Movers & Makers reached out this month to organizations working on housing and homelessness, asking them to help us showcase their notables, part of M&M’s continuing effort to recognize individuals making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.
Nicholas J. DiNardo, Legal Aid Society
Nicholas J. DiNardo co-manages Legal Aid’s Housing and Consumer Practice Group, directing housing advocacy and representing clients. He also supervises staff attorneys and paralegals in preventing evictions and enforcing housing and health codes to preserve affordable housing. As managing attorney, he coordinates with United Way Greater Cincinnati and other partners to get emergency assistance for families facing eviction. DiNardo has spent his legal career advocating for decent, safe and affordable housing for the most vulnerable. He is an avid Ultimate Frisbee player and coaches the Ultimate Club at Walnut Hills High School, where both his children graduated.
Valerie Daley, LISC Greater Cincinnati
Valerie Daley is focused on strengthening community organizations and the housing ecosystem. As director of programs, she leads LISC’s Heirs Property initiative, which helps families resolve property title issues through estate planning, legal support and financial counseling. This helps keep homes in families for future generations. Daley is committed to practical, long-term solutions that support housing stability and build generational wealth. Daley is known for her ability to navigate complex systems with care and clarity. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her pets and partner Chris, and slow afternoons at the zoo with her mom.
Deliliah Marshall, Episcopal Retirement Services
Deliliah Marshall is a leader in affordable housing, serving as director of operations and supporting 30-plus rent-subsidized senior living communities. She advocates for ensuring all seniors live with dignity and comfort. Her strategic mindset and passion for quality housing match her skill in guiding complex operations and nurturing inclusive, person-centered communities. A mentor and innovator, Marshall supports teams, strengthens performance and ensures seniors with limited incomes have safe and enriching environments. She enjoys making memories with her children and grandchildren. She also loves antiquing and finding joy in the stories behind the items
Darlene Guess, Tender Mercies
Darlene Guess has worked with homeless and mentally ill individuals for more than 30 years and has held a license in social work for over 15 years. She managed a 24-hour emergency shelter for more than 15 years and five HUD housing programs for the homeless. For more than six years, Guess has led the client-facing Tender Mercies team as support services director, including service coordinators, Activities of Daily Living coaches, AfterCare, income and benefits, and resident support workers across six buildings. She leads by example to support harm reduction strategies. Guess loves to cook and caters events for others to enjoy.
Erin Saul, GreenLight Fund Cincinnati
Erin Saul, executive director of GreenLight Fund Cincinnati, leads efforts addressing deep-rooted disparities affecting children and families. Through GreenLight’s multimillion-dollar investment model, Saul partners with community, corporate and philanthropic leaders to bring high-impact, data-driven solutions. Among GreenLight Cincinnati’s most notable initiatives is HomeStart’s Renew Collaborative – an eviction prevention program combining rental assistance, financial planning and post-crisis stabilization to drive long-term housing security. Renew Collaborative has prevented eviction of more than 200 people. Saul enjoys time at the park with her toddler son and throwing pottery on the wheel at Core Clay in Norwood.
Adelyn Stroup, Community Learning Center Institute
Adelyn Stroup leads by linking housing stability with educational success and neighborhood vitality. She partners with housing organizations to deliver one-stop housing services for families through Cincinnati Public Schools’ Community Learning Centers. Her work as director of strategic initiatives has been recognized by the Brookings Institution, Marketplace and MassINC, among others. Stroup is excited to collaborate with People Working Cooperatively to address the connection between housing conditions and health outcomes with the aim to improve student success and home environments. Stroup enjoys hiking, salsa dancing, playing soccer and traveling, including exploring Cincinnati’s 52 neighborhoods.
Adriana Howard, St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati
Adriana Howard is a tireless advocate on the front lines of homelessness prevention. As a call center manager at St. Vincent de Paul for seven years, she helped support thousands of families facing eviction or utility disconnection. She helped SVdP’s team distribute more than $5.4 million in rent and utility assistance in 2024. As Vincentian engagement manager, Howard supports more than 1,000 volunteers. She is said to lead with heart and experience, so help feels like hope, not judgment. Howard finds joy in her children, whose openness, love and ability to live in the moment inspire her daily.
Jenna Hippensteel, Community Matters
Jenna Hippensteel employs a people-centered, hands-on approach to preventing homelessness and partnering with families on housing stability in Price Hill. As chief operations officer, Hippensteel oversees the innovative Opportunity Hub program, which partners with families experiencing crises to provide mediation, financial help and long-term interventions. She has helped dozens of families avoid eviction and stabilize their housing over the past year. Hippensteel responds to early risk factors, prioritizes community partnerships and treats neighbors as co-leaders in their journeys. She has a keen sense of humor and enjoys crafting and the outdoors.
