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CincyAfterSchool Contacts
Visit our CincyAfterSchool contacts page, to find CincyAfterSchool site locations and contacts.

Rebecca Kelley
Group Vice President Community Services YMCA

Rebecca Kelley works with a creative team of youth and community development innovators at the Community Services branch of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.  Engaging others for youth, Rebecca braves the challenges of collaboration to chase her dream of a seamless web of support for all youth and families.  Although an active advocate for systemic change, Rebecca relishes the daily lessons from her role in implementing academic enrichment, tutoring, global youth civic engagement, service learning, and afterschool arts programming.

Her collaborative strategy and grant-writing results drove the ascent of CincyAfterSchoolrecognition from its genesis in 2004 to a leading position in the national afterschool movement.  Raising over $35 million for youth, she’s been affectionately called “the baddest grantwriter in Cincinnati” by Ozie Davis III, constituent liaison for U.S. Representative Steve Driehaus.

As a Service Learning Mentor and Pew Civic Engagement Fellow for YMCA of the USA,Rebecca lent her writing and research skills to two national publications.  Called upon to share youth and community development secrets, she’s trained over 2,000 individuals via the U.S. Department of Education, Search Institute, YMCA, and others.

She earned a BA in Politics and Public Policy from Goucher Collegewith Honors and a law degree from University of Cincinnati College of Law.  A member of the inaugural class of c-change, the Cincinnati Business Courier selected Rebecca for the Forty Under 40 Class in 2007.  The YWCA of Greater Cincinnati named her a Rising Star in 2008.  The Kentucky Out-of-School Time Alliance inducted her into the Kentucky Out-of-School Hall of Fame in 2011 with their Policymaker Award.

Prior to her YMCA career, Rebecca served as Vice President at the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, an adjunct college professor, and an elementary and high school teacher.  Her community involvement remains extensive through board appointments and volunteer engagements. 

Sara Lewis
Director of Out-of-School Time

Sara Lewis serves as the Director of Out-of-School Time for the Community Services YMCA, where she leads CincyAfterSchool.  As the Assistant Director of Education for the Department of Youth Services, Sara recently provided program management and support for 63 residential schools and 20 Community Re-entry Centers throughout the state of Massachusetts.  Managing over $14 million in educational services, Sara interacted with LEAs as well as faith and community based organizations throughout the state.  

A former elementary teacher and college professor, Sara brings a personal commitment to promoting positive youth development, educating youth, and opening access to educational and workforce development pathways to all. She also served with a community development agency, One Family Scholars, for several years, where she provided intensive case management and wrap-around support services to low-income women pursuing higher education and entering the workforces in the Boston area. 

She leads our 21st Century Community Learning Center partnerships for Cincinnati Public Schools, advises on YMCA Community Learning Center development, and shares tips from her past experience in operating Educational Service tutoring programs.

Paul Clemens 
Director of Extended Learning

Paul Clemens manages a successful tutoring program that’s grown from 100 students to over 650 in 4 years. Paul received his Bachelor of Arts in Education, and is currently working on his Masters degree in Education. At Community Services YMCA, Paul is responsible for YMCA Tutoring and academic enrichment.  A member of the SMART Tutoring Network affiliated with Strive, Paul successfully sought and won the SMART Tutoring Seal of Approval during its inaugural year.  He also led program participation in the State of Ohio’s Supplemental Educational Services review, which resulted in a favorable rating after in-depth visitations. 

Rated consistently as an Effective program (the highest rating available), Paul’s program leadership produces quality results.  Prior to joining the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Paul served as the Principal of Aldersgate High School. Paul has put his construction talents to work, taking Electrical classes at Cincinnati State, and working with Emert Electric. Paul currently serves as the President of Alumni Association at God’s Bible College and is a Licensed Music Minister.

Joann Avant
Youth Zone Director

Joann Avant is a Youth Zone Director in the CincyAfterSchool program of Community Services YMCA where she received her Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration from Indiana University. At Community Services, Joann is responsible for parent and family engagement, training, 21^st century skills, and health & wellness. Prior to joining the YMCA, Joann worked as the Lead Organizer for the Winton Woods Community Coalition, an Adult Education Medical Terminology Instructor at Scarlet Oaks, and as a Professional Women’s Group Coordinator for Dress for Success. She also worked at the Coca Cola Bottling Company and KeyBank as an Account Manager and Branch Manager, respectively. Joann currently serves as a CPS Partnership/Public Engagement Committee Member, a CPS Family & Civic Engagement Team Member, a Rescue Community Center Board Member, an LSDMC Member for Walnut Hills High School, and a 2010 Honoree of the YMCA Black and Latino Achievers award program.  

Claire Daugherty
Tutoring and Mentoring Coordinator

Claire Daugherty is an Extended Learning Specialist in the YMCA Tutoring program.  She received her Bachelors in International Marketing and Bachelors in Business Economics from the University of Cincinnati. At Community Services, Claire manages the YMCA Tutoring program at six Cincinnati Public Schools. She also assists in  the YMCA Mentoring program with marketing and volunteer outreach.  Prior to joining Community Services YMCA, Claire worked at ILSCO, Roth Partnership, Klosterman Baking Co., and Dinsmore and Shohl LLP. 

