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Meet the Team
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Board of Directors
Elizabeth Cohen, Co-President
Beth is the owner of Faux Elegance Interiors. She specializes in designing interior spaces & unique paint finsihes.
Kimberly Corral, Co-President
Kimberly Kendall Corral has successfully and aggressively defended a wide range of criminal cases from misdemeanors to capital homicide cases. Kim represents clients at all levels of criminal justice advocacy. This includes investigation, indictment, pre-trial motions practice, trial, direct appeals, post-conviction remedies, jurisdictional appeals, habeas corpus, and wrongful conviction litigation.
Being charged and/or convicted of a crime is certainly one of the most stressful times in a client’s life. A successful outcome requires a tailored and nuanced approach for every case. Upholding a client’s constitutional and procedural rights is complex and time-consuming work. Kim believes that productive client relationships are an essential element to a winning strategy. Kim’s noteworthy track-record in the criminal defense field is built on her genuine passion and her zealous work ethic. She is not blind to the injustice that plagues our legal system but takes immense personal pride in her steadfast work to restore her clients’ rights.
As a result of Kim’s notable trial experience, she has been certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio for appointment as Death Penalty Defense Counsel. Kim is staunchly opposed to the death penalty. In a system so fraught with error there is no rational basis to arm that system with the right to kill. In addition to traditional clients, Kimberly has represented police officers, working for the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council. In that capacity, she represents law enforcement officers investigated for or charged in criminal matters. Kim also occasionally partners with the Ohio Innocence Project to work toward the exoneration of wrongfully incarcerated Ohioans.
Kim believes that every good freedom fighter needs to fight aggressively and persistently. Those two qualities are the things people compliment her or criticize her for most- depending what side they’re on. Kim’s aggression and persistence serve her in her personal life as well. She is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a bicyclist (having ridden across the country, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean), a marathon runner, and an artist. She loves to travel and she has two young daughters who can occasionally be heard singing and shouting in the background during client phone calls.
To note a few of Kim’s recent successes; Kim worked to exonerate Ruel Sailor after he spent fifteen years incarcerated for a murder he did not commit. She was invited to speak at the Cleveland Brown’s Social Justice Summit. Kim was invited to the Oval Office to discuss a client’s pardon with the President of the United States and White House Counsel. She was honored as a Rising Star in 2019 by Super Lawyers and she recently collaborated with HBO star Michael K. Williams and a panel of criminal reform advocates to raise money and awareness about juvenile justice.
Being charged and/or convicted of a crime is certainly one of the most stressful times in a client’s life. A successful outcome requires a tailored and nuanced approach for every case. Upholding a client’s constitutional and procedural rights is complex and time-consuming work. Kim believes that productive client relationships are an essential element to a winning strategy. Kim’s noteworthy track-record in the criminal defense field is built on her genuine passion and her zealous work ethic. She is not blind to the injustice that plagues our legal system but takes immense personal pride in her steadfast work to restore her clients’ rights.
As a result of Kim’s notable trial experience, she has been certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio for appointment as Death Penalty Defense Counsel. Kim is staunchly opposed to the death penalty. In a system so fraught with error there is no rational basis to arm that system with the right to kill. In addition to traditional clients, Kimberly has represented police officers, working for the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council. In that capacity, she represents law enforcement officers investigated for or charged in criminal matters. Kim also occasionally partners with the Ohio Innocence Project to work toward the exoneration of wrongfully incarcerated Ohioans.
Kim believes that every good freedom fighter needs to fight aggressively and persistently. Those two qualities are the things people compliment her or criticize her for most- depending what side they’re on. Kim’s aggression and persistence serve her in her personal life as well. She is a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a bicyclist (having ridden across the country, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean), a marathon runner, and an artist. She loves to travel and she has two young daughters who can occasionally be heard singing and shouting in the background during client phone calls.
