About

Our Mission

Koda Buddies is a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and learn essential life skills through engaging programs and mentorship. Our goal is to equip kids and teens with the tools they need to navigate challenges, make confident decisions, and grow into capable, resilient individuals.

Why Koda Buddies?

Life is full of obstacles, and kids today face more challenges than ever. Koda Buddies provides a safe, encouraging space where they can build essential life skills, learn from relatable mentors, and grow into confident leaders.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every child has access to personal growth, leadership training, and mentorship—helping them thrive in all areas of life.

Meet the Team

Founder: Karen (kk) Siliven-Monnier is an Author, Artist, and International transformational coach, speaker and trainer.

An avid hiker, KK enjoys being in nature and often draws inspiration from the various trails she hikes in the Missouri Ozarks,

Karen is the owner and Executive Director of Dukoda, a business she started to help others bridge the gap from where they are to where they want to be.

She is also the founder and Director of Koda Buddies, a nonprofit focused on serving youth. Koda Buddie's, Y.E.S. program is a youth empowerment series focused on brain health and leadership skills/values.  Karen has trained others in how to lead transformation tables focusing on Leadership values in countries such as Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Dominican Republic and Panama.

Karen got the idea of Koda and Koda Buddies while hiking on a trail. While caring for her ailing mother, she obtained this little creature and named him Koda, "because he looked like a Koda," Now she takes Koda with her whenever she hikes and even took him to Panama.