Meet Lisa Bottomley, Mentoring Specialist with MSU Extension

I am a Senior Specialist with a focus on youth mentoring at Michigan State University Extension in the Children & Youth Institute.  I have been with MSU Extension since July 2000.   I completed my undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University where I received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and  I earned my Master of Arts in Youth Development from Michigan State University. .

As a specialist, I provide training, resources and support to staff with mentoring and volunteer coordination responsibilities. This support is provided through statewide, regional, and site specific trainings, designing and distributing resource materials and responding to questions. I was the project leader for the Ready to Go: Mentor Training Tool Kit. In recent years, I have taught an online graduate course on Youth Mentoring for MSU. I have been an appointed member of  the Mentor Michigan Providers Council for ten years and currently serve as a vice-chair.

I was an Extension Educator at the Ottawa County MSUE office for eight years prior to moving to my current position. In this role I managed the Journey 4-H Youth Mentoring program and the Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative.

All posts by Lisa Bottomley, Extension Specialist, lbottoml@msu.edu, Office: 517-432-7622,

Recent articles:

• Mentoring myths
  There are thousands of youth waiting for a mentor and most adults recognize the importance of mentoring. Why is there such a gap between youth in need and available volunteers?
• Effectively screening volunteer mentors
  Mentor screening is a crucial component of a quality mentoring program. What are the best practices?
• Volunteering benefits job seekers
  Are you looking for employment? Volunteering provides opportunities that can open doors and increase chances for success.
• I can’t be a mentor right now—what else can I do?
  Mentoring a child requires a long term commitment. What can you do to help when you can’t commit?
• Are you ready for National Volunteer Week?
  National Volunteer Week is April 6-12, 2014. Find out what it’s all about and how you can get involved.
• This is a test
  Young people test boundaries as a natural part of development. Why do they do this and how should adults respond in these situations?
• Mentoring youth in rural communities
  There are unique challenges and opportunities when mentoring youth in rural communities. How can mentors navigate the challenges?
• Finding consistency in mentoring relationships
  How can mentors maintain consistency when winter weather is causing school cancellations and terrible driving conditions?