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
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.
JULIA LANKISCH
WestRoots Director
Julia is a graduate of Xavier University with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science. Julia was a Dorothy Day Magis Society Inductee in Xavier’s Center for Faith and Justice. She has played a key role in the development of urban educational farming experiences for teens and will use that passion to grow the WestRoots Urban Agriculture program.
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