To note a few of Kim’s recent successes; Kim worked to exonerate Ruel Sailor after he spent fifteen years incarcerated for a murder he did not commit. She was invited to speak at the Cleveland Brown’s Social Justice Summit. Kim was invited to the Oval Office to discuss a client’s pardon with the President of the United States and White House Counsel. She was honored as a Rising Star in 2019 by Super Lawyers and she recently collaborated with HBO star Michael K. Williams and a panel of criminal reform advocates to raise money and awareness about juvenile justice.
Carol Roe, Vice President
Carol A. Roe JD, MSN, RN - Carol obtained an MSN from Case Western Reserve University and a JD from Cleveland State University. She is retired from the Centers for Dialysis Care of Shaker Heights,
Ohio as Director of Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management. Carol's career has encompassed the
roles of staff nurse in both acute and long term care as well nursing administrator and educator.
Additionally, as a lobbyist for the Ohio Nurses Association, she advocated the profession's views to the
Ohio General Assembly. She was one of the architects of legislation which resulted in the recognition of
advanced practice nurses in Ohio. As public affairs consultant for the Ohio Board of Nursing, she advised
the Ohio General Assembly about the impact of legislation on nursing regulation and drafted many of the
first rules related to advanced practice nursing in Ohio. She was the first editor of the Ohio Board of
Nursing's newsletter to licensees. She has published in the areas of nursing law and professional
issues. Her presentations in the renal community have focused on enhancing the safety and quality of
care for patients undergoing dialysis.
Ohio as Director of Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management. Carol's career has encompassed the
roles of staff nurse in both acute and long term care as well nursing administrator and educator.
Additionally, as a lobbyist for the Ohio Nurses Association, she advocated the profession's views to the
Ohio General Assembly. She was one of the architects of legislation which resulted in the recognition of
advanced practice nurses in Ohio. As public affairs consultant for the Ohio Board of Nursing, she advised
the Ohio General Assembly about the impact of legislation on nursing regulation and drafted many of the
first rules related to advanced practice nursing in Ohio. She was the first editor of the Ohio Board of
Nursing's newsletter to licensees. She has published in the areas of nursing law and professional
issues. Her presentations in the renal community have focused on enhancing the safety and quality of
care for patients undergoing dialysis.
Bruce Downie, Treasurer
He is CPA serving primarily small businesses and their owners with finacial services, income tax complience & planning and general business advisory services.
Michelle Bell
Michelle Bell, MBA is a leader, educator and woman of faith. She has an MBA with distinction in Accounting and Project Management. Michelle is highly successful in inspiring excellence from others, and her extensive leadership experience spans several civic and business entities at the local, regional and national levels.
Michelle achieved Senior Manager status with the federal government, IRS, prior to retirement. She has received multiple leadership awards and recognitions including nominations for the prestigious IRS Commissioner’s Award; Manager of the Year; Director’s Choice Award; as well as well Territory of the Year recognition.
Michelle is the founder and CEO of M-PAC Cleveland. M-PAC Cleveland is a non-profit collaboration of individuals and families who are surviving a murder loss new normal and supporters. M-PAC Cleveland is vigilant in prayer and action for justice on all loss of life crimes, ending gun violence and social injustice.
M-PAC Cleveland is a leader in the effort to unite community activists to address the gun violence crisis in Cleveland. To date, over 20 individuals and organizations have connected.
Michelle models servant leadership, and when called upon, she responds, “how can I help.” Her steadfast belief that “knowledge is power” drives her passion for teaching. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Bryant & Stratton College.
Michelle’s memberships and associations include board member Stop the Pain, Inc.; Together We Rise; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Delta Mu Delta, national business honor society; Moms Demand Action; and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Michelle’s perspective viewpoint, the glass is half full and her motto, do unto others as would have them do unto you, drives her life’s work.
Michelle achieved Senior Manager status with the federal government, IRS, prior to retirement. She has received multiple leadership awards and recognitions including nominations for the prestigious IRS Commissioner’s Award; Manager of the Year; Director’s Choice Award; as well as well Territory of the Year recognition.
