About Christian Mentors

Christian Mentors was founded in 2004 as a way to match caring Christian adult role models with children from fatherless families.

Christian Mentor’s founder, Brian Bovee, was teaching Sunday school with his wife when he personally encountered many children who desperately needed a positive adult role model in their life. Researching the topic more he learned of the research supporting the incredible impact of mentoring on a child as well as the lack of effective Christian mentoring programs. He was certain God had called others to the same mission. As he talked to church members and pastors, Brian came to understand that Christians did indeed want to help, but they had few ideas about how to do so.

It was clear that if Christians were to become leaders in mentoring, they needed leadership, organization, training, encouragement, and prayer. He developed the Christian Mentors model to fill these critical roles.

Since its inception Christian Mentors has matched hundreds of children with pre-screened caring role models, created an adult mentoring program, provided low cost family retreats, and developed a comprehensive program for affiliates to use in administering a mentoring program.

Christian Mentors is a non-profit, volunteer 501c3 organization dedicated to changing lives through Christian Mentoring. Our directors meet bi-monthly to chart the course of this ministry.

Our Board

Robert Manno - Executive Director Robert Manno joins Christian Mentors from the world of business and Emergency Medical Services. He brings an entrepreneurial background as co-founder and former CEO of Compassion Medical, Inc., the former parent organization of AirAmbulanceConnection.com. As our first full-time employee, Robert hopes to use all his gifts for the glory of God's work, and through full-time dedication, enable Christian Mentors to grow exponentially in the coming years. Robert resides in Southern California with his wife and two children.

Brian Bovee - Founder, Board Secretary Brian Bovee started Christian Mentors in 2002 after serving with his wife in Sunday School in Northern California and encountering the many fatherless children needing a Godly influence in their lives. Brian continues to apply his foundational vision and talents to the organization as he volunteers his time in various capacities including Board Secretary and Mentoring Coordinator. He also contributes his time with executive overview and consulting, as well as networking and task contribution. His resolve and dedication to this ministry has served as a backbone to our efforts and commitment. Brian now resides in Southern California with his wife and 3 children.

Pete Perez - Treasurer, Board Member Pete Perez has been involved with Christian Mentors since its debut in 2003. Shortly after joining the organization, Pete embarked on a fourteen month promotional campaign with his wife and two daughters, traveling throughout the US to recruit point men in various churches from each state to plant and grow this ministry in their local churches and communities. As current Treasurer for the board, Pete brings experience as a real estate investor and entrepreneur, as well as his passion to mentor youth via a weekly chess club at the local library, as well as other avenues. He delights in seeing God's will grow this ministry exponentially and looks forward to the next chapter in this unique adventure.

Joe Tretter - Board Member Joe Tretter has been involved with Christian Mentors since its inception. His love for others and passion for God is seen in everything he does. He has been employed as a Physical Education teacher since 2001.

Terry Yeager - Board Member Terry Yeager has been involved with Christian Mentors first as a mentor and now as a board member. He has positively impacted the life of his mentee through regular mentoring and now brings his positive experiences in mentoring to help us on our board.  Terry is also a former small business owner.

Larry Kimpel - Board Member Larry Kimpel is a Professional Singer, Songwriter and Musician. He and his wife Kim have been happily married for 18 years and are members of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. The Kimpel's serve in a duel capacity in their church family. Larry is both a Ministering Elder and Worship Leader, while Kim is an Assistant Pastor and The Director of Weddings. Larry takes his role as a Mentor very seriously and he truly cares for the well being of his Mentees and their families. He joined the Board of Christian Mentors in 2007.