JB Board

I am thrilled to step into the role of Junior Branch Advisor with CISV, an organization I deeply love for its profound impact on personal growth, the formation of lifelong international friendships, and the unique, creative ways it fosters cultural understanding in a safe and inspiring environment.

Our CISV journey began when my oldest daughter attended Village selections, encouraged by Jody, a family connection through my husband’s work. Although she wasn’t selected that year, the experience sparked something powerful in our family. Since then, all four of my daughters have participated in selections, and two have had the opportunity to travel to Village—a life-changing experience for them and a source of great pride for us.

Outside of CISV, I teach 3rd grade and love exploring the world through music, art, football, baking, and reading. As a mom to four amazing girls, I’m passionate about helping young people grow, connect, and lead—and I’m excited to support Junior Branch in doing just that.

Hi, I’m Billy Toms, President of the CISV Michigan City Junior Board. I am 15 years old, and I live in Pilsen, Chicago, Illinois. I’ve travelled with CISV 4 times: To a Village in El Salvador, Youth Meeting in Guatemala, Step-Up in Norway, and Step-Up in Germany. I enjoy traveling, seeing the world, and petting cats. I’m so excited to fill this position, and I’m glad to be a member of the Junior Board!

Hi there! My name is Mason, and I’m the Vice President of the CISV JB branch in Michigan City. In my free time, I love riding my bike and running cross country. I’m originally from Michigan City, Indiana. Through CISV, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to travel to Canada, Guatemala, Norway, and Germany. My favorite memory from these experiences is the amazing friendships I’ve made and the ongoing connections I still have with people from around the world. It’s truly been an eye-opening experience!

Hi!!! I’m Elena Guarraci, and I’m going to be the secretary for our JB board! I’m in 8th grade and I live in Granger, Indiana. In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, do anything music related, and play sports. So far, I have attended a Village in Linköping, Sweden, a Youth Meeting in Vipava, Slovenia, and a second Youth Meeting in Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy. My favorite CISV memory is dancing in the rain with my friends from my last camp.

Hi! My name is Grace Corliss and I live in Granger, Indiana. I’ve traveled to Sweden for Village, Slovenia for a Youth Meeting, and most recently to San Francisco for my second Youth Meeting. I currently serve as Treasurer on the JB board. I love reading, traveling, spending time with family, camping, biking, hiking, and skiing. My favorite CISV tradition is the candle ceremony—it’s bittersweet, but I love hearing what everyone enjoyed most at camp and how much it meant to them.

Hello! My name is Garret, and I am 13 years old. I’m from Granger, IN but this school year I’m living in Krakow, Poland where I attend an international school. I’ve been around CISV for many years because my older siblings were involved with our chapter.I helped my family host a Step-Up delegation from Barcelona, Spain, a Village delegation from Malmo-Lund, Sweden and a Step-Up delegation from Copenhagen, Denmark. I attended Village in Linkoping, Sweden and RMC (Regional Mini-Camp) in Cincinnati, OH. I really like how CISV surrounds you with new perspectives, sometimes from a new friend across the world and sometimes from a friend in our own chapter. I’m in Boy Scouts, play the viola, love both reading and writing, and have 2 cats: Chester and Chloe. I’m very excited to serve on the JB Board this year as the JB Newsletter Writer. If there is a newsletter for the adults in the chapter, why isn’t there one for all the JB Kids? I’m looking forward to creating a monthly publication by kids and for kids about all things CISV.