Kim Bohannon

Devoting 27 years to education, with 20 of those spent shaping young minds at Barnum School in Bridgeport Connecticut, teaching was not just a career for Kim, but a calling. The students became more than pupils; they became family. This deep connection fueled the creation of Buddy Mentor in 1994, a program aiming to reach out to these children in a more personal way. Recognizing the profound impact mentors have in all our lives, even if they’re not defined as such, Kim sought to create a structured support system for students. Buddy Mentor has undoubtedly made a lasting difference, not just in the lives of countless children, but also in her own.

Though retired from the classroom, Kim continues to work as a part-time facilitator at various challenge courses throughout the Charlotte area. She remains actively involved in the community, serving on the Buddy Mentor board, volunteering at church, and carving out time for passions like golf and cycling. In 2014, Kim brought her dedication full circle by establishing a branch of Buddy Mentor in their new home city of Charlotte, NC.