Base Conference Keynote : Blythe Coons

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Scott collaborates with stakeholders to strategically improve organizational structures, processes, metrics, and workflows; he also spearheads TutorSmart’s data analysis and research. A published theologian and avid musician, Scott tends to laugh too loud; you’ll likely hear him before you see him. Scott is happiest when with his wife and children.

Alison Black, Executive Director of America SCORES Cleveland, has a decade of experience supporting Cleveland’s youth and families. She leads with a collaborative, equity-focused approach, strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community leaders. A graduate of CWRU’s Mandel School and the University of Dayton, Alison works to expand opportunity and collective impact.

Evan Dentley leads Already Always Amazing, a nonprofit serving youth, seniors, and veterans across the Midwest. He created a leadership development program to reduce staff burnout and increase retention. A CDF Freedom Schools national trainer, Evan teaches de-escalation, restorative supervision, and practical restorative justice program design for out-of-school time workplaces.

Lesley, a Certified Leadership Coach/Consultant with GiANT Worldwide and founder of Vivid Coaching and Consulting, leverages her background as an educator and nonprofit Executive Director. She specializes in improving self-awareness and communication for individuals and teams, focusing on enhancing relationships, alignment, and execution to drive superior team performance and capacity.

Jessica Dragar serves as Director of Outreach & Engagement at Young Entrepreneur Institute, where she leads initiatives to strengthen educator and community partnerships in entrepreneurship education. With a background in economic development and financial education, she is dedicated to empowering educators and students through entrepreneurial learning opportunities.

Chelsea Elliott, MSW is a nationally recognized emotional intelligence educator, dynamic speaker, and founder of Sōmōcom Lab®. She empowers individuals and organizations to build emotionally healthy spaces at home, in schools, and workplaces through research-based, engaging training that blends expertise, empathy, and real-life experience to inspire emotional growth and connection.

Abby Grafmeyer is the Director of Out-of-School-Time Programming at College Now, overseeing after-school test prep and college and career readiness programs that help students plan for life after high school. She holds degrees from Boston College and John Carroll University and a professional teaching license in English (grades 7–12).

Rich Granger is Managing Director of Workforce and Economic Development at DriveOhio, ODOT’s smart mobility innovation hub. He leads workforce and economic development initiatives spanning Pre-K to PhD to advance automated, electric, and advanced air mobility industries across Ohio.   

Valerie Kunze, J.D., M.B.A. is the leader of the Office of Whole Child Supports at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Her team leads the state's priority of student wellness, including Out of School Time programming. Prior to the Department, Valerie served as a school principal and a lawyer representing children and adults involved in the justice system.

Heather Lee has dedicated over 22 years to education, drawing on her experience in classroom teaching and nonprofit leadership. After a decade teaching in Ohio and Los Angeles, she advanced innovative programs at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Now, as ELA’s COO, she supports leadership, personal development, and workforce readiness for students and educators.

Francine has over 25 years of experience in childcare, arts-integrated academics, and youth development. A certified cognitive coach and collective impact facilitator, she champions inclusive academic, social, and emotional learning. Since October 2024, she has independently consulted and coached youth service providers, staff, and families to strengthen community impact.  

Like most grant writers, Tricia got her start under the “other duties as assigned” clause in her contract, but developed a passion for initiative design and persuasive writing that led to more than $20 million in awards for her school district. Since joining the EnvisionEdPlus team in 2017, Tricia has written winning grant projects for all types of clients, from small nonprofit organizations to large, urban districts.

Dr. Lisa Riegel works with schools to set up a NeuroWell culture that more effectively engages students and staff. Her strategic counsel on program improvement, culture-building, working with at-risk and neurodivergent students, communication, and evaluation has been sought internationally. She is the author of 4 books and several peer-reviewed journals.

Kimberly Robare, MSEd, is an experienced educator and youth development leader. A former Chief Student Affairs Officer, she now serves as director of 11 programs at Open Doors Academy in Cleveland, overseeing initiatives that foster academic success, personal growth, and supportive learning environments for K-12 students.

A published writer, veteran educator, community engagement expert, and ambassador of hope, Dormetria has extensive experience as an educator, national presenter, youth and young adult programming, including the Scholars of H.O.P.E. Afterschool Program at the Omega Community Development Corporation. She is currently a PhD candidate and a newly elected West Carrollton School  Board member. 

Kimberly Shibley is the Professional Development Coordinator for OCCRRA. She has over 25 years of expertise in teaching, coaching, designing and delivering professional development, and facilitating quality initiatives for early childhood and school-age programs. Kim earned a BS in Elementary Education and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from BGSU.

JD Smith is the Chief Operations Officer for Horizon Education Centers.  Smith holds a BA in Business Management with a minor in Urban Studies from Wittenberg University and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Cleveland State. With three years of community development experience, he has managed housing programs, community events, and farmers' markets.  

Heather Southerington, Supervisor of Youth Programming in Grove City, brings over 20 years of experience in youth programs and summer camps, including roles at Disney Cruise Line and Boys & Girls Club. A former educator and adoptive mother, she creates imaginative, trauma-informed programming that fosters connection and growth.

Nikki is an educator and workforce innovator passionate about connecting learning to real-world opportunity. With experience spanning teaching, Peace Corps service, and program design, she builds systems that empower youth, educators, and communities to thrive through authentic, hands-on, and equitable workforce development.

Hunter, based in Oklahoma City, holds a BA in English Writing and an MBA from Oklahoma Christian University. She worked as an associate editor and college softball coach before discovering her passion for empowering youth, leading her to Learn Fresh, where she serves as Regional Outreach Coordinator while coaching softball.

Michele Timmons, Founder and CEO of EnvisionEdPlus, has over 30 years of experience as an educator and consultant, supporting innovation in 29 states and internationally. She leads a team that helps educators re-envision systems for youth to thrive and offers expert grant writing, having secured over $284,000,000 in grants.

Dr. Sonia M. Toledo is a seasoned writer, speaker, and social entrepreneur, focusing on emotional intelligence training, youth development, and organizational culture change. She has a PhD in education and 30-plus years of experience building quality afterschool programs. She focuses on emotional intelligence training, youth development, and organizational culture change.

Rebeccah Verhoff-Kiss is a strategic public service leader with 15+ years of experience advancing civic engagement, volunteerism, and youth service across Ohio. She excels in grant management, cross-sector partnerships, and statewide program strategy—empowering communities through service, especially in rural and underserved areas. 

Misha Vilenchuk, Ohio native and Midwest Director of Nexplore, blends his background as a 6-time scholastic chess champion with years of leadership in educational enrichment. His work highlights how play transforms afterschool learning, equipping students with creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills.

Patricia Wicks, MSW, founder of PATHworks™, equips educators and agencies with real tools to engage today’s youth through her Hope Relationships™ and SynergyBuilding™ frameworks. With 30+ years in youth development, she helps professionals move from “program delivery” to sustainable connection—building independence, leadership, and readiness that last.

Jenna Wolfe serves as Association Director of Teen Programming for the YMCA of Central Ohio, bringing 9 years of YMCA experience and 6 years of experience with Children Defense Funds Freedom Schools. Her experience spans youth development program coordination, facilitation and grant writing. Her biggest field trip recommendation is don't lose any kids.

Brooke is the Regional Program Manager for Kentucky, Tennessee, and part of Ohio. She joined the NIHF team in 2020. Brooke received her undergrad degree in Environmental Biology from Ohio University. Prior to NIHF, her work experience included the Boy Scouts of America, Deerassic Park Education Center, and AmeriCorps.