Watoiya Williams, Bethany House Services
Watoiya Williams guides homelessness prevention programs at Bethany House Services. In recent years, BHS has dramatically expanded prevention programs, which help families avoid emergency shelter, and now implements Shelter Diversion, Keeping Every Youth Safe, Progressive Engagement, Aftercare and the new Impact Award, an innovative prevention program using predictive analytics funded by the City of Cincinnati. Williams assumed her new role as lead case manager in January and works with each of these programs. Williams loves to travel and already has plans to visit Cape Town, South Africa, in 2026 for a milestone birthday.
Rozalyn Malott, Found House IHN
Rozalyn Malott is a pet support advocate at Found House IHN. For 10 years, the organization has offered shelter and housing for families, pets included. Combining her education as a social worker and her background in animal behavior and training, Malott is a source of comfort for human and pet alike, supporting them through crisis and helping to reestablish housing. Malott is a passionate dog and cat mom herself, and when not hanging out with the four-legged, can be found enjoying live music, soccer and pickleball.
Melissa Adamchik, UpSpring
Melissa Adamchik is a visionary leader and strong advocate for the well-being and education of children experiencing homelessness. Adamchik collaborates with change-makers like herself to help homeless youth thrive. Her work as executive director at UpSpring has been instrumental in expanding mental health awareness and measuring impacts on children served. She equips staff to support and understand students experiencing housing instability. Her leadership is rooted in support, trust and growth, empowering others to lead boldly and compassionately. Adamchik is re-experiencing the world through her 1½-year-old grandson, Hendrix. She has attended more than 100 live music concerts.
Tara Johnson-Noem, NKy Area Development District
Tara Johnson-Noem has leveraged her agency’s expertise to elevate the issue of income-aligned housing. Johnson-Noem led the NKY Housing Data Study in 2023 and the Home for All: Northern Kentucky Housing Strategies report released in January 2025. As executive director, she engages elected leaders, private employers, finance experts, developers and nonprofits to respond to housing costs and availability. Johnson-Noem enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with husband Shane and three kids, taming Luna, her corgi, and finishing her quest to read a biography of every U.S. president.
Francesca Phillis, Santa Maria Community Services
Francesca Phillis is a compassionate powerhouse in housing and homelessness. She serves with tireless dedication, combining deep empathy with a strategic mind. As stable families coordinator, Phillis helps families remain housed and supported, preventing crises before they unfold. She has led initiatives that address root causes such as trauma, poverty and systemic barriers. Her trauma-informed, person-centered approach has transformed lives, leading to stability and dignity for individuals and families. Phillis enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband, cooking and baking, yoga, traveling, and watching her 1-year-old son experience life.
Andy Meyer, OKI Regional Council of Governments
Andy Meyer spearheaded the Regional Housing Data Dashboard. Meyer’s work as senior planner for land use is crucial in promoting informed decision-making within the housing sector, offering a resource for planners and policymakers to understand and tackle housing challenges effectively. This tool aims to address housing shortages and rising costs in the region by using a data-driven approach to housing goals and policy. Meyer’s efforts contribute to a more strategic and responsive approach to housing development. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and sailing with his family.
Dana Saxton, New Life Furniture Bank
Dana Saxton has spent more than 20 years in nonprofit leadership and, as president and CEO, has grown New Life into a regional leader in furnishing homes for families overcoming homelessness, domestic violence and poverty. In 2024, New Life furnished 2,399 homes for nearly 6,000 people, restoring dignity and comfort to their lives. Saxton is passionate about creating spaces where families can thrive. She’s a proud mom and dog lover, and enjoys the local and national music scenes. Her warmth, drive and dedication make her a standout leader in the fight against furniture poverty.
Damian Billy, The Center for Respite Care
Damian Billy helps The Center for Respite Care thrive as it provides thousands of bed hours for people who are healing, released from the hospital, and have no place else to go. He previously served as president of The Center’s board and now chairs both the facilities and nominating committees. Billy has used his architectural skills to assist with building concerns, notably The Center’s relocation to the St. Anthony Center. He and his wife, Margaret Szempruch, are members of St. Francis de Sales parish, where Billy coordinates the parish’s community outreach program, Service to Others.
Dennis Coyne, St. Vincent de Paul NKy
Dennis Coyne is a vice president on the board and is also a Vincentian – volunteers called by faith to serve those in need. Coyne and other Vincentians meet regularly with family members to assess immediate needs and advocate for them with their landlords. These volunteers helped provide more than $1 million in rent and utility assistance last year. Preventing evictions helps families avoid tough social and financial outcomes. Coyne works out and loves to bike. In 2004, he helped co-found a nonprofit that helps hundreds of children at an orphanage in Vietnam.
