MEET THE TEAM

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 received a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University and a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary. She is currently studying to receive a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.

MICHELLE GREEN

Preschool 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.

OLIVER CEPHAS

Out-of-School-Time Director

 Oliver oversees the After School and Summer Enrichment programs for students in kindergarten through 8th grades. Oliver earned a bachelor’s degree in Ministry from Cincinnati Christian University and is currently studying for a master’s degree in Divinity at Grand Canyon University. A proud Ohio native, Oliver served in the US Marine Corps and exemplifies the USMC core value of commitment to others in his work. Oliver has over 30 years’ experience working with youth programs and has an enduring passion to support young students in their growth and development.

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