Serving with Excellence
Everyone at Focus on Youth, from interns to executive director, shares a passion for helping kids reach their full potential. Our staff is carefully selected and extensively trained to be the best advocates for children and partners to families, both birth and foster, in the area.
Executive Director
The Executive Director Reports to a 5-9 member board of directors. The Assistant Executive Director and department heads report directly to the Executive Director.
Alicia Ajiboye, LISW-S
Executive Director
Team Player since: 2021
Loves spending time with family and, shopping, and traveling. Favorite place to be is at a beach. Loves to sing and really enjoys listening to Elevation Worship, Tasha Cobbs, and many others.
Administration
The Finance and Administrative department manages the day-to-day business details that make our organization productive, effective, and healthy. From staffing to building improvements and money management, this team is the engine that keeps everything we do for youth and families on track.
Sean Thomas
Operations Manager
Team player since: 2026
Has a background in Finance and Accounting and was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. Attended Winton Woods High School before moving to Alabama, then Arkansas for his Undergraduate degree. Was fortunate enough to meet his wife and now has 2 children (1 boy & 1 girl) and one dog. Who Dey Nation all the way! Is very open once I have gotten comfortable with others and rarely ever steers away from helping. If you ever need to talk, is happy to lend an ear!
Dylan Chambers, MA
Office Supervisor
Team player since: 2024
Received his MA in Philosophy doing research centered on issues in applied ethics and moral psychology. Lover of books, most music genres, movies, and playing video games or watching TV shows with his wife.
Lillian Lochard
Administrative Assistant
Team player since: 2023
I love working with kids, and my coworkers. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family. I’m a big Bengals fan and love all country music. I’m one of four, I have three brothers and an sister-in-law. I love spending time with my two nieces, being an Aunt is one of my favorite things.
Renee Kirshner
Development Specialist
Team player since: 2025
When not working, you can find her enjoying her days digging in the dirt (gardening), taking long walks, scrapbooking, or spending quality time with friends and family. Loves giving back to the community and is thrilled to be part of the Focus on Youth organization.
Jill Tipton
Quality Improvement Coordinator
Team player since: 2025
Die hard Detroit Lions fan and mother of two adult children. Brings 20 years of experience with child welfare casework in Michigan and Ohio. Always searching out ways to better help children and families involved in the child welfare system. Enjoys traveling and reading when not working.
Foster Care & Adoption
Our Foster Care and Adoption staff works to find, train, and support foster parents. Youth Specialists provide supervision of youth in placement, foster family support, recertification of homes, and coordination of community services. Family Assessors do the same while also performing homestudies and family assessments for new foster homes. Case Assistants offer administrative support and may also assist foster families needing help getting children to family visits and appointments.
Christina Kappen, MSW, LISW-S
Foster Care and Adoption Manager
Team player since: 2004
Enjoys watching movies and NCIS.
Savannah Morris, MSW, LSW
Placement Services Supervisor
Team player since: 2015
Is a proud Bengals fan who married into a Steelers family. Has a passion for animal rescue. Owns a toothless kitten named Elias. Dreams of someday living in Ireland.
Joselin Laib, MSW, LSW
Placement Services Supervisor
Team player since: 2017
Dog mom to a crazy dog. Helped inform legislators on child topics, aiding in passage of the bill that provided funding for the Bridges program. Has traveled to 27 states and plans to hit all 50.
Patricia “Patty” Jatczak, LSW
Licensing Team Lead
Team player since: 2005
A pure cheesehead/proud Green Bay Packers’ fan. Born and raised near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Has a degree in Social Work and Education from UW-Wisconsin. Moved to Cincinnati in 1989. An adoptive and birth parent who wants to help others grow their families through foster and adoption.
Barb Snelling, MSW, LSW
Youth Specialist & Family Assessor
Team player since: 2014
Avid scrapbooker who is a former foster parent. Adopted two girls and went back to college at 50 years old to earn a degree in social work.
Sarah Feine, MSW, LSW
Youth Specialist & Family Assessor
Team player since: 2016
Sarah grew up in a family who opened their doors to children in foster care, which is what inspired her career as a social worker. After completing her internship at Focus during her Masters program at NKU she knew she had to return! Sarah and her husband are former foster parents in Indiana where they live and adopted their two children in 2022 and 2023. When she is not working she is travelling, going to Minnesota Vikings or Cincinnati Bearcats games, and spending time with her husband and kids.
Sav Taylor
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2023
Graduated in 2022 from the University of Cincinnati with a Criminal Justice degree and a Law and Legal Studies certificate. Currently working towards an LSW part-time through Cleveland State University. A proud domestic zoo owner of 6 cats and 3 pugs. Loves all things video games and traveling.
