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.
Beth Rutkowski, Co-President
Beth has served as Genral Manager for Groundworks Dance Theater since 2011. Prior to that she was Managing Director of the Tri-C JazzFest as well as Education Director at the Beck Center for the Arts.
Linda Marabito, Vice-President
Linda is a retired psychiatric nurse. She volunteers at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre preforming stage management.
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.
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.
Kimberly Corral
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.
Meghan Grover
Meghan Grover is thrilled to join the Chagrin Arts Board! She graduated from West Geauga High School and the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy in 2012. She is now Brooklyn-based and works as a teaching artist, performer, and director. Meghan is the co-creator and facilitator of ‘Devising Our Future,’ a program that makes original theater with high school students to look critically at the world they want to create. Meghan is the co-creator and facilitator of the ‘Defrost Project,’ which makes community-based work in rural Minnesota. Meghan loves creating and performing process dramas for people of all ages too (process dramas are like "Social Justice Dungeons and Dragons"). She's also an actor and her favorite roles include Thomasina in Arcadia with the Mamai Theatre Company, Jasmine in Earthquakes in London at the Guthrie Theater, and a Sister/Witch in Macbeth at Shakespeare on the Sound. Meghan has worked with Lincoln Center Education, CAT Youth Theatre, Girls Leadership, Park Avenue Youth Theater, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, NYC Children’s Theater, Bluelaces Theater Company, AMIOS, Hook & Eye Theater Company, and more. She graduated from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program and is currently getting her MA in Applied Theatre at CUNY.
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.
Thomas Mohorcic
Tom is the Vice President/Branch Manager of Huntington Bank in Chagrin Falls. He is a finacial service leader with 25+ years of experience in management and sales with brokerage & retail banking.
Dora Pruce
Dora is a Partner at Capitol Partners, an executive and legislative state government lobbying and consulting firm specializing in political grassroots organizing and public relations services. The team at Capitol Partners helps our clients leverage relationships, experience and strategic insights to achieve our clients’ desired outcomes with our bipartisan relationships across all levels of government. She has been with the team at Capitol Partners since 2016.
Since 2008, Dora served as the Director of Government Relations at John Carroll University (JCU), managing direct advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. She also managed oversight of the NBC/JCU Meet the Press fellowship in honor of alumnus Tim Russert ’72 during her time there.
Previous to her higher education experience, Dora served in the United States Senate for the late U.S. Senator George Voinovich as the District Director for the Cleveland office. In this capacity, she served as the primary liaison to the Senator in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties. She also represented the business community at the state and federal levels as the Director of Government Affairs at the Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE, and started her career in the Ohio Statehouse working for State Representative Kerry Metzger and as Legislative Liaison at the Ohio Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services.
Dora holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of Wooster. She resides with her family in Chagrin Falls.
Since 2008, Dora served as the Director of Government Relations at John Carroll University (JCU), managing direct advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. She also managed oversight of the NBC/JCU Meet the Press fellowship in honor of alumnus Tim Russert ’72 during her time there.
Previous to her higher education experience, Dora served in the United States Senate for the late U.S. Senator George Voinovich as the District Director for the Cleveland office. In this capacity, she served as the primary liaison to the Senator in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain Counties. She also represented the business community at the state and federal levels as the Director of Government Affairs at the Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE, and started her career in the Ohio Statehouse working for State Representative Kerry Metzger and as Legislative Liaison at the Ohio Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services.
Dora holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of Wooster. She resides with her family in Chagrin Falls.
Marilyn Wise
Marilyn Wise is presently a resident of Bentleyville and has returned to Chagrin after 15 years. Marilyn and her husband Robert Chalfant had previously lived in the University Circle area. Having raised 3 children, sponsored 2 foreign exchange students and made many wonderful friends in Chagrin she wishes once again to be involved in the community and finds Chagrin Arts to be a perfect blend of her values and advocacy interests. Marilyn has been a licensed professional counselor, and licensed chemical dependency counselor in private practice with a focus on trauma informed therapy. She was also the intake supervisor and fundraising volunteer for Edwins Restaurant and Leadership Institute. Her involvement in organizations through the years also includes Bellflower House for Prevention of Child Abuse, Family Health Association, The Gathering Place, Cleveland Sign Stage Theater, The Front Porch in Glenville, Insight Learning and Wellness Center,Humanistic Counseling Association and Rally for Justice. Marilyn has also been a strong supporter of democratic party election campaigns, and marched in DC 4 times in the last 5 years for environmental causes.
