorKids began as a Bible teacher for the 2022 summer program, and she has since progressed to her current role as the Maryvale Promise Neighborhood Manager. In her role, Raquel thrives on nurturing leadership within the Maryvale community while sharing the wisdom of God. Her dedication to both her work and faith is evident in all that she does.
Raquel Varela, Maryvale Neighborhood Manager