Board Of Directors
Jodi Nafzger, President – Jodi Nafzger is a lawyer and educator. She and her husband have two boys. Jodi is a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church where she was first introduced to JEMfriends and became inspired by Liberty’s mission and passion. She appreciates the opportunity to serve on this board and grow, learn, and provide support in this Christ-centered community. In her free time, Jodi enjoys hiking, skiing, rafting, and traveling.
Jacob Barrett, Vice President – Jacob was born and raised in Idaho. As Liberty’s brother, he has been involved with JEMfriends in various volunteer roles since its founding. Jacob graduated from Hillsdale College, majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. He spent a year in India, supporting the work of International Justice Mission in seeking justice for individuals and families caught in the oppressive system of forced labor and labor trafficking. Jacob also worked in business as an operations manager before starting his current role with the Idaho Department of Correction. Jacob is committed to opening imaginations to new systems and policies for criminal justice which center on the persons harmed by crime and provide opportunity for justice to the most people possible. Jacob is excited to help serve and lead JEMfriends as a vital exit point from the well-worn path from foster care to incarceration .
Kimbra Shaw, Treasurer – Kimbra and her family have lived in Idaho for 20 years. Family is central to her values and she enjoys having everyone over for Sunday dinner. She came to JEMfriends because of the family-like connections they help JEMyouth create. Her passion is for developing leaders and creating organizational stability and sustainability. She brings deep experience in multiple sectors ranging from large corporate sales to community development. Kimbra is a consummate learner and enjoys solving challenges and helping nonprofits better understand and meet the needs of our community.
Melissa Jenkins, Secretary – Melissa, a native of Idaho, has been residing in Boise for the past 15 years. In 2013, she met her husband Daniel, and they have been happily married since 2016.Melissa cherishes the time she spends with her family, which includes her daughter Anaya, their lovable goldendoodle named Bosco and newest addition a cat named Sweetie. For the past decade, Melissa has been working at a local chiropractic office, finding immense joy in being part of a team that helps individuals achieve optimal spinal and overall health. While Melissa is relatively new to JEMfriends, she possesses a genuine passion for assisting others and sharing her faith, eagerly embracing this fresh opportunity to support the youth in her community. She was introduced to JEMfriends through her church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and she is so grateful she was!
Calvin Miller, Director – Calvin served in the Air Force for 40 years, both on active duty and as a Civil Servant, before retiring in 2023. He has been married to his wonderful wife Carolyn for over thirty years and they have settled in Boise to be closer to the activities they most enjoy…church and JEMfriends. Calvin has been associated with JEMfriends for about a decade, through his church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church-Boise. He began as a volunteer helping to move donated items to different homes. His interest then turned to Life Skills mentoring in the area of finance/budgeting. Calvin also serves as a chaplain for the organization.
Liberty (Barrett) Thompson, Founder and Executive Director – Liberty founded JEMfriends in 2008 to empower youth aging out of foster care to build independence and flourish in a supportive community. Beyond her leadership as Executive Director, she mentors and coaches young people through another organization. Liberty is passionate about life transformation—helping individuals discover their true strengths, grow into who they were meant to be, and give back to their communities. Grounded in a desire to serve as Jesus did, she leads with creativity, enthusiasm, and a commitment to love without overlooking anyone. In her free time, Liberty enjoys easy hikes, waterfalls, basketball, home-brewed coffee, and spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their three children: Jaynah, Joshua, and Aviana.