Sherna 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.
Advisory BOARD
Lauren Calig
Lauren Calig, Laurel School’s Director of Multicultural Curriculum and Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion from the University of Colorado’s Matrix Center and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. She has published articles in DiversityIS, Independent School Magazine, Your Child, and WellSchooled and was a contributing author in Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls (Corwin Publishing, 2021). Lauren has presented at The White Privilege Conference, National Association of Independent Schools, and the National Coalition of Girls' Schools. She is a facilitator for discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion, parenting, and race. At Laurel School, she has the honor of writing curriculum and working in all areas of the school with students, faculty, parents, staff, and the Board.
Mario Clopton-Zymler
Mario Clopton-Zymler is a charismatic and dedicated leader who has spent his career advocating for social justice and equity as teacher, community organizer, and policy maker. He received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from California State University, Los Angeles and earned his Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education with Honors from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. In 2020, he completed his coursework for Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Ohio University. His research focus includes educational equity policies and practices including the impact of school choice programs on the experiences of suburban school districts, and leadership structures in education.
Mario currently serves as Director of Choirs at Shaker Heights High School, in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee with the mission of advancing racial equity and anti-racism policies and practices within OMEA. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Verb Ballets and Larchmere Porchfest.
His past service to the community is themed around social justice, Black and LGBTQ+ liberation as well as dedication to the human experience. Mario is an Obama for America 2008 alumni having worked as a primary and general election field organizer across the country. In 2015, he was appointed to a four-year term on the Cleveland Community Police Commission, an advisory group created by consent decree that recommends policies centered around ending unconstitutional policing and improving community-police relations in Cleveland. In music education, Mario has served as an OMEA District President, District Honor Choir, and All-State Choir Chair and has served on the Ohio Department of Education Music Curriculum Revision Working Group. Mario has crafted, moderated and served as a panelist in workshops and seminars focused around LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, the Black experience in music education, how best to support trans students, as well as community-police relations, bias-free policing and youth/police interactions. On top of his service, Mario also continues to practice his art performing as a baritone vocalist, while also dedicating time to conducting choral ensembles.
He currently resides in Cleveland Heights, Ohio with his husband, Ryan and their dog, Bowser.
Mario currently serves as Director of Choirs at Shaker Heights High School, in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee with the mission of advancing racial equity and anti-racism policies and practices within OMEA. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Verb Ballets and Larchmere Porchfest.
His past service to the community is themed around social justice, Black and LGBTQ+ liberation as well as dedication to the human experience. Mario is an Obama for America 2008 alumni having worked as a primary and general election field organizer across the country. In 2015, he was appointed to a four-year term on the Cleveland Community Police Commission, an advisory group created by consent decree that recommends policies centered around ending unconstitutional policing and improving community-police relations in Cleveland. In music education, Mario has served as an OMEA District President, District Honor Choir, and All-State Choir Chair and has served on the Ohio Department of Education Music Curriculum Revision Working Group. Mario has crafted, moderated and served as a panelist in workshops and seminars focused around LGBTQ+ Inclusivity, the Black experience in music education, how best to support trans students, as well as community-police relations, bias-free policing and youth/police interactions. On top of his service, Mario also continues to practice his art performing as a baritone vocalist, while also dedicating time to conducting choral ensembles.
He currently resides in Cleveland Heights, Ohio with his husband, Ryan and their dog, Bowser.
Marla Berg
Marla Berg, soprano, is a versatile performer, appearing in recital, concert, opera and musical theater. In concert she has appeared with The Cleveland Orchestra, the American Composers Orchestra in her Carnegie Hall debut, the Denver Chamber Symphony, the Rockford Symphony and the Ohio Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Berg is the Director of the Kent State Opera Program. She also is currently Associate Professor of Voice and Director of the Opera Program at Kent State University.
Camille P. Davis
Camille P. Davis is a native and lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio. She attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Firestone High School of Visual and Performing Arts in 2001. She attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English with emphasis in Creative Writing. Camille cares for her community and her church and wants the best for them. She is a lifelong member of Arlington Church of God where she has served in many capacities over the years, including the Children’s and Youth Ministry, as a Youth and Adult Usher, member of multiple choirs and Praise Team, and currently serves as a member of the ACOG Leadership Council for the past 4 years. Camille is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she remains involved in enhancing the community by serving on several committees within the sorority. Since 2007, she has been employed at the Summit County Board of Elections as Registration Clerk, where she works hands on with the county’s election process, including being heavily involved in the last four presidential elections. Camille is appreciative and thankful for her parents and extended family and friends for their continued encouragement and support.
