Joe Gibson

Program Coordinator

I've been the coordinator of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for over 12 years.  My favorite part of the job is recruiting great people to become mentors for our kids.  Outside of work, I spend my time with my wonderful wife, my amazing children and playing music around Ithaca. 

​​607-273-8364 ext. 2144 
[email protected]

Nathalie Bessou

Match Support Specialist

Nathalie Bessou was born in Ithaca and raised in Tahiti, French Polynesia. She returned to Ithaca at the age of 17 to attend Ithaca College where she received a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal and Juvenile Justice. She’s been working for the Ithaca Youth Bureau since 2004 and is a firm believer that it takes a community to educate a child. During her free time she enjoys reading, running, biking and spending time with her family and friends.


607-273-8364 ext. 2161
[email protected]

David Menard

Match Support Specialist

David Menard grew up just outside of Philadelphia, PA. He attended the University of Pittsburgh where he pursued a degree in History and Sociology. Afterwards he joined the Peace Corps serving at a small primary school on a central island in the Republic of Vanuatu. David is excited to continue supporting Ithaca's youth through his role at BBBS. Outside of work he is an avid ultimate frisbee player, loves to hike and cook, and spend time with family and friends. 

607-273-8364 ext. 2155
[email protected]

Molly Bargar

Client Relations Specialist

Molly Bargar grew up in Ithaca and attended the Alternative Community School.  She later graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Social Services and Spanish.  Molly has been working for Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2004, the same year she was matched with her Little Sister, Hope.  Molly has enjoyed watching Hope grow from a 6 year old to a young adult with children of her own.  She believes in the power of one-to-one mentoring and is proud to work for an agency that she truly believes in.

607-273-8364 ext. 2156
[email protected]

Kailah Hester

YOUTH ENrichment specialist

Kailah is a first-year Master of Public Administration student at Cornell with a passion for youth development and nonprofit work! Originally from Chicago, Kailah spent the last 3 years in Philadelphia where they supported youth in subsidized/public housing. Outside of work, they enjoy building LEGO sets, going on long walks, and rewatching Shrek 2 (the best movie ever). As Youth Program Leader, Kailah is looking forward to fostering relationships with potential littles and their families as the match process is facilitated by keeping the, engaged with a variety of activities!

607-273-8364
[email protected]