Meet Our Team
Lillia
Language Support Specialist
I got my Master Degree in Translation. I speak English, German, Russian and Ukrainian. In 2013 I set up my own Language School in Ukraine where we provided teaching and translation services from different languages. For teaching my students I use my own system based on communicative approach, which I made myself.

Jenelle Cozza
Teen and Family Navigator
Jenelle is a licensed School Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with teens in US public schools, and most recently at an international school in Kyiv, Ukraine...

Patrick Kearns
Executive Director
Patrick is an experienced organization leader, program and business developer...

Anelize Nader
Deputy Director
Anelize is a leader, a systems thinker and connector...

Michael Bartunek
Senior Farm Manager
Michael Bartunek is an experienced organic farm manager. He...

Will Brown
Development Director
Will is an experienced writer, strategic thinker, and project manager...

Meghan Gallagher
Head of Office Operations
Meghan comes to The Refugee Response with several years of experience in the nonprofit world...

Kim Wheeler
Teen Response Program Manager
Kim Wheeler has always strived to give voice to those overlooked...

Kate Nickley
Youth Mentoring Program Manager
Kate works alongside Youth Mentoring Program Family Liaisons...

Becky Trout Ashenfelter
Corner65 Director
Becky is a New Jersey native who moved to Cleveland in 2011...

Noah Toumert
Head of Content Creation
Noah Toumert was born in Cleveland and joined The Refugee Response in...

Kristen Mekota
Operations Manager
Kristen is the Operations Manager for The Refugee Response. She...

Khoon Thomas
Program Coordinator
Khoon Thomas received his B.A. in Philosophy, Politics & Economics...

Stephanie Muleba
Employment & Community Engagement Coordinator
Stephanie was born in the Democratic Republic Of The Congo. She...

Rachel Ramos
Farm Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Rachel brings a love of vegetables and many years of experience...

Maria Bozak
Program Coordinator
Maria is a licensed school counselor with extensive training and experience working...

Toni Sablack
Mentor Resource Coordinator
With a passion for life-long learning about the beauty and challenge...

Mohammad
Family Liaison
Mohammad supports enrollment, communication, and ongoing...

Nahla Abuhamdi
Family Liaison
Nahla Abuhamdi joined The Refugee Response as the Family Liaison...

Nazila Halim
Program Assistant
Nazila was born and raised in Afghanistan. She was resettled in Cleveland...

Sage Petrone
Teen Navigator
Sage (she/they) is a member of the Teen Response team based at John Marshall High School...

Sa Tun Bo Bo
Program Coordinator
Sa Tun Bo Bo is an innovative leader creating alternative pathway for youths and promoting the capacity for youths...

Nelson Baguma
Teen Success Coach
Nelson is a former refugee from DR Congo who moved to Cleveland in the summer of 2019...