Patricia Haynish
Patricia is a former Music Department Chairperson as well as a General/Vocal Music Teacher for Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools. She is currently a Musical Theatre Director for Chagrin Community Education and other theatre groups.
Dr. Daniela Jauk
Daniela Jauk, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor for Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Akron, Ohio. She received a Masters in Sociology from the University of Graz in her home country Austria after working in feminist social work and being elected Independent Women Representative of the City Council of Graz, Austria. She completed her doctoral work in Sociology as a Fulbright student at the University of Akron/OH in 2013, specializing in Qualitative Research Methodologies and Sociology of Deviance and Gender Studies with a dissertation on the social construction of gender equality policy in the United Nations.
She fell in love not only with Akron, but also with the father of her wild and wonderful daughter Amani (7) and has returned to the area permanently in 2017 to live with her family after holding a position as assistant professor at the University of Graz, Austria from 2015 to 2017. Her entry into criminal justice work was the work as research specialist for Oriana House Inc. where she gained in depth experience with corrections research, mixed methods research projects, and grant writing. She helped establish a pilot project for women to introduce and assess the potential of horticultural therapy in community corrections and continues research in this area.
Daniela is passionate faculty mentor of the Ohio Innocence Project student organization she initiated at the University of Akron campus and intrigued by the power of art in fostering social justice and an inclusive, sustainable, and open society for all sentient beings.
She fell in love not only with Akron, but also with the father of her wild and wonderful daughter Amani (7) and has returned to the area permanently in 2017 to live with her family after holding a position as assistant professor at the University of Graz, Austria from 2015 to 2017. Her entry into criminal justice work was the work as research specialist for Oriana House Inc. where she gained in depth experience with corrections research, mixed methods research projects, and grant writing. She helped establish a pilot project for women to introduce and assess the potential of horticultural therapy in community corrections and continues research in this area.
Daniela is passionate faculty mentor of the Ohio Innocence Project student organization she initiated at the University of Akron campus and intrigued by the power of art in fostering social justice and an inclusive, sustainable, and open society for all sentient beings.
Gamze Konal
Gamze Konal is originally from Istanbul, Turkey. She first came to US as a foreign exchange student through AFS and lived in Chagrin Falls. She has lived in the Cleveland area over 20 years. Currently she works at Nestle as a Senior Marketing Manager responsible for various brands in food service segment. She holds a BSc in Chemistry from Bogazici University in Istanbul and MBA from Ohio University. Her involvement in organizations include AFS, MedWish, InterAct Cleveland. Gamze resides in Twinsburg with her husband and two young children. In her free time, she likes spending time with her children, family, and friends, taking walks, reading, and traveling. Gamze is passionate about art, social justice, and diversity & inclusion. She is excited to contribute to Chagrin Arts.
Heather Pederson
Heather first learned she had a passion for helping others at a young age. She spent a good part of her summers helping her mother take care of her elderly grandmother and volunteering at the local animal shelters. This is where Heather learned the power of a smile and a kind act. Her professional career started with a variety of different customer service jobs that started with being an associate at the Gap and completed as the lead associate at Nature’s Bin. She then moved into the hospitality world working at acclaimed restaurants in Cleveland and Chicago doing kitchen prep and baking and eventually managed a successful coffee shop for more than four years where she earned awards in various barista art competitions.
After working in management, Heather decided to pursue her dream of helping the underprivileged learn about the arts. She currently attends Cleveland State University and is pursuing her BA in psychology with a minor in art therapy.
Heather first heard about EDWINS because of her own “break” that she received in life. Upon researching EDWINS she fell in love with Mission and has since dedicated herself to helping others who are in similar situations to what she was in with their barriers and pursuing their personal goals. She started working at EDWINS in May of 2014 and is proud to be apart of the EDWINS family and help so many get a fair and equal second chance.
In her free time, you can find Heather cultivating her herb garden, baking, reinventing traditional recipes for family dinners, writing, or enjoying the local scenery in the Metroparks.
If you are interested in applying to the EDWINS Program or have any questions with regards to programming, please feel free to contact Heather at heather@edwinsrestaurant.org
After working in management, Heather decided to pursue her dream of helping the underprivileged learn about the arts. She currently attends Cleveland State University and is pursuing her BA in psychology with a minor in art therapy.
