Lorie Battaglia, LSW

OCCRRA Approved Trainer Trauma Informed Care - Level 3 Trauma Competent (Ohio Governor's Children's Initiative) , Program Administrator, Lake-Geauga United Head Start, Inc. 

 

Lorie Battaglia has a BA in Social Work, is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and has devoted over 28 years of her career to the vital mission of Head Start. Her experience in Head Start has provided her with deep, practical knowledge in early childhood education, Lorie has presented at both National and Regional Head Start Conferences. Lorie has years of experience supervising and mentoring staff. Lorie’s commitment to servant leadership guides her in fostering a supportive, empowering environment where both staff and the children they serve can thrive.  

 

Stephanie Beleal, MSW, LISW

Program Director, Kinnect 

 

Stephanie Beleal is a licensed social worker with twenty years of experience in child welfare, specializing in family search, engagement, and permanency practices. As a Program Director at Kinnect, she leads statewide initiatives including Kinnect to Family and Youth-Centered Permanency Roundtables, advancing innovative, family-centered approaches. A certified trainer with the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program, Stephanie has designed and facilitated numerous curricula, learning communities, as well as state and national conference presentations. With expertise in strategic leadership, design thinking, and cross-system collaboration, Stephanie is deeply committed to improving outcomes for youth and families through innovation, quality practice, and enduring partnerships.  

 

Kelly Bell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Wisconsin, Implementation Director, Family Centered Treatment Foundation 

 

Kelly Bell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has over a decade of experience providing individual, group, and family therapy. Certified in several evidence-based practices, she has also led program supervision and implementation across multiple systems of care. Kelly is dedicated to family-centered interventions that promote healing and stability for youth and families. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and fidelity to proven models. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and diving into her ever-growing reading list. 

 

Haley Bowra, LISW-S

Program Director, Heath Connect America - Ohio  

 

Haley is a licensed social worker with over eight years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered care. She earned her master’s degree from The Ohio State University, along with two bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology. Haley brings a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a holistic understanding of mental health, behavior, and human development. She is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward personal growth and emotional well-being. She values creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment that empowers clients to build insight, resilience, and meaningful change. Outside of her professional work, Haley enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Izzie and Loki. She is an avid hockey fan, enjoys playing the sport, loves crafting, and has a deep appreciation for all things animal related. 

 

Veronica Brady

Executive Director Franklin County Family & Children First Council/ President OFCFC Coordinator's Association, Ohio FCFC Coordinators Association 

 

As Executive Director of the Franklin County Family & Children First Council and President of the Ohio FCFC Coordinators Association, Veronica brings over 28 years of experience as a dedicated family advocate. Her journey into public service 24 years ago was fueled by a passion for strengthening families and building healthier systems through collaboration and communication.  Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Parent Facilitation, Youth Mentorship, Wraparound, Coping & Support Training, and Mediation & Conflict Resolution, Veronica believes communication is the ultimate tool for breaking down barriers and fostering healthy families and communities.  When she’s not navigating complex systems, she’s reminding us that collaboration works best with a little humor and a lot of listening. 

 

Shannon Brown

IHBT Program Manager, Integrated Services for Behavior Health 

 

With over 21 years of experience in community behavioral health, Shannon Brown is a licensed professional counselor recognized for her leadership in developing and strengthening evidence-based service lines across Ohio. She is certified in training Integrative Family and Systems Treatment (I-FAST) and has successfully implemented and scaled innovative treatment programs such as I-FAST, Intensive Home-Based Treatment (IHBT), across 24 counties. Shannon is known for her ability to build high-performing teams, establish sustainable program models, and “clean up” complex organizational challenges through a systems-focused lens. Her work emphasizes collaboration between families, schools, and community partners to ensure youth and families receive cohesive, impactful care. A results-driven leader and strategic thinker, Shannon continues to champion ISBH’s mission of restoring community connection and dignity through effective, compassionate behavioral health services. 

 

Jordan Burdick, JD 

 

Jordan is a healthcare attorney with experience advising clients on matters concerning state scope of practice and prescriptive authority laws, HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 compliance, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. She routinely works with federally qualified health centers, medical providers, trade associations, child welfare providers, recovery home operators, and community behavioral health providers. 