Michelle is the founder and CEO of M-PAC Cleveland. M-PAC Cleveland is a non-profit collaboration of individuals and families who are surviving a murder loss new normal and supporters. M-PAC Cleveland is vigilant in prayer and action for justice on all loss of life crimes, ending gun violence and social injustice.
M-PAC Cleveland is a leader in the effort to unite community activists to address the gun violence crisis in Cleveland. To date, over 20 individuals and organizations have connected.
Michelle models servant leadership, and when called upon, she responds, “how can I help.” Her steadfast belief that “knowledge is power” drives her passion for teaching. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Bryant & Stratton College.
Michelle’s memberships and associations include board member Stop the Pain, Inc.; Together We Rise; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc; Delta Mu Delta, national business honor society; Moms Demand Action; and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Michelle’s perspective viewpoint, the glass is half full and her motto, do unto others as would have them do unto you, drives her life’s work.
Michael P. Donnelly
Justice Michael P. Donnelly is the 160th justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio. He took office in January 2019, following his statewide election in November 2018 to a full term on the Court.
Prior to joining the state Court, Justice Donnelly served as a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division for 14 years. He was elected to the seat in November 2004 and re-elected in 2010 and 2016. In addition, from 2010 to 2017, he was one of five judges on Cuyahoga County’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Court, which oversees criminal cases involving defendants who suffer from severe mental illness or developmental disabilities.
Before serving as a member of the local judiciary, Justice Donnelly was an assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor from 1992 until 1997. He then went on to practice civil litigation for seven years, first practicing at an insurance-defense firm, and later joining a firm where he represented injured workers and other plaintiffs in asbestos litigation, personal injury lawsuits, and workers’ compensation claims.
Justice Donnelly served on the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism from 2007 to 2012 and chaired the Commission during his final year. During his tenure on the Commission on Professionalism, he helped establish the highly successful Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, which has received national accolades. He also spent more than a decade personally mentoring new lawyers.
In 2011, Justice Donnelly was one of two Ohio judges invited to participate in a two-year program created by the National Judicial College as part of their “Innovative Leadership Skills for Leader-Manager Judges Project,” which aimed to empower future judicial leaders across the United States to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Justice Donnelly has also been a faculty member of the Ohio Judicial College, teaching both attorneys and judges at numerous continuing-legal-education seminars on professionalism and issues of criminal and civil justice reform and procedural fairness.
Justice Donnelly has served as a member of both the Ohio State Board of Bar Examiners and the Ohio Jury Instruction Committee. He was appointed by the chief justice to the Ohio Supreme Court Death Penalty Task Force in 2013, and he currently serves as the Ohio Supreme Court’s liaison to the Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Post-Conviction review.
Justice Donnelly is a proud recipient of the 2015 Honorable William K. Thomas Professionalism Award from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the 2017 Public Service Award from the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, and the 2020 Alumni of the Year Award from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He was inducted into Cleveland Marshall College of Law Hall of Fame in 2020.
Justice Donnelly serves on the board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation, which provides baseball and softball summer programs at no charge to children living in lower-income areas of Cleveland and East Cleveland. He also was involved with the development of the Western Reserve Fire Museum, which educates children about fire safety.
He is a graduate of Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University, and he received his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio in 1992.
He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Cleveland Heights. They have two children.
Prior to joining the state Court, Justice Donnelly served as a judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, General Division for 14 years. He was elected to the seat in November 2004 and re-elected in 2010 and 2016. In addition, from 2010 to 2017, he was one of five judges on Cuyahoga County’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Court, which oversees criminal cases involving defendants who suffer from severe mental illness or developmental disabilities.
Before serving as a member of the local judiciary, Justice Donnelly was an assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor from 1992 until 1997. He then went on to practice civil litigation for seven years, first practicing at an insurance-defense firm, and later joining a firm where he represented injured workers and other plaintiffs in asbestos litigation, personal injury lawsuits, and workers’ compensation claims.