Heather first heard about EDWINS because of her own “break” that she received in life. Upon researching EDWINS she fell in love with Mission and has since dedicated herself to helping others who are in similar situations to what she was in with their barriers and pursuing their personal goals. She started working at EDWINS in May of 2014 and is proud to be apart of the EDWINS family and help so many get a fair and equal second chance.
In her free time, you can find Heather cultivating her herb garden, baking, reinventing traditional recipes for family dinners, writing, or enjoying the local scenery in the Metroparks.
If you are interested in applying to the EDWINS Program or have any questions with regards to programming, please feel free to contact Heather at heather@edwinsrestaurant.org
Pierce Reed
Pierce is a summa cum laude graduate of Ohio University (A.B., psychology), and Northeastern University School of Law.
Prior to law school, Pierce worked at Boston Children’s Hospital in child abuse programs, and in specialized domestic violence and civil rights units for the Norfolk County (MA) District Attorney’s Office.
Immediately after law school, Pierce served as a graduate fellow funded by the Echoing Green Foundation, performing policy and litigation work. He was honored for outstanding legal advocacy by the Multicultural AIDS Coalition in Boston.
After his fellowship, Pierce was in private practice with two Boston firms before becoming a career law clerk to former United States Magistrate Judge Joyce London Alexander Ford, one of the first African-American women to serve in the federal judiciary. He then served more than a decade as senior judicial attorney to Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court.
Pierce was an active Board member and treasurer of the Trustees for the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. He also served in various leadership capacities, including president and board member of the Columbus Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society, which honored him for his mentoring of law students and new attorneys.
Pierce now serves as the program director for policy, legislation and education for the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, which is dedicated to investigating claims of wrongful imprisonment and the exoneration of people who are imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. Pierce has led successful legislative campaigns at the Ohio Statehouse and oversees OIP’s policy reform and professional, community, and campus-based education initiatives.
Prior to law school, Pierce worked at Boston Children’s Hospital in child abuse programs, and in specialized domestic violence and civil rights units for the Norfolk County (MA) District Attorney’s Office.
Immediately after law school, Pierce served as a graduate fellow funded by the Echoing Green Foundation, performing policy and litigation work. He was honored for outstanding legal advocacy by the Multicultural AIDS Coalition in Boston.
After his fellowship, Pierce was in private practice with two Boston firms before becoming a career law clerk to former United States Magistrate Judge Joyce London Alexander Ford, one of the first African-American women to serve in the federal judiciary. He then served more than a decade as senior judicial attorney to Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court.
Pierce was an active Board member and treasurer of the Trustees for the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. He also served in various leadership capacities, including president and board member of the Columbus Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society, which honored him for his mentoring of law students and new attorneys.
Pierce now serves as the program director for policy, legislation and education for the Ohio Innocence Project at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, which is dedicated to investigating claims of wrongful imprisonment and the exoneration of people who are imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. Pierce has led successful legislative campaigns at the Ohio Statehouse and oversees OIP’s policy reform and professional, community, and campus-based education initiatives.
Dr. Sara Schiavoni
Julia Shonberg
Julia (she/her/hers) is a NY based actor, theatre artist and facilitator originally from Pepper Pike, Ohio. She graduated from Boston University's School of Theatre with a BFA in Theatre Arts, studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has trained with Double Edge Theatre Company in physical theatre. Over the past decade, Julia has trained and worked with The Boston Center for American Performance, New Repertory Theatre, The Barrow Group, Houses on the Moon, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Superhero Clubhouse, Current Harbor, Writopia Lab, River’s Edge Theatre Co. and Columbia Stages. Julia is a Core Company Member and Founder of The Neighborhood Theatre Project, a theatre company creating original, verbatim theatre through a process rooted in interviews and conversations. Currently, Julia is working toward her MA in Applied Theatre at CUNY School of Professional Studies. juliaschonberg.com | theneighborhoodtheatreproject.org
Barrick Stees
Barrick Stees, Bassoon is the Assistant Principal Bassoonist of the Cleveland Orchestra and Instructor of Bassoon at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Kent/Blossom Music. Stees received a bachelor's degree and performer’s certificate from the Eastman School of Music where he studied with K. David Van Hoesen.
He has concertized extensively in Europe, South America and Asia, including a solo tour of Hong Kong and China. He has appeared at international music festivals in Italy, Germany, Argentina, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. He has given recitals throughout the United States. Solo appearances include performances with the Hartford Symphony, the South Bend Symphony, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Cass City Bach Festival.
Awarded the Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award from the United States Secretary of Education, he has taught at Michigan State University, the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Brevard Music Center and the University of Akron. His former students occupy prominent positions in orchestras and universities throughout the United States.