 

Beth Casarjian

Ph.D., Co-Clinical Director, The Lionheart Foundation 

 

Beth Casarjian, Ph.D. develops, implements, and evaluates asset-based, psychosocial interventions for system-involved adolescents. Dr. Casarjian is principal author of The Lionheart Foundation’s Power Source: Taking Charge of Your Life; Power Source Parenting: Growing Up Strong and Raising Healthy Kids; and EQ2: Empowering Direct Care Staff to Build Trauma-Informed Communities for Youth. Dr. Casarjian's work has been funded by SAMHSA and the NIH. Her investigation of Power Source on the adolescent unit of Rikers Island remains the largest US study examining the impact of mindfulness with incarcerated male youth. Dr. Casarjian’s programming is widely used across the US and Canada. 

 

DeShon Clark, Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect (Power Platform & Azure AI)

Chief AI Officer, Allventa LLC 

 

DeShon Clark is a seasoned Microsoft Technologies Architect with over 20 years of experience helping organizations transform operations through Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and Azure AI. He has guided Fortune 1000 enterprises in migrating to cloud infrastructure and implementing AI-driven automation that enhances collaboration, data security, and productivity. DeShon’s expertise spans SharePoint, OneDrive, Power Apps, Power Automate, Copilot, and AI Foundry. Passionate about empowering mission-driven teams, he trains organizations to adopt cloud-first, AI-powered workflows that replace manual and legacy systems. His leadership ensures every solution balances innovation, trust, and measurable impact—making him a perfect fit for “Connecting for Impact 2026.”  

 

Nora G. De Arco, Google Agile project management; Masters of Divinity Responsive Care

Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer, Café Graciela 

 

Agile Project Manager and Community Engagement Strategist dedicated to the intersection of operational efficiency and collective healing. With over seven years of experience, including roles with the Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario and the DREAM Foundation, Nora specializes in building resilient, trauma-informed infrastructures for mission-driven organizations. She holds a Master of Divinity in Global and Community Engagement from Boston University and certifications in Responsive Care. As the Co-Founder of Cafe Graciela, she leverages community connection as a catalyst for growth. Nora combines the structural discipline of project management with restorative practice, helping teams move from "surviving" to sustainable thriving. 

 

Rick Dencer

Trainer, Kinnect 

 

Rick Dencer is an experienced child welfare professional and trainer with expertise in coaching, curriculum development, and facilitation. Since joining Kinnect in 2018, he has supported professionals across Ohio in strengthening family engagement practices. Before Kinnect, Rick supervised the Support Order Management and Paternity Establishment units within Child Support. He has served on Ohio’s Engaging Fathers Workgroup and currently serves on the Child Welfare League of America’s National Fatherhood Committee. Rick began his career in community mental health, leading specialized teams serving children and families impacted by severe and persistent mental health challenges. 

 

Hannah Diehl, LISW-S

Director, Intake and Specialty Programs, Integrated Services for Behavior Health 

 

Hannah Diehl is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision designation and serves as the Director of Intake and Specialty Programs at Integrated Services for Behavioral Health. With over a decade of experience in community behavioral health, Hannah has worked as a community behavioral health worker, clinician and leader dedicated to expanding access to high-quality mental healthcare across Appalachian Ohio. She is passionate about developing innovative approaches to meet the needs of individuals and families in underserved communities. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, attending local sporting events, boating, and reading. 

 

Maureen Donnellan Habel

Vice President, Talent and Engagement, Talbert House 

 

Maureen Donnellan Habel is a graduate of East Carolina University, summa cum laude, B.S. Biology; started her career as a biologist in 1992, and then moved on to BIS, Inc., as VP of Development, the Diocese of Covington as Director of Development in 2002, MPI Inc., as VP of Consulting in 2012, and Talbert House in 2020 as VP of Talent and Engagement. 

