Meet The Board of Governors
The AWAG Board of Governors is comprised of dedicated professional volunteers motivated by our mission. They represent American military communities within the European footprint enabling our organization to keep abreast of relevant issues that require training and support

Chairperson
Meghan Mitchener
Meg serves as AWAG’s Chairperson and is a graphic designer for the 52nd FSS. She’s passionate about leadership and actively supports military families through volunteer work.

Vice Chairperson
Birgit Hayhurst
Birgit is AWAG's Vice Chairperson and an international tax attorney with a law firm based in Germany. She’s passionate about supporting military spouses and volunteers with her children’s PTA.

Executive Secretary + Spangdahlem Area Rep
Amanda Bratcher
Mandy is a homeschooling mom of four stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base. She volunteers with several community groups and enjoys exploring Europe with her family.

Chief Financial Officer
Ashlee Blankenship
Ashlee serves as AWAG’s CFO and manages a regional branch of Andrews Federal Credit Union. She has 15+ years of financial experience and lives in Belgium.

Program Director + Netherlands Area Rep
Yvonne Zdanowski
Yvonne is a military spouse, Master Resilience Trainer, and psychology student. She lives in the Netherlands and actively supports military mental health initiatives.

Corporate Relations Director
Maria Paige
Maria is a Marine Corps spouse and AWAG’s Corporate Director. She also leads resilience initiatives at USAG Stuttgart and advocates for military families.

Outreach Director
Cassandra Guerin
Cassandra is an educator with 13 years of experience and a passion for military spouse employment. She’s pursuing her doctorate and serves in several volunteer roles.

Operations Director + Benelux Area Rep
Erika Torres
Erika serves as AWAG’s Operations Director and Benelux Area Representative. She owns a CrossFit gym in Belgium and brings over 20 years of volunteer experience.

Public Relations Director
Alicia Petersen
Alicia lives in Kaiserslautern where she serves as manager for the RESA Thrift Shop. She brings a decade of marketing experience and leads creative outreach for RESA.

Advisor
Janet Driggers
Janet is a seasoned military spouse with 28 years of volunteer leadership. She serves as a Five & Thrive Ambassador and advocates for military family quality of life.

Bavaria Area Rep + Regional Mentor
Domenika Zatarain Leinbach
Domenika is a board member of the Bavaria Spouses’ Club and longtime military spouse. She supports global military families through advocacy and community service.

Garmisch Community Rep
June Jannsen
June has spent over 60 years in military communities and more than 20 years serving with AWAG. She’s held multiple board roles, and now supports both AWAG and the Garmisch Community Club.

Grafenwöhr Rep
Alyssa Holland
Alyssa serves as First Vice President of the Fort Sill Patriot Spouses Club. She brings experience in event planning, budgeting, and creating meaningful programs for military spouses.

Italy Area Representative
Katelyn miller
Katie is a military spouse and mom of two living in Vicenza, Italy. She manages the Vicenza Thrift Store and volunteers with the USO and her children’s school.

Rheinland Pfalz Area Rep
Hailey Smart
Hailey is an Air Force spouse and active volunteer in the Ramstein community. She serves as a Key Support Liaison and helps lead the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association.

Stuttgart
Nicole Bowe-Rahming
Nicole is a global speaker and entrepreneur with decades of leadership and volunteer experience. As a military spouse of 32 years, she’s passionate about empowering communities and supporting veterans.

United Kingdom
Selina Maldonado
Selina is stationed at RAF Lakenheath and works remotely as a Digital Strategist. She serves as a Key Support Liaison and leads the Liberty Community Association.

Vilseck
Jayde Norman
Jayde volunteers with the American Red Cross and the Bavaria Spouses Club, leading recognition and grant programs. She brings skills in event planning, leadership, and outreach.

Wiesbaden
Candice Carter
Candice is the Wiesbaden Area Representative and a dedicated spouse and mom of four. She has 15 years of experience supporting military families through volunteer work.
Ready to join us?
AWAG thrives because of dedicated volunteers who bring our mission to life and make a difference in their communities. If you’re ready to lead, serve, and inspire others, we invite you to explore how you can get involved.