He was previously Principal Bassoonist with the Hartford Symphony and has played with the Pittsburgh and Detroit Symphony Orchestras as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has recorded three solo CDs, The Romantic Bassoon, Opera Transcriptions and Paraphrases, and Nostalgica. His website, www.steesbassoon.com, and blog, BarryBlogs, contain a wealth of information for bassoonists.
Barry is a member of the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, OH. He is a leader of the church's Social Justice Advocacy Ministry. Certified as a trained facilitator in the UCC's Sacred Conversations to End Racism, he facilitates engaging and challenging discussions on Restorative Racial Justice with many groups.
He has concertized extensively in Europe, South America and Asia, including a solo tour of Hong Kong and China. He has appeared at international music festivals in Italy, Germany, Argentina, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. He has given recitals throughout the United States. Solo appearances include performances with the Hartford Symphony, the South Bend Symphony, the Brevard Music Center Orchestra and the Cass City Bach Festival.
Awarded the Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award from the United States Secretary of Education, he has taught at Michigan State University, the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Interlochen Arts Academy, the Brevard Music Center and the University of Akron. His former students occupy prominent positions in orchestras and universities throughout the United States.
He was previously Principal Bassoonist with the Hartford Symphony and has played with the Pittsburgh and Detroit Symphony Orchestras as well as the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has recorded three solo CDs, The Romantic Bassoon, Opera Transcriptions and Paraphrases, and Nostalgica. His website, www.steesbassoon.com, and blog, BarryBlogs, contain a wealth of information for bassoonists.
Barry is a member of the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, OH. He is a leader of the church's Social Justice Advocacy Ministry. Certified as a trained facilitator in the UCC's Sacred Conversations to End Racism, he facilitates engaging and challenging discussions on Restorative Racial Justice with many groups.
Raymond Towler
Raymond Towler is a Artist and Musician, self taught. A Exoneree since May, 2010. Advocate of Freedom and Peace. Band Leader of The Exoneree Band and The Lydian Jazz Band. President of X-Freedom Housing Group.
Chase Tuller
Chase Tuller is 16 years old an active social justice activist. He is currently President of the Class of 2023 at Kenston High School. He is also president and founder of Rally For Justice a nonprofit organization that focuses on spreading community involvement for social change. In addition, Chase serves as the Vice President of Geauga Bipartisan Advancements, a nonprofit that strives to encourage political bipartisanship. On top of these community involvements, Chase is committed to several extracurriculars at his high school including debate, mock trials, track & field, student leadership council, political action committee, interact, diversity club, and student voices for social justice. Chase is eager to be a part of Chagrin Arts because he wants to help spark creative ideas that can be used to spread messages of political activism and social justice causes.
Honorary Board members
Larry Blaustein
Larry is a retired product inventor living in Chagrin Falls.
Jeanette Grasselli Brown
She is retired Director of Corporate Research at BPAmerica. She also served/chaired on Ohio Board of Regents. She serves on the boards of Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Water Alliance, and more.
Jeffrey Grover
Jeff was a resident of the Chagrin Valley area for a number of years. His older children attended Orange Schools, and his younger children attended West Geauga Schools. While Jeff lives primarily in New York City, he still maintains close ties to the Greater Cleveland community, and is particularly pleased to renew his ties with Chagrin Arts and an Honorary Board Member.
Jeff served as a member of the Chagrin Arts Board for several years, chairing what was known as the Arts Roundtable. This coincided with his tenure as Board President of the Fairmount Center for the Arts.
Jeff was a co-owner and Executive Vice President of the National Paper and Packaging Company, which was purchased by SupplyONE in 1999. This enabled him to go into private consulting, focused on privately held business and generational change. And in particular, renewed his ability to focus on his work in the performing arts on a full-time basis.
Jeff has worked as a professional actor for over two decades, an active member of Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA, the professional guilds representing professional actors in the theater, film, television and commercial industry. He also has produced several short films along with his partners at g2h films, focused on socially relevant issues and social change.
He has had a particular skill in producing, and often creating collaborative artistic work from the film and theatrical mediums with organizations whose focus is on a specific area of service or cause. These have included collaborations with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, HRC, Cleveland Play House, Recovery Resources, Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, among many others.
Jeff has been in over 40 films, with a particular interest in areas of social justice, human rights advocacy, sexual and gender equality, racial equity, above all focused on enabling greater empathy and understanding among people from all walks of life. Recent and noteworthy feature films include "Dark Waters," "Cherry," "Two Cents From a Pariah," "Compliance," "Take Shelter," among others. He has worked in most Cleveland area theaters, including the Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater, Beck Center, Cleveland Public Theater, Dobama, Ensemble Theater, Halle/JCC, and nonetoofragile.