 

Trevor Dunlap

Executive Director at The Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning, The Nuhop Center for Experiential Learning 

 

I am a passionate leader, innovator, and facilitator dedicated to building creative environments where individuals and organizations can thrive through self-discovery and teamwork. As Executive Director of Nuhop, I specialize in experiential learning, team building, and leadership development, creating transformative experiences for youth, corporate groups, and community organizations. My work spans diverse areas such as program design, experiential learning, and strategic planning. I have a strong affinity for conceptual and social thinking, which informs my ability to connect ideas, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Whether through keynote presentations, organizational workshops, or team development programs, I aim to inspire others to embrace creativity, connection, and growth. 

 

Rose Frech, MSW, LSW

Director of External Affairs, Integrated Services for Behavior Health 

 

Rose Frech is a licensed social worker with broad expertise in navigating the complexities of the health and social services in Ohio. She has served in key positions in fundraising, policy analysis, program management, and advocacy in multiple areas of the sector, including community mental health, food & public benefits access, and more. Rose has also had the privilege of teaching social workers for 10 years and is a passionate advocate for the Appalachian region. Rose currently serves as the Director of External Affairs at Integrated Services for Behavioral Healthcare, where she oversees business development, government relations, and grants administration. 

 

Chelsea Freeman-Yates, MSW, LSW

Executive Director, Ohio FCFC Coordinator Association & Children and Families First Council of Lorain County 

 

Chelsea Freeman-Yates, is a high-impact systems leader and Executive Director of the Children and Families First Council of Lorain County. She’s known for transforming challenges into opportunities, rallying partners around bold ideas, and driving countywide initiatives that improve how children and families access support. With a background spanning school social work, medical social work, and strategic program development, Chelsea brings a powerful blend of innovation, collaboration, and action. She is a dynamic presenter and passionate advocate who equips teams and communities to elevate outcomes and create lasting change. 

 

Megan Goldman

Implementation Director, Family Centered Treatment Foundation 

 

Megan Goldman lives in Hot Springs Arkansas and is a Graduate of Arkansas State University. She works that the Family Centered Treatment Foundation as an Implementation Director. She brings more than a decade of leadership experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, and organizational development on the local, state and nationwide level. Megan has led teams through recruitment, retention, performance development, and culture-building initiatives. Megan has successfully guided teams and partnered with stakeholders to implement evidence-based practices that reduce out-of-home placements, improve family functioning, and foster resilience. She is known for her ability to engage diverse communities, navigate complex systems, and lead with empathy, integrity, and a focus on positive outcomes. Megan believes that it is important to create a work culture where people want to stay. It isn’t about work, it's about the people. She is deeply passionate about Family Centered Treatment and is committed to helping organizations create engaged, supported teams that deliver high-impact, family-centered care in their communities. 

 

Jodi Harding, LPCC-S

Chief Operating Officer, Talbert House 

 

Jodi serves as the COO of Talbert House, one of the Cincinnati region’s largest nonprofit health and human service organizations. She has built a career advancing access to behavioral health care, and trauma-informed systems of support. Prior to joining Talbert House, she served as COO at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, where she led statewide initiatives in child welfare and mental health.  Jodi holds a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Xavier University and a is an LPCC-S in the State of Ohio. She is widely recognized for her servant leadership approach, transparent communication, and ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams. 

 

Laura Hopkins

Chief Executive Officer, Lake-Geauga United Head Start, Inc. 

 

Laura Hopkins has been the Executive Director of Lake-Geauga United Head Start for over 22 years. Prior to her employment, she served on the Board of Trustees at LGUHS while working with grant-funded programs at Geauga County Job and Family Services. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and recently obtained the NHSA Executive Leadership Credential. 

 

Daphne Kackloudis, JD, OHCC 

 

Daphne Kackloudis is a legal expert in health care practice and has broad and deep experience in health care operations, service delivery, payment systems, and compliance, as well as Medicaid, public policy, and government affairs. Daphne routinely advises health care trade associations and health care providers as outside counsel and in-house as a member of her clients’ senior leadership teams. 

