Did you know that many families ( 38% ) experience food insecurity in our region? Step Up Northern Michigan takes a unique approach by supporting 6 local food pantries located within schools. We partner with @Food Rescue of Northern Michigan and the Northwest Food Coalition to purchase local farmer produce and groceries so that our most vulnerable students have access to food on a daily basis.

Welcome our new Executive Director Nikki Kettlewell! We are fortunate to have her passion for helping others and a let’s “get-it-done” attitude.

Nikki is a wellness enthusiast with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness and Health Promotion from Oakland University. During her time there, she served as the secretary of the WHP Society. After graduating, she spent five year at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills as an Employee Wellness Coordinator, overseeing programs like nutrition , weight management, and smoking cessation.

Outside of her corporate role, Nikki has built a business as a trading assistant for her clients, specializing in selling women’s and children’s boutique clothing. She enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school, traveling with her family, photography, camping, and exploring northern Michigan’s beaches and hiking trails. Nikki’s home is in traverse City, where she resides with her husband , teen daughter, and two dogs.