Justice Donnelly served on the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Professionalism from 2007 to 2012 and chaired the Commission during his final year. During his tenure on the Commission on Professionalism, he helped establish the highly successful Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, which has received national accolades. He also spent more than a decade personally mentoring new lawyers.
In 2011, Justice Donnelly was one of two Ohio judges invited to participate in a two-year program created by the National Judicial College as part of their “Innovative Leadership Skills for Leader-Manager Judges Project,” which aimed to empower future judicial leaders across the United States to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Justice Donnelly has also been a faculty member of the Ohio Judicial College, teaching both attorneys and judges at numerous continuing-legal-education seminars on professionalism and issues of criminal and civil justice reform and procedural fairness.
Justice Donnelly has served as a member of both the Ohio State Board of Bar Examiners and the Ohio Jury Instruction Committee. He was appointed by the chief justice to the Ohio Supreme Court Death Penalty Task Force in 2013, and he currently serves as the Ohio Supreme Court’s liaison to the Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Post-Conviction review.
Justice Donnelly is a proud recipient of the 2015 Honorable William K. Thomas Professionalism Award from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the 2017 Public Service Award from the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, and the 2020 Alumni of the Year Award from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He was inducted into Cleveland Marshall College of Law Hall of Fame in 2020.
Justice Donnelly serves on the board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation, which provides baseball and softball summer programs at no charge to children living in lower-income areas of Cleveland and East Cleveland. He also was involved with the development of the Western Reserve Fire Museum, which educates children about fire safety.
He is a graduate of Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University, and he received his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio in 1992.
He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Cleveland Heights. They have two children.
John Heinert
Dwight Milko
He is CEO & owner of RE/MAX Traditions located in Beachwood, Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Mentor, and Streetsboro. He also is COO & co-owner of MOTTO Mortgage NEO.
Sharena Zayed
On the morning of March 30th 2020 Sharena’s dear son lost his life to senseless gun violence. Her son Amir Bradley was only 15 years old. She was devastated to say the least. Sharena’s strength and perseverance shined through after the tragedy as she channeled her feelings of grief and made it her mission to serve others in his memory. Preventing further violence, improving quality of life and spreading knowledge was been her mission since. Sharena began her journey of healing by helping other mothers, networking, coordinating events, program development, providing community outreach and advocacy.
She was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio where she currently resides. Sharena has worked in the health care as well as the mental health community, within various roles for the past 15 years, being a Qualified Behavior Health Specialist for the past 5 years. This experience helped her develop a strong sense of devotion to service in her community. Losing Amir gave her passion, making the work personal. Sharena appreciates the opportunity she has been given to improve our neighborhood, and to help kids like Amir live safe healthy lives in the city she loves. It’s her highest belief that art, education and civic engagement are key factors in strengthening our communities. Sharena spends most of her time socializing with friends, having fun with her surviving 2 teenage children, staying active biking, walking and having the occasional TV show binge.
She was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio where she currently resides. Sharena has worked in the health care as well as the mental health community, within various roles for the past 15 years, being a Qualified Behavior Health Specialist for the past 5 years. This experience helped her develop a strong sense of devotion to service in her community. Losing Amir gave her passion, making the work personal. Sharena appreciates the opportunity she has been given to improve our neighborhood, and to help kids like Amir live safe healthy lives in the city she loves. It’s her highest belief that art, education and civic engagement are key factors in strengthening our communities. Sharena spends most of her time socializing with friends, having fun with her surviving 2 teenage children, staying active biking, walking and having the occasional TV show binge.
Board member emeritus
Joan Brown Campbell
Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell is an ordained minister in 2 Christian denominations and the American Baptist Church. She is devoted to international peace and justice.
Stephen Thomas
Steve is the founder of Chagrin Arts and a Chagrin Falls attorney who divides his practice between negligence, business litigation, transactional business, and estate planning.