Leadership | Rural Access Sports

Rural Access Sports

Board of Directors

Board Chair

& Volunteer Executive Director

Jordan van Althuis

Jordan van Althuis founded Rural Access Sports to invest back into the rural community that shaped her own life. Raised on a dairy farm in Central New York and a graduate of Sherburne-Earlville Public School, Jordan grew up playing basketball and soccer before continuing as a collegiate athlete. Her experiences in sport provided far more than competition: they created friendships, confidence, mentors, leadership opportunities, and experiences that shaped the direction of her life. Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and dual master's degrees from New York University: a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy. Her professional experience spans the nonprofit, education, business, human rights, sustainability, and legal sectors, including work with global organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and universities on initiatives related to responsible business, partnerships, governance, and community impact. Through Rural Access Sports, Jordan is building community-centered programming that develops athletes both on and off the field. She believes sports are a powerful vehicle to build confidence, leadership, health, and belonging, and is committed to creating opportunities that empower rural youth to discover how sports can take them far beyond the field.

Board Secretary

Kenneth Buehner

A lifelong educator and coach, Mr. Buehner has dedicated more than 25 years to serving students at Sherburne-Earlville High School as a social studies teacher, boys soccer coach, baseball coach, and advisor to numerous student activities including the school's mock trial team and annual musical productions. He earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from SUNY Potsdam and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Colgate University where his master's thesis focused on schools as access points for services in rural communities. In 2024, he earned National Board Certification, the highest professional certification available to K-12 educators. Mr. Buehner has long advocated for students, teachers, education standards in rural communities, and he currently serves as the President of the Sherburne-Earlville Teachers' Association. His lifelong dedication to education, youth development, and athletics brings invaluable perspective to Rural Access Sports' mission of expanding opportunities for rural youth.

Board Treasurer

Emme Sloman

Emme grew up in Oneonta, New York, and currently serves as Financial Controller at B2Q Associates, where she oversees financial operations and organizational planning. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and competed as a collegiate soccer player, bringing together a background in financial management, youth development, and athletics. Her combination of professional expertise and firsthand experience in sport provides a valuable perspective on building responsible, sustainable programs that support the whole athlete. As a Central New York native, Emme also brings a deep connection to the rural communities Rural Access Sports serves.

Board Director

Kashay Sanders

Kashay currently works at Microsoft as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner where she blends strategic advisory, program design, and executive facilitation. Kashay earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies from Dartmouth College. Kashay’s experiences across both the nonprofit and private sectors demonstrate her ability to translate strategy into scalable learning and talent initiatives. An experienced facilitator and curriculum developer, Kashay also brings expertise in designing engaging and accessible learning experiences, skills she applies to Rural Access Sports’ educational programming and curriculum development.

Jessica (Jess) grew up in Earlville, New York, and graduated from Sherburne-Earlville Public School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a Masters of Education in Human Development from Lehigh University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from Lehigh University. Jess is currently a child and adolescent psychologist in Madison, Wisconsin, where she specializes in supporting youth mental health and well-being. Jess is passionate about sports, child development, and her hometown. In addition to soccer and softball, she played ice hockey growing up, and even won a national championship with the 14U Girls Rome Grizzlies in 2011. Her parents spent countless hours driving her to Rome, NY and beyond for hockey practices and games. She is excited to be a part of Rural Access Sports to expand access to youth sports in local areas.

Dr. Jessica Lathrop

Board Director

Rural Access Sports is led by people who believe deeply in the ability of sports to strengthen rural communities. Our Board of Directors brings experience across child psychology, education, business, sports, nonprofit management, social impact, and rural communities. In addition to professional expertise, Board members bring a diversity of lived experiences and perspectives. Together, these perspectives help RAS remain grounded in the communities we serve while bringing in broader ideas, networks, and best practices to our work.