Our Leadership Team

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“In the span of my career, I’ve seen the number of kids being raised by a family member drastically increase.  There is also a significant number of children in informal kinship care arrangements.  I feel passionate about helping these families.”

Carol is a registered nurse working in a pediatric outpatient care setting. She earned her nursing credentials from Rhodes State College and has supported her community as a nurse for 28 years. Before being elected as Generations of Love Board President, Carol served as Treasurer and was instrumental in establishing GOL programs and volunteering in fundraising opportunities. Carol has lived in Wapakoneta all her life. She and her husband have two young adult children. As her children grew, she began looking for more ways to give back to her community in a meaningful way, and is deeply committed to serving our youth. She loves to travel, especially to the beach, and enjoys attending concerts.

“My goal is to help support families who are fostering or adopting children in Auglaize County, and to advocate for children who are overlooked in the educational system, especially children with special needs.”

Tracy is semi-retired after 22 years of teaching. She taught 4th/5th grade in Hilliard, Ohio for seven years; was an Intervention Specialist in Wapakoneta City Schools for seven years; and taught Eighth grade English in Wapakoneta for eight years. Tracy earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Toledo. Her Education and Intervention Specialist Master’s degree equipped her to serve students in grades K through 12. She and her husband adopted all three of their children at birth. She worked closely with the Wapakoneta Fire Department to raise funds for the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box. Tracy does Functionally Intense Training (FIT) workouts daily, and enjoys running, reading, and taking care of her three granddaughters. 

"I believe Generations of Love can help make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth and their families by providing emotional support, guidance, and simply being a source of stability. I truly believe in the power of compassion and community in transforming lives.”

Kelly is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Ohio Northern University, where she has been on faculty for 12+ years. She earned a Doctorate of Philosophy, Organic Chemistry, from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is from the University of Cincinnati. Kelly has been part of a close friends’ village for over eight years, a major contributor to planning and facilitating the Generations of Love Summer program, and is instrumental in administrating and working with the Next Gen Resource Center. When the opportunity arises, she loves being outdoors, especially in the mountains.

“I believe in compassion and connection, especially to support families in challenging times. Generations of Love creates a safe, nurturing space for youth and their families. I want to be a part of something that strengthens family bonds through care, consistency, and kindness.”

Joanne has dedicated 21 years to Allen County Children Services, where she currently serves as the Business Administrator. With a passion for child welfare, she finds deep purpose in her work. Joanne holds both a Bachelor's and an Associate Degree in Business Administration. Originally from Greenock, Scotland, Joanne served in the British Army for 10 years. During that time, she met her husband while they were both stationed in Belgium. She moved to Wapakoneta in 2003 and proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2011. Family is at the heart of Joanne’s life. She and her husband have a college-aged daughter, two dogs, and three cats. They cherish spending time together, especially over a good game of Scrabble. Joanne also prioritizes her health and enjoys working out regularly.

“Together, we aim to build stronger support systems for those facing the challenges of growing up. The support group feels like family; we learn from one another, lift each other up, and remind one another that we’re not alone.”

Melissa grew up in the Wapakoneta area and graduated from Wapakoneta High School. She studied Early Childhood Education at the Apollo Career Center, and is a trained facilitator for the Rainbows Grief and Loss  Support Group.She serves Generations of Love as the Family Liaison and as Co-Facilitator of the Grief and Loss Support Group. She is married and is a fulltime mom to six amazing kinship children, ages 2 to 14. Being a mom is her greatest joy, and she is passionate about helping children thrive in every way she can.

“I believe in and enjoy nurturing young people. I feel strongly that we grownups have a responsibility to support kids whose lives are differently challenged, so that they can have the best possible chance for a bright future.”

Amy retired after working for 28 years in International Marketing and Sales Support for Sabre, a global company providing travel technology to travel agencies, airlines, and hotels. She holds a Dual Masters degree: MBA, Arizona State University / Masters International Management, Thunderbird - American Graduate School of International Management. She earned her bachelor's degree in business at Oklahoma State University. Amy enjoys preparing dinners for GOL kids and teaching them kitchen skills; she assists with other GOL projects such as the GOL/community garden, hosted by OSU Agriculture Extension Education, and the Family Support group. Amy enjoys cooking and baking from scratch (especially breads), gardening, and travel. From time to time she dabbles in cello, watercolor painting, embroidery, and other random creative activities.

“I believe in the spirit in which GOL was created - to help individuals, families, and children connect to resources to better their lives and the community around them.”

Kelli is a Therapist with Momentum Counseling and Consultation, LLC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio State University and is currently working towards her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. In addition to her day-to-day work as a counselor, Kelli’s is a kinship family, which makes her even more keenly aware of the opportunities and challenges in the lives of many young people. Kelli enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs. They always enjoy a good outdoor adventure!

“I have a passion for advocating for at-risk and underserved youth in our community.”

Heather is Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Auglaize County. She has worked in Juvenile Court as a probation officer for 23+ years and prior to that worked in the mental health community. Heather earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology at Bluffton College. Over her career, she has worked with youth from all types of backgrounds. She serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of ACE Academy (an online Dropout prevention school); is an FCFC (Family Children First Committee) Advisory Board member; and is Committee Co-chair for Shop with the Blue, where youth are matched with law enforcement for a Christmas shopping experience. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two adult children, and spends quiet moments reading and taking walks.

“I am passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and I believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.”

Kelly serves as an Early Intervention Developmental Specialist at the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bluffton University and is a licensed social worker. In her various roles, she leverages valuable experience in child welfare, mental health services, and support for families and individuals with developmental delays and disabilities. Her involvement at Generations of Love includes tutoring students, co-facilitating the Peer to Peer Grief & Loss Support Group for Youth, and contributing to many of GOL’s community events. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Kelly cherishes spending time with family and friends, embracing outdoor adventures, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

“I am passionate about giving back, and I see this as an opportunity to support and uplift the next generation. Being part of something that helps young people grow, learn, and succeed is very meaningful to me.”

Linda is a logistics manager at Alpla, Inc. She graduated from Wapakoneta High School. She and her husband have two sons, an angel daughter, a stepdaughter, a stepson, and six grandchildren. Linda is dedicated to raising money to support SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) research. She is an active Generations of Love volunteer, managing the Care Closet and helping provide supervision and fun for kids during Caregiver Support Group meetings. Linda is an OHSAA volleyball official, and in her spare time enjoys taking walks, motorcycle rides, reading, and spending time at grandkids’ events.

“I am most excited about the lives that we are going to change together and to meet each and every child that comes to this program.”

Selena is the Next Gen Adolescent Program Director. She has earned degrees in Applied Science in Nursing and Chemical Dependency Counseling, and licensure as a registered nurse, specializing in critical care. She leverages the experience she’s gained with people in a variety of age groups, and across a broad spectrum of social and economic populations, to provide vital support and resources for youth in our community. Selena extends her 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 life philosophy to the Generations of Love family. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and three sons, loves weightlifting, and reads non-fiction educational books.