I was born in DeKalb Illinois, then moved to Wickliffe Ohio, grew up in Streetsboro Ohio, and moved when I was a junior in high school to Ashland. Graduated from Ashland High School, Ashland University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and from Regis University with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. I started my career as a licensed social worker in the child welfare field specifically working in foster care, adoption and then for a very long time as the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Program Officer at Providence House, a Crisis Nursery in Cleveland that works with families actively living in crisis situations placing their children at higher risk for abuse and neglect. Moved back to Ashland from Cleveland where I lived for 18 years in 2016 and became the Executive Director of United Way of Ashland County in January 2017.

I have 3 children, two girls and a boy and they are the lights and loves of my life. They are from oldest to youngest only 4 years apart, and we are in the thick of teenage to preteen stage. The beach (any beach) is our favorite place to go as a family.

I love putting our donor dollars into action to create meaningful and sustainable change for Ashland County. I also love watching the Partner Agencies that we fund work together to create strong foundations for families in need. They really are the heart and soul of what we do, and they work so hard to get clients the support that they need.

Both, and we have two of each, just to make our household a little crazier than it already is. Dash, Lolli, Luna, and Rex.

If I were a superhero, my superpower would be teleportation. So many uses, and so helpful!

I can’t tell you all that, it is the most embarrassing thing ever. Ask me in person and I will tell you and then we can laugh together. It is that good.

I was born in Ashland, Ohio, and moved to Imperial Beach, California when I was a few months old. I moved back to Loudonville, Ohio when I was 4 and have been here ever since, even though the beach is where I always wanted to be. I graduated from Loudonville in 1999 and then from NC State with a degree in office management. I then worked in an office roll at Ashland Chemical for 15 yrs, then moved to office management at Centerra Co-Op Loudonville Branch for 11 years. I have had a passion for working with the United Way since they helped us when my father passed away at the age of 45 from cancer. 21 years later I finally got the chance to work in a bigger roll with United Way.

Traveling was a big part of life growing up and it has never left me. I’m always planning the next trip for my wife and I or other family.  I have a grown stepdaughter and son-in-law, a beautiful grandson, and two nephews that I spoil way too much. When not traveling or spending time with friends and family you can find me with my nose in a book or earbuds in listening to one.

When my dad was sick the community had a benefit for our family. It was so inspiring and emotional to see an entire community(not just Loudonville, but Ashland and other surrounding communities) come together to help us. I knew it was something I needed to do to give back to the community and people that helped our family during such a difficult time.

Teleportation, then traveling would be so much quicker and easier!

I always wanted to be a veterinarian, but realized as I got older that I would have needed to be a millionaire because I would rescue and keep all the animals that no one wanted. 

I was born and raised in Ashland, Ohio, and after graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Business and a minor in Marketing, I’ve always found myself drawn to roles where I can use creativity and design to make a difference. Since 2021, I’ve been involved with United Way through the Holiday Happenings committee, and I love being able to give back to the community that means so much to me.

My husband, Aaron, and I have been married for 13 years, and together we’re raising our three wonderful children. Our oldest are especially active in sports and community events, which keeps us busy and connected. As a family, we love to travel, explore new coffee shops, and stay active. Ashland will always be home, and I feel grateful to be part of such a supportive and vibrant community.

The most inspiring part of my work is seeing how every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in our community. I love watching Ashland come together to support one another and make our county stronger.

Dogs! Unfortunately, half our family is allergic to cats, so we’ve happily settled into being dog people. We have one Goldendoodle, Gabby, who truly feels like another member of the family. She may be 50 pounds, but she’s convinced she’s a lap dog and always ready to snuggle.

If I had a superpower, it would definitely be being in two places at once—because with three kids, a husband, a dog, and community events, sometimes that feels like the only way to keep up!

I once thought I’d grow up to be a teacher and even gave it a shot in college—but let’s just say I quickly realized summers off weren’t quite enough of a perk! Major kudos to all the teachers out there—raising three kids of my own is more than enough classroom management for me.

I was born and raised in Ashland, where I graduated from AHS before studying nursing. Life eventually led me to my favorite role—being a stay-at-home mom to our three boys, Carson, Jake, and Elliott. My husband, Chad, and I stay busy cheering the kids on at their events, escaping to the mountains whenever we can, and catching live concerts together.

When I’m not with family, you can usually find me in the kitchen. Baking has always been my happy place, and it’s grown into my side-gig passion project: Be The Good Baking. Whether it’s a fresh batch of cookies or a new recipe I’m testing, I love creating treats that bring a little extra joy to people’s day.

I’ve always been a giver at heart. Stepping in to help wherever there’s a need just feels natural to me, and I’m constantly inspired by the kindness and generosity woven throughout our little community. I truly love this place and the good I see people doing every single day.

I’m a cat mom.  I have Dolly, the ragdoll and Luna, the tuxedo kitty.

If I could choose any superpower, I’d want the ability to slow time. Life moves so quickly, and I’d give anything to soak up just a little more of each moment with my boys and my husband.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom—and now I get to be a boy mom to three awesome young men. It’s the best gift I could ask for.