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.
MELIA PROFFITT
Academy Principal
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.
Jenette Mulholland
Vice Principal
Education has been Jenette's passion, calling, and career for a little over 20 years. Jenette has a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, a M.Ed in Teacher Leadership, and is currently working on her Ed.D in Educational Leadership. She is married to a high school educator and has a blended family with five children (four of whom are now adults) and six animals. Her husband coaches high school soccer and their youngest plays travel hockey. She has a busy life and believes strongly in taking time to decompress and find balance, often through gardening, knitting, reading, writing, or singing. Jenette's purpose as an educator (and human) is to encourage, empower, and grow others so that they may find their purpose and passion.
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!
Tori Hinton
After School Coordinator
Tori is passionate about seeing her students thriving and joyful. Mother, wife, colleague and friend - regardless of what role Tori plays she shows deep compassion for those around her. Working with students has been her lifelong career, and it shows in her passion and dedication for her work in the after-school program.
Shikia Newell
Assistant After School Coordinator
Growing up as a student at CUP has given Shikia a unique perspective on her work with our students. Shikia is motivated to make CUP a great place for learning and love because that is what she experienced herself. She puts this passion into every interaction she has with students, parents, and supporters.
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