MEET THE TEAM

ABE BRANDYBERRY

Executive Director

Founder and director, Abe Brandyberry graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2005 with a degree in Youth Ministries and Religion. Abe received a Masters of NonProfit Management from Eastern University in 2016. With the goal of creating wholistic change in under-resourced communities he envisioned an organization focused on education and empowerment. Cincinnati Urban Promise began in 2007. Abe has a passion for working together with members of vulnerable communities to create strong and thriving youth and families.

JONI BRANDYBERRY

Director of Programming

Joni Brandyberry is a passionate advocate for youth in her community and beyond. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Youth Ministry. Joni received a Master of Arts in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University in 2018 as well as a Master's in Practical Theology from Wesley Seminary in 2021. Joni is continuing her education by pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development at Northern Seminary. Joni is passionate about education for urban and at-risk students and works to advocate for a family-centered education for all students.

CANDACE RHOILL

Preschool Director

Candace Rhoill is the administrator for Little Promises Preschool. She has over 10 years’ experience in childcare as both a teacher and a director. Candace has an associate degree in Early childhood education and has been passionate about early childhood education since she was a child! In her free time, she loves to read and be in the city exploring new things. Her blended family has 9 children and 2 dogs in it, a shih tzu and a chihuahua! Her family attends Crossroads West-side church and my favorite outreach she has ever done was the Christmas gift drive where she was able to deliver presents to children who's parent(s) are incarcerated.

OLIVER CEPHAS

Out-of-School-Time Director

Oliver oversees CUP's after school and summer programs for K-8th grades. He is married and has 8 children and a host of grandchildren and a pet dog named Alexis! Mr. Oliver was born and raised in Ohio and is a graduate of Woodward High School. He has a ministry degree from Cincinnati Christian University in 2019 and is currently studying for his Masters in Divinity at Grand Canyon University. He served in the Marine Corp and is a passionate believer in Jesus. He is exited to serve God through this position and have a chance to watch young minds grow and develop!

KASHENA RHOILL

Office Manager

Kashena wears a lot of hats here at CUP! She is our office manager, custodian, social media scheduler, and also volunteers with our new program for high school students. Kashena has an Associate degree in Business Photography from Antonelli College. She is a mother to 9 children. She enjoys hearing the stories behind every person and loves documentary work - telling a good story is what moves her heart. Kashena's main goal in life is to be a vessel for Jesus and bring hope to those around her while growing as a mother, wife, and friend.

MEET THE BOARD

LAURIE WISSEL

Board Chairperson

Hoeting Realtors

MICHAELA BUCZEK

Board Secretary

CPS School Teacher

BOB HAFERTEPEN

Member

Consultant - Skye Solutions for Business

KAYLA LOWE

Member

Cincinnati Public School Care Coordinator

CRAIG FIELDS

Member

Covenant Church

LAURA SKIDMORE

Member

Community Member

MAX MONK

Member

Johnson Investments

LIZ MARTINI

Member

Martini Legal LLC

KATHY SIAS

Member

Johnson Investments

RODNEY CHRISTIAN

Community Partner

Third Presbyterian Church