John and Amy Rich have recently returned to Evansville to serve as co-executive directors of Patchwork. They first came to know and love Patchwork over 10 years ago when Amy served as a Mennonite Voluntary Service Worker in Patchwork's children's programs and John was an Americorps Vista Volunteer who worked for Patchwork's Neighborhood Economic Development Center. Since that time, John went on to become an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Amy has continued her career as an artist, taught art in community settings, and earned a Master's degree in art education. John and Amy are excited to be back at Patchwork.

Dixie Wilsbacher received her Masters degree in Community Counseling (emphasis in Career Counseling) at the University of Evansville. Before coming to Patchwork, she was Director of Independent Living Services, Director of the Indiana Regional Youth Advisory Board, and ACORNS Program Director at the United Methodist Youth Home. She also served as Transfer Student Coordinator at the University of Evansville. She is now in her seventh year as Patchwork' s Tutoring Coordinator and teaches a Life Skills class during our summer programs. Dixie has been a life-long educator working with students at various levels from kindergarten through college.

For over 15 years Jane has directed the Patchwork Arts & Smarts after school and summer programs. She received an MFA in Fibers with an emphasis in Papermaking from Southern Illinois University. Jane currently teaches metals/jewelry at the University of Southern Indiana. She works in sculpture and jewelry. Her work is featured in Fiber Art Design Book IV (Lark Books). Jane was named Art Educator of the Year in the fall of 2004 by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. She is a certified VSA (Very Special Arts of Indiana) Teaching Artist. Jane also has a great web pagewhere you can see and purchase her recycled creations!

Paula Adams began coming to Patchwork Central as a child in 1993 and has been a part of the Patchwork Arts and Smarts programs every since. In 2006 we were pleased to hire her as a program assistant who specializes in working with the high school leaders and substance abuse prevention. Paula has written and implemented her own curriculum based on observed needs in the youth attending Patchwork Central. In recognition of her service to children and teens at Patchwork, Paula was honored at the 2010 Leadership Evansville Celebration of Leadership by being selected as the Division Winner in the category of Individual Achievement.

Dee is a long-time neighborhood resident and joined the Patchwork Staff through AARP in 2007.  She is an excellent resource for the neighborhood residents who come through Patchwork’s doors daily seeking assistance.

Shawn recently returned to Patchwork Central as an Office Assistant. Being a Special Education Teacher, she initially came to Patchwork as a volunteer tutor. During her time here she spent several years working as a volunteer coordinator, food pantry coordinator & tutoring coordinator. She is looking forward to continuing her work at Patchwork.