 

Jim Kuebler

Chef Kibby, Cookin' with Kibby 

 

At the intersection of his professional career, parenting struggles, and faith journey, Chef Kibby discovered the Hunger for Connection. Kibby is a certified chef and a biological, foster, and adoptive dad who combines the psychology of trauma with the latest in food neuroscience to create a unique approach to creating empathy, compassion, and connection with disconnected young people. You can find out more about Chef Kibby and his resources at chefkibby.com. 

 

Jessica Linick, PhD, SEP, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Co-Clinical Director, The Lionheart Foundation 

 

Jessica Linick, PhD, SEP, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Co-Clinical Director at the Lionheart Foundation. She is the co-author of Lionheart’s evidence-based youth program, Power Source, and co-creator of EQ2, a staff self-regulation and support program. Prior to joining Lionheart, she was the Senior Supervising Psychologist with the Bellevue/NYU Juvenile Justice Mental Health Service and a Clinical Assistant Professor with NYU School of Medicine, working within New York City’s secure and non-secure juvenile detention centers. She has also served as Clinical Supervisor at Rikers Island, New York City’s largest jail complex, serving adults with severe mental illness. She has written and presented internationally on topics related to attachment, disruptive behavior disorders, trauma-informed care, criminal justice reform, and the use of mindfulness within residential and forensic settings. Dr. Linick also maintains a private practice in New York, where she specializes in the treatment of complex trauma. 

 

Patrick McKelvey, MS, LPCC-S, NCC, ECMHC, OIMHP-III

Clinical Lead Supervisor - Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and Training, Nationwide Children's Hospital 

 

Patrick McKelvey is a clinical leader and speaker with over a decade of experience advancing IECMH, trauma-informed care and resiliency. He currently serves as Clinical Lead Supervisor for IECMH Consultation and Training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he directs statewide initiatives for early learning professionals. Patrick has designed and led innovative programs addressing grief, trauma, and behavioral health in early childhood settings and delivered keynote presentations and trainings across the country. His expertise spans program development, supervision, and systems change, with a career dedicated to strengthening children, families, and professionals through evidence-based practices and a commitment to resilience and well-being. 

 

 

Laura Mitchell, Superintendent Certification, Elementary Principal Certification

Chief Executive Officer, Beech Acres 

 

Laura Mitchell, President and CEO of Beech Acres Parenting Center, envisions a world where every child’s strengths are nurtured. Since 2021, she’s led strategic transformation to center services around children and families. Formerly superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, Mitchell guided 36,000 students and 6,000 staff through the pandemic, achieving record growth and performance. A graduate of the School for Creative and Performing Arts, she’s held roles from teacher to deputy superintendent and led leadership development in San Francisco. Mitchell’s passion for equity, innovation, and family-centered solutions drives her commitment to building strong partnerships that uplift communities and unlock potential. 

 

Aditi Naik

Manager, Behavioral Health Services, Ohio Children's Alliance 

 

Aditi Naik is a dedicated non profit leader who serves as Manager of Behavioral Health Services for the Ohio Children's Alliance & Child & Family Health Collaborative. At the Alliance, she has overseen the development and management of the Behavioral Health Respite Care Program, expanding access to vital services by coordinating efforts across stakeholders and community organizations to support families in need. (photo-use staff page photo) 

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David Paxton, LISW-S, Phase III, NMT Certified Trainer

Chief Learning Officer, The National Consulting & Training Center at The Village Network 

 

David Paxton, LISW-S, is the Chief Learning Officer for The Village Network.  Mr. Paxton’s 25-year career at the Village Network includes 5 years as the Chief Strategy Officer. During these 5 years, the Village Network's annual strategy plan has become an annal process and impeded into the organization’s culture. Under Mr. Paxton's leadership as the CCO, TVN became the first agency in Ohio certified in the NMT and CPS. Mr. Paxton obtained a B.A. degree from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois and earned an M.A. in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago. 

 

Sara Reith, Education Specialist, Nationally Certified School Psychologist

Founder & Executive Director, OHuddle 

 

Sara is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who has practiced in the Wooster area for over a decade. As one of OHuddle's founders, she is passionate about asset development in our community youth. Sara draws from experience as an Inpatient Mental Health Administrator, Psychiatric Research Coordinator, and University Instructor. Sara is the co-author of research relating to Multiple Intelligence and Response to Intervention. Sara and her husband Jason have two children and call Wooster home. 

