Michigan's AmeriCorps Alum Spotlight

Alum of the Month – October 2025: Kristy Oosterhouse-4-H Mentor Michigan Initiative, Mentor Michigan College Coaching Corps

Kristy Oosterhouse began her journey with AmeriCorps in 2009, serving as a member in the 4-H Mentor Michigan Initiative and later in the Mentor Michigan College Coaching Corps.

Her experience during these formative years was pivotal, providing her with invaluable professional development opportunities and a strong foundation for her career. According to Oosterhouse, “AmeriCorps was phenomenal for my early career development. It offered me numerous professional development opportunities, experiences, and growth. I loved my experience in my first year so much, I chose to serve a second term as well with the same host site organization.” Oosterhouse continues, “then, that term extended into temporary employment, then permanent employment with the same organization. AmeriCorps provided the starting trajectory for a career path that has now been built into 15 years with the same organization.”

The skills she gained during her AmeriCorps service not only shaped her professional trajectory but also strengthened her passion for mentoring and community service. Following her AmeriCorps service, Kristy transitioned into a permanent role within the same organization, where she has continued to foster the spirit of service. As a host site supervisor for various AmeriCorps programs, including the Ingham County Health Department’s Power of We Consortium and the 4-H STEAM Corps, she has seen the benefit of having AmeriCorps members in an organization. Oosterhouse comments, “as a staff member, I saw the value that AmeriCorps brings not only to the members through career development, but also to organizations as well. As a host site supervisor for AmeriCorps members in a couple different AmeriCorps programs, AmeriCorps provided a way to reach new and underserved audiences with the programs.”

Oosterhouse is currently the 4-H Supervising and Staff Development Educator for District 3, specializing in Volunteer Selection and Utilization. With a robust career spanning over 15 years at Michigan State University Extension, Oosterhouse has cultivated a deep commitment to youth development and community engagement through her work in the 4-H program.

According to former colleague, Andrea Villanueva, Oosterhouse’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional responsibilities; she actively promotes the values of AmeriCorps by mentoring new members and advocating for community engagement initiatives. Her journey exemplifies the profound impact of service on personal and professional growth, and she remains a passionate advocate for the transformative power of volunteerism in building stronger communities.