Movers & Makers reached out this month to organizations that work to help teens succeed in life. We asked them to help showcase their notables, as part of M&M’s continuing effort to recognize individuals making a difference in Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.
Calvin Harper, Cincinnati Museum Center
As director of youth programs at Cincinnati Museum Center, Calvin Harper leads mentorship, social-emotional development and job skills training for 80-100 teens each year. With 36 years of history – half of them with Harper’s leadership – CMC’s Youth Program is one of the oldest and largest museum-based youth programs in the country. Harper uses his background in training NASA astronauts to set goals, connect teens to opportunities and build strong family bonds. Harper is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, tutors CPS students and discusses superheroes with his 8-year-old son, Trey.
Kaitlin Schiltz, Activities Beyond the Classroom
Kaitlin Schiltz serves as the Kids in School Rule! (KISR!) program enrichment coordinator at Activities Beyond the Classroom, where she works to ensure students experiencing foster care have access to tutoring and after-school programs that keep them engaged. These students often face obstacles that prevent them from participating in sports, the arts or other activities. She works with these students and their caregivers to keep them in those programs. Schiltz also has appeared on various Cincinnati stages as an actor, costumer and director. She spends time volunteering, including two mission trips to Nicaragua and one to Puerto Rico.
Shermirah Smith, DePaul Cristo Rey High School
Shermirah Smith is committed to breaking generational cycles, whether through education, financial literacy or emotional wellness. A first-generation college graduate, she leads DPCR’s Corporate Work Study Program, in which students work five days a month at more than 90 local businesses and organizations as a part of their college-preparatory education. She recruits new business partners and oversees a team that prepares student associates and supports them in their job placements. Smith stays grounded by spending time with her family, whether preparing and sharing a meal or completing a home improvement project.
Cadi Dart, University of Cincinnati IDD Education Center
Cadi Dart serves as the associate director of employment services at the University of Cincinnati IDD Education Center, where she leads with a deep commitment to creating employment opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dart oversees initiatives that help teens and young adults build independence through career exploration, vocational training and real-world work experiences. Outside of her professional role, she’s a proud mom who embraces adventure and travel, always looking for ways to show her kids the wonder of the world around them. Dart is committed to helping young people thrive.
Kelly Dunningan, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services
As vice president of homeless youth services at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Kelly Dunnigan works to provide safety, resources and stable housing for youth. She joined Lighthouse’s Youth Housing Opportunities program as a case manager in 2007 and was promoted to vice president in 2023. She leads Lighthouse’s youth housing programs and its two shelters, working with the Youth Action Board, a group of young people creating and improving systems to serve youth. Her two teenagers keep her busy traveling for volleyball and soccer games, and she enjoys audiobooks from her local library.
Tonya Buchanan, PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA
For 35 years, Tonya Buchanan has been a driving force behind PARACHUTE, where she advocates for youth navigating the child welfare system. She now serves as executive director. Since she has been at PARACHUTE, the organization has served 3,065 children and 1,418 families. PARACHUTE recruits and trains community members to advocate for our most vulnerable children. Buchanan also serves as a board member for the Ohio CASA network and contributes her expertise on the national level. When not in her office, she enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Hannah Griswold, La Soupe
Hannah Griswold is the director of the Nourish Program at La Soupe, where she combines her expertise as a registered dietitian with a passion for food as medicine. Since 2022, she has led the Medically Tailored Meals initiative, providing over 51,000 servings to patients recovering from illness. Griswold recently partnered with Cincinnati Children’s HealthWorks! to teach children with obesity how to prepare meals aligned with their dietary needs. When not at work, she can be found hiking, glamping or restoring a Sprinter van for her trips to national parks with her fiance.
LaDon Laney, EDGE Teen Center
EDGE Teen Center provides in-school and after-school programs to enrich the lives of local teens. LaDon Laney joined the center almost two years ago to launch a new program, EDGE@Work, which provides teens the opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in their community while using the experience to explore career options. He has helped expand the program to two new high schools, making meaningful mentoring connections with many young people. When he isn’t taking teens out to serve in the community, Laney enjoys music, being outdoors and spending time with his pup, Azula.
Heather Batdorf, Kenzie’s Closet
Heather Batdorf helps young women feel empowered through her work as community engagement manager at Kenzie’s Closet. The organization provides high school girls who have a financial or personal need with a prom experience. Batdorf makes it all happen – this year she welcomed 452 teens from 96 local schools and 166 volunteers while organizing dress drives, the annual Paint the City Pink gala and other initiatives. She loves traveling and visiting with her adult children. Fun fact: She married her high school prom date and is celebrating her 30th anniversary this year.
Bell Day, Fitton Center for Creative Arts
Bell Day, instructor at the Fitton Center, started as a fine art major at the University of Cincinnati, but graduated in 2022 with a degree in psychology. She has blended both disciplines by teaching art at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health via the center’s outreach program. Her psychology background helps her connect with students who see art both as an escape and as an aspiration. This spring, Day helped the Marshall High School Hamilton Campus establish its visual art classes; she looks forward to returning in the fall to continue the charter school’s program.