He has served as a board member or officer on several non-profit and for profit boards, including Bellefaire/Jewish Children's Bureau, Jewish Family Service Association, Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Cleveland Play House, Dobama, HELP-Six Chimneys, Fairmount Center, Chagrin Arts, Medical Service Companies, National Paper Trade Association, among others.
Jeff is the father of four, grandfather of two, and has a love of animals of all stripes and colors.
Jeff served as a member of the Chagrin Arts Board for several years, chairing what was known as the Arts Roundtable. This coincided with his tenure as Board President of the Fairmount Center for the Arts.
Jeff was a co-owner and Executive Vice President of the National Paper and Packaging Company, which was purchased by SupplyONE in 1999. This enabled him to go into private consulting, focused on privately held business and generational change. And in particular, renewed his ability to focus on his work in the performing arts on a full-time basis.
Jeff has worked as a professional actor for over two decades, an active member of Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA, the professional guilds representing professional actors in the theater, film, television and commercial industry. He also has produced several short films along with his partners at g2h films, focused on socially relevant issues and social change.
He has had a particular skill in producing, and often creating collaborative artistic work from the film and theatrical mediums with organizations whose focus is on a specific area of service or cause. These have included collaborations with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, HRC, Cleveland Play House, Recovery Resources, Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, among many others.
Jeff has been in over 40 films, with a particular interest in areas of social justice, human rights advocacy, sexual and gender equality, racial equity, above all focused on enabling greater empathy and understanding among people from all walks of life. Recent and noteworthy feature films include "Dark Waters," "Cherry," "Two Cents From a Pariah," "Compliance," "Take Shelter," among others. He has worked in most Cleveland area theaters, including the Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater, Beck Center, Cleveland Public Theater, Dobama, Ensemble Theater, Halle/JCC, and nonetoofragile.
He has served as a board member or officer on several non-profit and for profit boards, including Bellefaire/Jewish Children's Bureau, Jewish Family Service Association, Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Cleveland Play House, Dobama, HELP-Six Chimneys, Fairmount Center, Chagrin Arts, Medical Service Companies, National Paper Trade Association, among others.
Jeff is the father of four, grandfather of two, and has a love of animals of all stripes and colors.
Robert Halliday
Christian Hunter
Vince Menti
Vince is the owner of Family Learning Center for Music and NorthEast Ohio Band Instrument Repair in Twinsburg, OH.
Tom Neff
Liz O'Neil
Ann Singer
Philip A. Wenk
Philip is Co-Founder & Trustee of Wenk Foundation in Cleveland, OH.
Stephen Thomas
Steve is the founder of Chagrin Arts and a Chagrin Falls attorney who divides his practice between negligence, business litigation, transactional buisness, and estate planning.
STAFF
Karen Prasser, Executive Director
Karen is both a musician and arts administrator. She is the Executive Director of Chagrin Arts and also a collaborative pianist at Kent State University – The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music. In addition, Karen is the music director at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Solon, Ohio, a position she has held for 11 years. Her extensive experience in arts administration and management includes serving as Executive Director of Summit Choral Society, Solon Center for the Arts and The Children’s Museum of Cleveland, and marketing director at Cleveland Ballet, Great Lakes Theatre Festival and the Wheeling Symphony. However, Karen is first and foremost a musician. She has served as pianist and conductor for opera and ballet companies including Michigan Opera Theater, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Fort Worth Opera, Dallas Opera, Western Opera Theatre, Lake George Opera Festival, Artpark, Orlando Opera Company, Augusta Opera, New Orleans Opera, Skylight Comic Opera, Richmond Ballet and the Edinburgh International Music Festival. Karen earned her Master of Music in piano accompanying from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and her Bachelor of Music in both piano and voice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Megan Mingus, Assistant to Executive Director
Gabrielle Sergi, Integrated Marketing & Design Coordinator
Gabi is head of marketing and design at Chagrin Arts. She is a John Carroll University Alumn 21' of Intergrated Marketing Communication and Leadership Development. She is passionate about intersectional environmentalism and enjoys being outside.
Emily Olesinski, Special Projects & Video Specialist
Emily is owner of Emily O. Studios in Northfield, OH.
Mary Kay Gebler, Bookkeeper
She is a freelance bookkeeper, who works with small businesses.