Lindsey Halasz
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2023
Cat mom of 2 crazy little guys and Indian food aficionado. I pretty much dip everything in ranch dressing too. I love music and singing. I love my coworkers here at Focus and look forward to my future with this organization!
Mikenlee Bowcock
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2024
A Bengals and Reds fan! A cat owner to a beautiful girl named Linguini. Earned Bachelors of Social Work from Miami University in May of 2024. I was an intern at this organization for a year and secured a spot as a Youth Specialist after graduation. Can’t wait to see what my future holds at this agency!
Brittany Oldfield
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2025
Recently moved back to the area from Eastern TN. Over eight years of being foster parents, had 18 placements and was able to adopt her 14-year-old daughter. Loves helping foster parents work with the system in order to fulfill their own personal calling in the same way.
Madi Pelletier
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2025
The oldest of four girls. Loves to spend free time reading, spending time with family/ friends, or hanging out with dog, Maximus. Also a huge Bengals fan!
Angela Baker
Youth Specialist
Team player since: 2025
Two-time graduate from Bryant & Stratton College, working towards master’s for Child Psychology. Mother of 4, and a Grandmother to one with another grandson on the way. Loves bringing a smile to others face and brightening their day. Enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. Native to Ohio so Bengals and Reds all the way!
Chad Walz
Bridges Liaison
Team player since: 2025
Born and raised in the Chicagoland suburbs; Brings a strong sense of community and connection to everything. Has a deep-rooted passion for helping people, whether through professional work or in everyday interactions. Thrives on building relationships, supporting others, and finding ways to make a positive impact. Outside of work, enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and fueling days with good coffee, pizza, and a great sandwich.
Janette Lowe
Case Assistant
Team player since: 2019
I am a Michigan native -Go Blue! We’ve lived in Ohio for 21 years. All 4 of our children are grown, successful, 3 married (2 grandchildren) and 1 is a Captain in the United States Air Force. We couldn’t be more proud of our kids. Family is #1 priority for me! My husband & I love to travel. It is mostly for his work, but we get some pleasure travel in there too.
Kara Baumer
Case Assistant
Team player since: 2021
Mother of two adult children. Happily married to my husband for 26 yrs. Has been working at Focus for 3 yrs now and it’s my favorite job. I get to be there for all the kids, get to do booths at events and meet so many new people. I can see staying here until I retire.
Lauren Mahoney
Case Assistant
Team player since: 2025
Is working on finishing her social work degree as well as caring for the elderly. When not entertaining any of those things, can be found outside hiking, fishing, and occasionally snowboarding.
Bernadette Komer
Intern
Team player since: 2025
Goes by “B”. Likes playing games, listening to music, and watching shows with friends. Also loves spending time with their cats and dog. Graduated from Miami University in 2025 and is currently in grad school for Social Work.
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters are dedicated to finding permanent families for children in foster care who are most often overlooked. That includes teenagers, children with special needs and siblings.
Leah Weimer, LISW-S
Supervisor
Team player since: 2010
Trauma Responsive Care certified
Started at Focus as a Case Assistant and progressed to a supervisor, now leading the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Program. A true Bengals and Xavier Basketball fan and recent Nascar fanatic. Spends most of her time running around with her three children to sporting events!
Brittaney Englemon
Recruiter
Team player since: 2021
Loves spending time with family. A huge fan of University of Kentucky basketball and University of Michigan football. Finds riding horses, listening to music, and being in the mountains therapeutic. Would love to visit Rome one day.
Rachel Smith
Recruiter
Team player since: 2023
Ohio State University graduate with a BS in Social Work and a Youth Development minor. Loves to travel and be in the mountains, specifically Colorado! Avid reader, movie watcher and tv-show binger; some of my favorites being all MARVEL films, Harry Potter, New Girl, FRIENDS, and Outlander. Enjoys spending time outdoors and being with friends and family.
Bridget Michaels
Recruiter
Team player since: 2024
Bridget has been married for 24 years. She is also a former foster parent and a proud parent of her five adopted kids. She spends most of her free time being her kids’ biggest fan at the soccer field and at their 4-H activities. Any extra time Bridget has, she enjoys crafting: scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, & more.
April Calloway
Recruiter
Team player since: 2025
Born and raised in Cincinnati (Go Reds/Bengals!) and a Xavier University graduate with her Bachelor in Social Work. Interned with FOY and now excited to begin her role as a WWK worker. In her free time, enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing/watching sports, reading a book, going on walks with her dog, and binge-watching TV shows/movies.