Mo Elgazzar, ArtWorks
Mo Elgazzar, a dedicated educator and creative leader serving as the career development specialist at ArtWorks, helps prepare young artists for successful futures. With over 20 years of experience in schools, nonprofits and residential programs, Elgazzar has advocated for environments where youth can learn, grow and thrive. At ArtWorks, the largest employer of youth in Cincinnati for art-related work, he designs and leads programs for young artists participating in various programs. Outside of his professional life, Elgazzar enjoys adventuring, cooking, and learning alongside his wife, Anna, and their two daughters.
Britton Martin, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati
Britton Martin has served Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati for nearly 20 years, rising from a physical education coordinator to vice president of workforce development. He leads the organization’s Youth Workforce Development Program, which prepares teens for careers by focusing on soft skills, mentorship and real-world readiness. Martin helped launch the Workforce Development and Career initiative, which has created a teen center in Price Hill that supports high school students across Cincinnati. A proud husband and father, he enjoys playing golf, gardening and traveling with his family.
Jennie LaMothe, Learning Grove
Jennie LaMothe changes lives across Northern Kentucky through her leadership and belief in what students can achieve. She began her career in higher education, holding key roles at Northern Kentucky University. In 2018, she joined Learning Grove’s NaviGo College & Career Prep team, which engages thousands of Greater Cincinnati high school students each year. As director of coaching and operations, LaMothe leads the NaviGo Scholars program, runs career camps and is a leading expert on the YouScience aptitude assessment. She enjoys planning large events, arranging flowers and kayaking. LaMothe once served as a firefighter.
Shawn Jeffers, Youth At The Center
Shawn Jeffers has dedicated his 20-plus-year career to championing youth. As co-founder and director of Youth At The Center, he creates opportunities for youth to be seen, heard and valued. From helping to build the Youth Fellowship for the region’s Hopeful Empowered Youth (HEY!) to building leadership development programs, Jeffers leads by engaging youth and equipping them to lead. As a volunteer, Jeffers serves as lead trainer for GLSEN Greater Cincinnati and is on the board of Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati. Jeffers enjoys walking Cincinnati’s neighborhoods with his dog.
Eliot Sloan, Hear 2 Heal
Eliot Sloan created Hear 2 Heal for high school students to perform in concert, bringing awareness on teen mental health. After speaking with 200-plus teens, Sloan wrote songs about the issues most important to them. The concert was converted into a movie and a high school play. “Hear 2 Heal: The High School Musical” finished filming in Cincinnati in January 2025. Sloan manages his church softball team and is an avid, knowledgeable baseball fan. He enjoys watching ’70s sitcoms, making memories with his family and cheering his children at swim meets.
Henri Lo, Lord’s Gym Ministries
Henri Lo is where God wants him. Since April 2025, he has served as the teen athletics chaplain at Lord’s Gym Ministries. Lo began interning in 2023, while a student at the University of Cincinnati. Some of his favorite experiences include the Youth Resiliency Ride to Washington, D.C., the Summer Sports School Kings Island celebration and coaching basketball. He believes sports can teach valuable life skills. Growing this ministry provides opportunities for teens who have aged out of grade-school programming. Outside of work, he enjoys chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Catherine Cosker, Beech Acres Parenting Center
Catherine Cosker oversees clinical managers, therapists, therapeutic service providers and team leads at Beech Acres, ensuring that clinical practices for teens and clients of all ages are grounded in empathy, evidence and meaningful connection. Having begun her career as a mental health specialist, Cosker brings real-world experience and humility to her leadership. She guides a Beech Acres team providing ongoing therapy to 324 teens and has supported 405 more through one-time crisis intervention services. She finds balance through time with family, cycling and reading passions that keep her grounded and energized.
Amanda Van Mil, Lindner Center of Hope
While “teacher” is the simplified title for Amanda Van Mil in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Lindner Center of Hope, her role is complex. Having taught for 10 years before entering the mental health field, Van Mil serves as a liaison among the mental health treatment team, patients/families and educational systems. She has used her expertise via consultation to young adults at the center. Outside of LCOH, Van Mil spends time with her husband of 12 years and their three children, enjoys reading and helps her school district community support students with unmet needs.
Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, Companions on a Journey
Teen students draw strength from their grief groups largely because of the warmth, compassion and experience of Sheila Munafo-Kanoza, who has helped those who are grieving ever since she founded Companions on a Journey Grief Support in 1997. She recently reached a 25-year milestone of facilitating monthly grief groups at Archbishop Moeller High School. Her work with students at Moeller and other high schools means thousands of teens have learned the skills and tools they need to weather difficult things. Outside of her work, Munafo-Kanoza is happiest keeping up with her 12 grandchildren.
Bri Wilson, Santa Maria Community Services
Bri Wilson strengthens Lower Price Hill youth through tutoring, mentoring, life skills coaching and family support as Santa Maria Community Services’ youth development program director. She oversees sports teams and social skills groups for Oyler middle schoolers, as well as after-school programs and a teen peer mentoring program. Her work extends beyond Santa Maria, influencing community partners to support youth. When not working, she loves to cook, perfecting her own recipes, barbecuing during the summer and inviting family and friends over. She also is a puzzle whiz, able to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle in two days.
