Ellen Carlson

Age: 28

Education: Southeast Missouri State University, class of 2000

Family: Husband, Eric: daughters Bella, 4 and Trinity, almost 2

Involvement: Zonta, Chamber Ambassador, Chamber of Commerce Education Committee

Making a difference in the life of a child is what sets apart Ellen Carlson, regional director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Carlson said she enjoys most "just knowing I am able to help a child in the area to have hope and reach his potential."

She has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters for the past year, having been with KBSI-TV before joining the organization.

Among the things she treasures, she said, are "the stories we get from the kids about how well they are doing now that they have a Big Brother or a Big Sister. The things they talk about doing together really make it special."