Contact Us

Melanie O. Matson

Director, melanie.matson@uky.edu

A proud native of Minnesota, led to KY by way of California (wait, isn't that the wrong direction?), honored to be a part of the University of Kentucky's Violence Intervention and Prevention Center. Melanie is a big believer in primary prevention. Just imagine what our world would be like if we didn't have power-based personal violence. Violence is not inevitable; each and every one of us can do something to make the difference. The possibilities are endless. Melanie loves to hear how people have made a difference and would love to hear your story!

Favorite foods:

Baked spaghetti, candy, and vast varieties of cheese, tea, and vegetarian delights.

Favorite activities:

Hiking, running, dancing, exploring, traveling, cooking, reading, watching movies.

Favorite quotes:

"Uff da!" (Expressing frustration or feeling overwhelmed. Hey, she's from MN, what did you expect?!)

"I believe that one of the most important things to learn in life is that you can make a difference in your community no matter who you are or where you live."
Rosalynn Carter

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

Rhonda Henry

Intervention Program Coordinator, rhonda.henry@uky.edu

Rhonda is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Social work and happy to return to the campus world. During college, she became passionate about helping those impacted by interpersonal violence. She worked for many years as an advocate for domestic violence survivors at the Fayette County Attorney's office. In 1998, she joined the Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center, most recently serving as the Executive Director. She finds all forms of advocacy exciting, challenging and life-changing—for clients and advocates alike. In addition to her passion for ending power based personal violence, here is what you should know about Rhonda to strike up a conversation:

Likes:

Girl Scouts, golden retrievers, Foo Fighters, air conditioning, Diet Coke, being creative, reality TV, being from Kentucky, basketball, politics and Mexican food.

Dislikes:

Humidity, judgmental people, mosquitoes and roller coasters.

Neutral about:

Iced tea and the mittens versus gloves debate.

Favorite quotes:

Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.
~Cheris Kramarae and Paula Treichler

In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer.
~Albert Camus

Amanda Nicksic

Outreach and Programming Specialist, amanda.nicksic@uky.edu

Amanda is a proud native of Arizona and recent California transplant. While she might be new to the concept of winter (and snow), she's not new to the concept of partner violence and sexual assault. She has been a victim advocate for many years. Her interest and involvement began while serving in the military (8 years). GO NAVY!! Most recently, she worked as the Education and Training Coordinator for PEACE for Families, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of violence and sexual assault.

Can't live without:

Ranch dressing (it goes with everything) and Chapstic

If I won the lottery:

You'd be welcome to come and stay with me at my villa in Greece. We'll hike the Samaria Gorge (bring your Chaco's) and eat Tzatziki until we burst.

Favorite quotes:

"May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view."
~Edward Abbey

"Be yourself - everyone else is taken."
~Oscar Wilde

Laura Brasie

Leadership and Engagement Specialist, laura.brasie@uky.edu

Laura completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Eastern Kentucky University. She received her Bachelor's in Communication Studies and a Master's in Human Services. Prior to joining the VIP Center, Laura worked in Res Life, where she focused on student involvement and engagement. Laura joined the VIP Center, eager to be a part of a group who works tirelessly to end power-based personal violence. Laura is without a doubt an extrovert, and gains her energy from being around others. Whenever you are bored and need someone to talk to, swing by the VIP Center, she would love to talk and get to know you!

Favorite Restaurants:

Malones, Chedders, Dominos, Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Favorite Shows:

I LOVE Reality TV... The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Dance Moms, Hardcore Pawn, Real World/Road Rules Challenges, Big Brother, Amazing Race, Shipping Wars and The Real Housewives

Favorite Movies:

Catch Me if You Can, Crazy Stupid Love, Wedding Crashers, The Notebook, Bridesmaids and Just Go With It

Billy Korinko

Men's Programming Specialist, billy.korinko@uky.edu

A native of southeastern Wisconsin, Billy joins the University of Kentucky VIP Center staff, bringing with him higher-ed experience engaging men in anti-violence programs. A firm believer that violence is an issue that all people, from all groups, need to be invested in. Billy is excited to help men find their place in this important work. His job as the Men's Programming Specialist has him focused specifically on engaging as many men from all corners of the UK campus with the work of the VIP Center. He enjoys working with as many different people as possible, and loves the opportunity to get to know students and helping them find their full potential to change the culture.

Favorite foods:

Any sort of vegetarian food---but pizza with green olives tops all.

Favorite activities:

Traveling, cooking, reading, watching movies, finding new music, and watching my Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Heat (don't hate!!).

Leah Godlaski

Design & Program Development, leahcgodlaski@uky.edu

I actively end violence at UK using my voice and vision. My activism looks like the floor of my room; scattered with skeins of yarn, bottles of paint, brushes, pieces of construction paper, and stencil letters. My activism is a work of art in which I continuously refine, reinterpret, and reveal.

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