Tosha Salyer, Hope’s Closet
Tosha Salyer serves foster families in Greater Cincinnati, including the hundreds of teens who visit Hope’s Closet each year. As the boutique manager, she works with volunteers to create a fully stocked, inviting space where foster children can select clothes, shoes and more. This year she has been focused on making Hope’s Closet a place where teenagers enjoy shopping. When IKEA offered to furnish the boutique, she had them enhance the teen department. Salyer loves to travel and her secret goal is to visit all the destinations named in the Beach Boys song “Kokomo.”
Marc Oneal, Middletown Rising Stars, Inc.
Marc Oneal is the facility manager of Middletown Rising Stars, Inc., a new nonprofit serving Greater Cincinnati youth. Through basketball, the organization helps kids build skills, develop self-confidence and learn the value of teamwork. Oneal leads the effort by supporting volunteer coaches – helping them grow as mentors and role models, not just instructors. Known as a steady, trusted guide, he works one-on-one with each coach to ensure athletic and personal growth. Outside of his leadership role, Oneal enjoys time with his grandkids and is active in the foster care program.
Sam Glew, Adventure Crew
Sam Glew joined Adventure Crew’s weekend staff in 2021, sharing his passions and interests with city teens during outdoor adventures. His natural ability to connect with them means he’s always finding ways to engage and inspire. In December 2024, Glew took on the additional role of support and engagement specialist. His background includes working as a naturalist, high adventure specialist and educator. Glew’s favorite outdoor activities include scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing and birding. He lives in West Walnut Hills with his wife, their dog and three cats.
Heleena McKinney, The Health Collaborative
Heleena McKinney leads THC’s healthcare career exploration activities. She has served more than 10,000 students over the last 10 years. The TAP Health Summer Academy – an eight-week program she designed – is at the heart of this work. This program guides students seeking a career in healthcare, giving them hands-on experiences. McKinney also leads THC’s internship program. Outside of work, she’s been known to take a day off when a new Taylor or Beyonce album is released. McKinney is also a licensed manicurist – you can occasionally find her at the local salon, Spruce.
Tim Thornton, Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio
The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio’s Youth Committee, chaired by Tim Thornton, hosted a Youth Career Readiness Convening this spring on working with teens and young adults to ensure they’re prepared for careers. Thornton has worked in the healthcare industry for over 18 years. In his leisure time, he enjoys traveling, attending concerts, watching movies, supporting sports teams, visiting museums and exploring culinary delights. He cherishes quality time with his family, friends and his dog, Kario, and takes pride in his role as a son, a supportive big brother and a loving uncle.
Mary Belperio, The Being Project
Mary Belperio has led the charge for mental health support for teens as The Being Project’s program manager for grades 7-12. Through its Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum, Belperio has taught hundreds of teens, helping them learn to regulate their emotions, redirect their anger or anxiety, and find moments of peace. She helped at-risk North College Hill students gain 540 school days back in the classroom compared to the previous year. She loves to spend time with her teenage daughters, walking their dog, engaging in mindful movement and Thai yoga, and gardening.
Le’Nikka Howell, Easterseals Redwood
Le’Nikka Howell, manager of YouthBuild at Easterseals Redwood, leads a program helping young adults to achieve sustainable careers. She recruits participants, speaks at high schools and ensures support for clients. Having dropped out of high school, Howell earned her GED, associate degree and later a bachelor’s in social work. She shares her story to build meaningful connections for our teen clients. Howell volunteers to help feed the homeless whenever possible. Her passion helps keep young people from being lost in the system. She enjoys high-intensity exercise, biking and traveling to Columbus to see friends.
Arriane Stirrat, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio
As girl experience manager for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Arriane Stirrat manages the council’s Highest Award program, where Girl Scouts implement solutions to community needs. She works with teen girls pursuing the Gold Award, considered the pinnacle of the Girl Scout experience. A Gold Award Girl Scout herself, she provides guidance on projects ranging from recycling and financial literacy to first aid and eliminating food waste. Stirrat is a naturalist who worked with endangered red wolves. She enjoys playing video games, wandering Jungle Jim’s and chasing waterfalls and good food with her dog and husband.
Linnea Fitterer, Art Academy of Cincinnati
Linnea Fitterer, director of the Office of Engagement at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, has spearheaded programming into something that extends beyond the doors of AAC. Fitterer believes an art institution must serve its community to keep art accessible for all. She has led the elevation of curriculum development for youth and teen programs to match the excellence of AAC’s college-level learning. An interdisciplinary art worker, she teaches social practice art at AAC, can recite every line of “Steel Magnolias,” and counts Christopher Cross’ “Ride Like the Wind” as her go-to karaoke song.
Our August issue will FOCUS ON Making the Most of Aging
To find out how to submit a NOTABLE for consideration (nonprofits only), email: tmariner (at) moversmakers.org
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