D’Marcus Howard
Recruiter
Team player since: 2025
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. Serves as the Worship Pastor at The Well Church Cincinnati, where he combines his passion for God and music to uplift and inspire others. With a heart for youth, has also served as a foster parent, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young people. His dedication to ministry, music, and service continues to drive his work both within the church and the community.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health clinicians are licensed therapists or counselors who specialize in play-therapy and trauma-based therapy approaches.
Tracy Faber, LISW-S, CTRP, ECHMC, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™
Clinical Director
Team player since: 2005
Grew up in Tennessee, near the Smokey Mountains. Loves hiking and camping. Loves playing games and is renowned around the office for being competitive. Grew up with a love and passion for children in foster care as her parents and extended family were foster parents.
Amy Shull, LISW-S, CTRP, Registered Play Therapist™
Clinical Supervisor
Team player since: 2013
Amy has provided behavioral health services since 2010 working with a wide range of clients/needs. When Amy is not working she enjoys being outside, playing soccer, and spending time with her family.
Erin Hutt, LISW-S, CTRP, Registered Play Therapist™
Youth and Family Therapist
Team player since: 2017
Erin has been a therapist with Focus for 7 years with the goal of helping families never feel alone. Though play therapy, children are able to heal and families are able to connect. Lover of walks, bike rides, chocolate, and time with family and friends she is always ready to provide encouragement.
Emma Walker, MSW, LSW, CTRP, ECMHC
Youth and Family Therapist
Team player since: 2020
Emma started as an intern and couldn’t stay away. She attended Miami University for both her undergrad and masters, returning to Focus following graduation to progress from intern to Therapist. She spends most of her days in the sand as she is both a play therapist and sand volleyball lover. Emma also enjoys spending time with friends, traveling and a good morning coffee run with her corgi, Porter.
Cassie Cuhran, MSW, LSW, CTRS-C, ECMHC
Youth and Family Therapist
Team Player since: 2021
Cassie is a New York native and Penn State alum, now enjoying a home in Ohio with her husband and son. She is a lover of reading, manatees, traveling, and chocolate- not necessarily in that order. She is a self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast with a passion for play. Cassie enjoyed being an intern at Focus so much, she came back for more!
Maura Hartmann, MSW, LSW, CTRS-C
Youth and Family Therapist
Team Player since: 2023
Born and raised in Cincinnati. Loves the Bearcats, Bengals, Cyclones, Reds, and FCC. Can be found with her husband playing with their son in her free time. Avid marine life advocate especially sea turtles and sharks. Found her love of play again while interning at Focus.
Kerri McKenna, Ed.D, MSW, LSW
Youth and Family Therapist
Team Player since: 2024
Kerri wanted to be Marine Biologist when she was little, spent 29 years teaching HS and college English, and finally realized what she wanted to be as a grown up: A youth and family therapist. She is a proud supporter of her children, the Cleveland Browns, and musical theater. Kerri can be found reading books, spending time with her family, and enjoying belly laughs with her loved ones.
Lisa Turcott, LSW
Youth and Family Therapist
Team Player since: 2025
Interests include music of all genres, art, literature, getting outdoors, travel, and spending time with her husband, stepchildren, and friends!
Sydney Day, CTRS-C
Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist
Team Player since: 2023
Graduated from University of Kentucky in December 2021. Lived in Cincinnati for 22 years. Loves to be outside, by the water, and with friends. She hopes to one day take her dream vacation to Sydney, Australia. A dog mama to her sweet rescue pup named Willow.
BreAsia Kirkland
Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist
Team Player since: 2025
Graduated from Wittenberg University in 2023 and has years of experience with youth in a variety of settings. Is passionate about creating supportive environments that empower young people to grow and succeed. Enjoys the outdoors, playing guitar, and doing anything creative such as painting and crocheting. Is eager to continue developing her skills and looks forward to growing her career in social work!
Ellen Minzler
Intern
Team Player since: 2025
Graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. They are in their final year of the MSW program at University of Cincinnati and are looking forward to getting out into the field! Lover of cooking, video games, yoga, research and reading.
Training Institute
Our training staff provides quality, trauma-informed, and research-based training to support the well-being of all children.
Pam Halter, LSW
Training Coordinator
Team Player since: 2025
Has been a social worker for twenty years, advocating for youth. Outside of work, hosts floral design workshops, and has created wedding arches and arrangements for other celebrations. Over the past several years, has co-chaired the annual church garage sale and overseen the fall bazaar floral workshops. Celebrated 35 years of marriage this January and when we get the opportunity, we enjoy traveling to see our two adult children in New York and Chicago.