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Jen Schneeman, MBA, C-IAYT, ERYT500, CDCA, CHMC

Trauma Informed Educator, Real Human Performance 

 

Jen is a soul-driven scientist and founder of REAL Human Performance. Jen specializes as a chronic fatigue and trauma-informed nervous system-based burnout resilience coach. With 23 years in community health and human performance, Jen delivers evidence-based Self-Care and Resilience programs within global industries, military branches, NFL franchises and directly to medical and mental health providers, peer support specialists and other real humans to reclaim personal energy and expand capacity through everyday resilience skills and inflammation reduction. Jen holds the steady belief that when we manage our personal energy, we increase sustainability for ourselves, for our communities and for our planet. 

 

Kelly Smith, BA in Political Science

External Affairs, Ohio Department of Medicaid 

 

Kelly leads external affairs in the office of strategic initiatives at the Ohio Department of Medicaid supporting the OhioRISE program. She has extensive experience in cross-agency collaboration, behavioral health policy, and systems transformation for youth and families. 

 

Brittany Speed

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Beech Acres 

 

Brittany serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Beech Acres Parenting Center, where she drives operational excellence and financial strategy to support youth mental health. A CPA with over 17 years of experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, she’s known for building strong teams, driving innovation, and transforming systems. Brittany began her career at Deloitte and held leadership roles at Strive Together. She’s a committed community leader, serving on multiple boards and raising over $400K for local causes. A Boston Marathoner and active volunteer, Brittany lives in Mt. Lookout with her husband, Sean, and their children, RJ and Sophia. 

 

Josh Stewart

Clinical Director of Residential, The Buckeye Ranch 

 

Joshua Stewart has been working as a clinical practitioner for over 20 years and has served within a director role for the past 11 years within a Residential program. Joshua employs a strength based and relational care approach within an individual/family/systems centered viewpoint. He has encompassed NMT, Collaborative Problem Solving and EQ2 within the practices. His special focus has been working within complex problems including acute trauma, crisis management, and conceptualizing problems from a strategic, solution focused, strength based, developmental and cultural perspective. 

 

Jessica Swaisgood, Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management Studies and a Master’s degree in Organizational Management with a specialization in Human Resource Management

Director of Operations and Programs, Adopt America Network 

 

Jessica Swaisgood is the Director of Operations and Programs at Adopt America Network, where she leads organizational strategy and oversees data-driven initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, Jessica has guided multiple organizations through growth and transformation. Her expertise includes program evaluation, accountability frameworks, and continuous improvement processes that connect impact to measurable results. Jessica is passionate about leveraging data and collaboration to strengthen child welfare systems and advance permanency solutions. In her role at Adopt America Network, Jessica oversees all data projects across programs, driving evaluation, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance outcomes for children and families. 

 

Sharidon Wolz, MS, MSW, LISW-S

Director of Care Coordination, Aetna OhioRISE 

 

Sharidon Wolz is a healthcare and behavioral health administrator with over 20 years of experience leading system-level transformation and clinical operations. She currently serves as Director of Care Coordination for OhioRISE at Aetna Better Health of Ohio, where she drives initiatives to improve access and outcomes for youth with complex behavioral health needs. Her expertise spans program design and leadership, trauma-informed behavioral healthcare, and multi-system collaboration. With a background that includes roles in nonprofit organizations, for-profit enterprises, and government systems, she remains committed to advancing systems of care for youth and families 

 

Shawn Yambor

Director of Residential Services, Christian Children's Home of Ohio 

 

Shawn was born and raised in West Salem, OH. He graduated from Ashland University with a Bachelors in Psychology and Business Administration. After completing his Masters at the University of Akron he is now a Licensed Professional Counselor. Shawn has a passion for the mental health field and working with clients and families who have trauma histories. He has worked at Christian Children's Home of Ohio since 2011 and has worked in a variety of capacities including: direct care, clinician, supervisor, director, and executive team member.