Kerry Ginn
Youth Zone Director - YMCA ArtWheels Director

Kerry Ginn is a Youth Zone Director and YMCA Artwheels Director in Community Services YMCA where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Bowling Green State University, her Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the University of Cincinnati, and a Masters of Education-Special Education from Antioch University McGregor. She  has also worked as The Arts Education Director for the Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center, for Proctor & Gamble’s Art in the Schools, Art Works, and in the Arts for Kids Program and Community Education at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Kerry’s affiliations include: The Art Education Directors of Greater Cincinnati, the Asset Builders Alliance, and the Regional Assets Development Network.   

LonZell R. Hill
Mentoring Coordinator

LonZell R. Hill joins Community Services with 10 years experience in the YMCA, he is a valued colleague and devoted mentor for young people in the community. He also had an outstanding athletic career with the University of Washington and the New Orleans Saints.  However, his true ability and calling is his devotion and commitment to young people in the community which supersedes all of his accomplishments on the field.

LonZell’s organizational skills have been on full display, creating several programs for the YMCA including a homeless feeding program. He is also one of the founding members of HYPE (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence) A Youth Sports Program in Seattle. His engagement of community and parental support are very encouraging.

LonZell’s experience is vital in securing the trust, support and commitment of not only the youth, but mentors, administrators and most importantly parents.  He is a true collaborator, communicator and community leader. 

Mwalimu Keita
Mentoring Coordinator

Mwalimu received his Bachelor and Master of Arts in Black Studies at The Ohio State University.  He has a professional and volunteer history of community service, working with at-risk youth in economically and socially challenged communities.  He is a former volunteer and Program Coordinator at the Lincoln Heights YMCA. Mwalimu was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati teaching the Black Child and Introduction to Black Studies.  He worked as a substance abuse counselor for 10 years and was an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with Women Helping Women.  He most recently worked with mentally and emotionally challenged youth ages 8-17 who were at risk for juvenile detention, school expulsion, and out of community placements. Mwalimu is the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Taft High School and has been coaching community-based teams for nearly 20 years. He pioneered the program Books Before Basketball.

Yasmeen Khan is a Mentoring Coordinator under the YMCA Mentoring program at Community Services YMCA.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Miami University and her Masters of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Studies at Ryerson University.  At Community Services YMCA, Yasmeen manages the YMCA Mentoring program at the Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies, Withrow International School and Westwood School. Prior to joining Community Services YMCA, Yasmeen worked as the Coordinator for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement at Wright State University, as a Volunteer Coordinator at The Redwood in Toronto, Ontario, and as a Program Director at the Miami Valley Literacy Council in Dayton. Yasmeen is a current member of the Cincinnati Association of Volunteer Administrators.

Tim Nared
Mentoring Coordinator

Dedicated, focused on results and committed to lifting others to excellence - are all words that describe the professional and community volunteer ethic of Timothy Nared.  Timothy originates from Wilmington, OH.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling at Temple Baptist College.  Timothy lives by the motto: "I can; I will tackle the things in my life that cannot be done.”  Timothy is committed to truly making a difference in the lives of the young people in this community.

Timothy retired from a highly successful 20 year career as an Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper, where he was very instrumental in educating the economically and socially challenged communities about the Ohio State Highway Patrol and its career opportunities.  He served on the Founding Board and Advising Board of the Butler County YMCA Black Achievers.  He also served on the Advising Board for Aiken High School’s Vocational School, where he chaired the mentor/job shadowing committee.  While others shied away from the challenges of working with youth in the community, Timothy embraced and empowered them to believe in their talents and destiny to be successful through his former role as a College Administrator and Athletic Director at Temple Baptist College and most recently as the School and Community Linkage Director for Cincinnati Public Schools.  There are no failures with Timothy, only learning opportunities that provide a foundation for future success. The youth Timothy has worked with know they are inherently good, intelligent and future leaders of the community – and only through their actions can their futures be altered. Timothy is focused on results.

Richara Richardson
Extended Learning Specialist

Richara Richardson is an Extended Learning Specialist within the YMCA Tutoring program where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and African American History. Richara continued her education, earning a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and a Doctorate of Education in Urban Educational Leadership. At Community Services, Richara manages the YMCA Tutoring program at Taft Elementary, Douglass Elementary, Oyler School  and Rothenberg Academy. Prior to joining Community Services YMCA, Richara was the Assistant Director of Academics at the University of Cincinnati, a Cincinnati Public Schools High School Teacher, and a High School Teacher at P.A.C.E. Empowerment. Richara received the Community Star Award for her community service, and also made the Dean’s List. 

Crystal Wolf
Extended Learning Specialist

Crystal Wolf is an Extended Learning Specialist in the YMCA Tutoring program where she received her Bachelor of Art in Children’s Ministry from God’s Bible School, and her Masters of Art in Teaching K-8 at Converse College. Crystal manages the YMCA Tutoring program at the Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies, Pleasant Hill Academy, Mt. Airy School, Cheviot School, Chase Elementary, and Riverview East. Prior to joining Community Services YMCA, Crystal was an adjunct instructor at God’s Bible School and College and a 7^th grade teacher at Aldersgate Christian Academy. She also served as an Assistant to the Director and Tutor at the Autry Learning Center.