ABE BRANDYBERRY
Executive Director
A seasoned administrator, communicator, and educator, Abe has a life-long commitment to work with members of vulnerable communities to create strong and thriving youth and families. Prior to co-founding CUP, Abe worked in customer service and logistics for a major corporation. Abe is deeply invested in the Westwood and Fairmount neighborhoods and is acting board member for Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Abe graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and Religion and received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
JONI BRANDYBERRY
Director of Programming
Joni brings a wealth of experience to her role as CUP’s Program Director, including more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth. She previously worked at St Joseph’s Orphanage’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and continues to use her professional experience in supporting youth to meet their challenges and achieve their potential. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
MICHELLE GREEN
School Age Programs Director
Michelle moved to Cincinnati from Memphis, Tennessee where she worked with youth programs in schools and youth organizations for 10 years. Michelle is responsible for the day to day planning, organizing, and managing of the program, and ensuring that the preschool complies with all of Ohio’s preschool state licensing. Michelle has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Purdue University.
MELIA PROFFITT
Preschool Director
Melia Proffitt taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Melia has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
ELLIE SUGGS
WestRoots Director
Ellie is a lifelong Cincinnati resident. While in college, she spent the summer of 2018 as an intern at CUP during our first days in Westwood! After earning her Bachelor's degree in Biology, she researched native plant species at the Cincinnati Zoo and worked as a grower at 80 Acres Farms' indoor hydroponic lettuce and tomato farms. Ellie is also passionate about community development, horseback riding, and following the Lord. She is thrilled to be working with WestRoots to develop urban agriculture in the neighborhood!
MEET THE BOARD
LAURIE WISSEL
Board Chairperson
Hoeting Realtors
MICHAELA BUCZEK
Board Secretary
CPS School Teacher
BOB HAFERTEPEN
Consultant - Skye Solutions for Business
CRAIG FIELDS
KAYLA LOWE
Cincinnati Public School Care Coordinator
LAURA SKIDMORE
Covenant Church
Community Member
MAX MONK
Johnson Investments
LIZ MARTINI
Bricker Graydon LLP
RODNEY CHRISTIAN
GAYLE RECE
Third Presbyterian Church