Joe Hansbauer, Habitat for Humanity
In under three years as president and CEO at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, Joe Hansbauer has boldly laid the foundation for large-scale growth to address the urgent need for attainable homeownership and critical home repair. His leadership has driven larger land developments, higher-density home designs and more-efficient construction, bringing affordable homes to more families. In his early 20s, as a volunteer with the Habitat Global Village program, Hansbauer experienced the tangible mission to build homes, community and hope. He hosts weekly neighborhood bonfires and can often be found at the soccer fields cheering on his kids.
Jessica Powell, Talbert House
Jessica Powell brings impactful leadership and commitment to housing stability for vulnerable populations. As vice president of housing and asset management, she oversees more than 70 properties and manages 324 units of permanent supportive housing for people with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Her experiences as an attorney equip her to drive systemic change. Since leading the Housing Service Line in 2021, Powell has expanded services through developments like Carthage Flats and Klekamp Family Veteran Residences. An active mother of three, she enjoys gardening, exercising and restoring her old home.
Kim M. Webb, Emergency Shelter of NKy
With 10 years of compassionate leadership at Emergency Shelter, Kim M. Webb works to provide adults with shelter and services at ESNKY and other organizations. As CEO, she led the organization’s largest capital campaign, relocating ESNKY to its state-of-the-art facility. Webb believes homelessness is a human dignity issue, and she defines a community’s fabric by its willingness to help the homeless. She is driven by her leadership motto: “Managers do things right. Leaders do the right thing.” Webb enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, mentoring women, cooking and enjoying life.
Marissa Reed, 3CDC
Marissa Reed is heavily involved in GeneroCity 513 with an unmatched passion for helping those in need. Aimed at helping people driven to panhandling – including those facing homelessness, addiction and mental illness – GeneroCity 513 connects unhoused individuals to social services to provide housing, employment and more. As director of operations, Reed also oversees a team that provides clean and safe services in downtown Cincinnati. She is involved in Built for Zero – social service agencies participating in a national initiative to end chronic homelessness. Reed volunteers at the emergency cold weather shelter at the OTR Recreation Center and enjoys running and gardening.
Jan’el Gentry, Ohio Valley Goodwill
Jan’el Gentry enhances access to housing resources for individuals and families in need. As housing specialist, she has a deep understanding of funding and community collaboration that has been crucial in helping Goodwill maximize federal resources needed to support our most vulnerable neighbors. In 2024, OVGI housed 65 individuals in need, helping more people find stable housing faster, which empowers them to rebuild their lives. Gentry lights up when talking about her grandson and family. You might catch her treasure-hunting at local thrift stores on weekends or taking part in activities at her church.
Ashley Ward, Ohio Justice and Policy Center
Ashley Ward was instrumental in developing the Certificate of Qualification for Housing, a critical tool for Ohioans with criminal records. Ward played a pivotal role in shaping House Bill 50, which created the CQH process. Her tenacity ensured the CQH became a reality, offering returning citizens a fair chance at housing and a fresh start. As staff attorney, Ward has helped more than 90 clients through record sealings, expungements, pardons, certificates of qualification for employment and housing legal issues. Ward enjoys spending time with her sisters, painting, puzzles and Marvel movies.
Carolyn Yorio, Caracole
Carolyn Yorio’s work as director of housing embodies Caracole’s mission in the fight against HIV. A fierce advocate for clients and a champion of the housing-first model, she believes that housing is healthcare, and brings that belief to life every day with her team. With master’s degrees in social work and public health, Yorio offers a perspective grounded in both systems change and individual impact. She’s often invited to collaborate, train and lead efforts for affordable solutions. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Yorio outdoors with family and friends, chasing new trails and making memories together.
Cliff Fennell, LADD
Cliff Fennell manages LADD’s SOAR Housing Program (Services for the Ownership and Acquisition of Residences) and is dedicated to helping people with disabilities and their families secure affordable, safe and accessible housing. Fennell leads his team to work with individuals from the initial application to working with landlords and property companies, to helping maintain voucher recertification so people do not lose rental assistance. Economic instability has increased the need for programs like SOAR. Fennell, also housing chair for the Cincinnati NAACP, enjoys producing shows, taking photographs and is a licensed drone operator.
Janet Brown, HOME of Greater Cincinnati
Janet Brown oversees HOME’s tenant-counseling work as director of tenant advocacy to provide information and resources about Ohio landlord-tenant law. She counsels clients facing housing issues, including evictions or repair issues, and oversees HOME’s direct rent and utility assistance. She’s expanded partnerships with Community Learning Center Institute, Mercy Health community health workers and more. She also works with landlords and housing providers to mediate issues, and is a board member of Housing Mediation Services. Brown has more than 14 years of experience at HOME. She loves to read, do crafts and hang out with her family.
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