Staff

Kateena Haynes

CEO

Kateena Haynes was born and raised in Harlan County. She is a tireless worker for the children of Appalachia, working as the CEO and figurehead of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Centre College and a master’s degree in mental health counselling from Lindsay Wilson College. She has three daughters, one granddaughter, and has been married to her husband Richard for nearly 30 years. She began with the Club in 2004 and describes it as her calling. Her passion for providing the needs of the children and youth of Appalachia is a driving force in our organization.





Kendra Calhoun

Director of Operations

Kendra Calhoun was born and raised in Harlan and was ready to start changing the world as early as elementary school. Having been guided by her strong mother to push through the naysayers and negativity, she went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in family science. Her time in Lexington gave her the opportunity to join the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, start mentoring programs in two Lexington schools, and coach a step team. Her passion for helping young people brought her back home to Harlan and the Boys & Girls Club. Starting as a Unit Director, Kendra is now the Director of Operations, overseeing three, soon to be four, Club locations. She resides in Harlan and has two beautiful children. Her dedication to the community and its young people is an inspiration to our youth and our team members.


Ciarra Miller

Nutrition Services Coordinator

Ciarra Miller loves being the Food Service Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia. Having been born and raised in a single parent household in Harlan County, she connected with the movement while doing volunteer hours. She achieved her goal of becoming a registered nurse assistant and a medical assistant at Southeast Community College, but the children had won her heart and she discovered a passion for serving the children of Appalachia. Ciarra is a proud mother of twin girls and loves shopping and travel. Her strong, independent nature makes her a great advocate for our children and important member of our team.

Emma Fisher

Finance and Marketing Coordinator

Emma Fisher is from Harlan County and graduated from Harlan Independent School before pursuing her undergraduate degree at Union College in Knox County. There she began her journey with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia as a Youth Development Professional. During her time with the Club she has done it all and her commitment to our Movement has brought her to the role of Finance and Marketing Coordinator. She exemplifies our motto and truly does whatever it takes day to get the job done.