WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 8
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
COUNTIES SERVED
Belmont
Carroll
Coshocton
Guernsey
Harrison
Jefferson
Morgan
Monroe
Muskingum
Noble
Perry
Tuscarawas
Washington
REGION 8 STAFF
Deb Knaup
DIRECTOR
Deb Knaup
Regional Director of Community
Deborah has been with Kinnect and the OhioKAN program since 2020. Deborah started her journey with OhioKAN as a Regional Director for Region 8 where she led a team and served kinship and adoption families across thirteen counties in Southeast Ohio. Deborah has recently transitioned into a new role as Regional Director of Community Engagement for the OhioKAN program. In addition to her time with OhioKAN, Deborah has been working with children and families, specifically in child welfare and social services for the past 15 years. Deborah comes to Kinnect by way of Muskingum County Children Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville. While at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Deborah was the Associate Director where she organized fundraisers, engaged with community leaders, and supported children in school and community-based programs. Deborah also has experience working within her local school districts and recreational clubs and has developed a passion for serving families in need and building strong relationships within her community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Ohio University.
Kaitee Lutes
COORDINATOR
Kaitee Lutes
Coordinator, Region 8
Kaitee is a devoted social service professional, most recently serving as the Family Engagement Coordinator for United Way of Summit County, where she served as a liaison between parents/ guardians of students and the iC.A.R.E. Mentoring Program. Kaitee has experience coordinating pilot programs, planning events, and creating important community connections. She earned a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University. Kaitlyn is delighted to be part of OhioKAN as the Coordinator for Region 8!
Jennifer Riesbeck
COACH
Jennifer Riesbeck
Coach, Region 8
Jennifer was most recently a Foster Care Coordinator for Journey Home Foster Care and Adoption agency in Muskingum County. Previously, she worked as the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Manager for Muskingum County Head Start. Jennifer has tremendous ties to the community thanks to her involvement in a range of services and volunteer work serving the children and families of Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. Jennifer is proud to join OhioKAN as a Coach for Region 8!
Derrick Beitzel
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Derrick Beitzel
Community Engagement Coordinator
Derrick has spent his career working with children, young people, and families. He has served in the mental health, behavioral health, and developmental disability fields. For the last several years, Derrick has truly enjoyed working with kinship and adoptive families. Previously a Navigator and Regional Coordinator, Derrick is excited to serve OhioKAN as a Community Engagement Coordinator. Derrick has lived experience as a former kinship caregiver and now adoptive parent. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University. In his free time, Derrick stays busy with his three active children and school and community functions.
Alexis Heinlein
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Alexis Heinlein
Navigator, The Village Network (Region 8)
Alexis comes to OhioKAN from Doctors Hospital Emergency Department in Columbus, where she worked as a Patient Support Assistant. Alexis is a passionate professional with experience working alongside individuals and families navigating vulnerable situations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Human Services with a specialization in children and families. Alexis is eager to be part of the OhioKAN program as a Region 8 Navigator at The Village Network and is looking forward to serving families and creating connections within the community!
Marlene Emerick
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Marlene Emerick
Navigator, Area Agency on Aging (Region 8)
Marlene has experience working in the adoption space as an Adoption Assessor for Harrison & Carroll County Probate Court. As an Adoption Assessor, she prepared home studies for step-parents and private adoptions. Before that, she was a Social Services Supervisor for the Harrison County DJFS in Cadiz, OH. There, she supervised multiple services, including adoption/foster/kinship, intake, ongoing care, and placement. Marlene has a BS from Malone College in Canton, OH. She’s excited about the opportunity to continue to assist adoptive and kinship families!
Michelle Knowlton
NAVIGATOR
Muskingum County
Michelle Knowlton
Navigator, Muskingum County (Region 8)
Michelle previously worked at The Recovery Center in Lancaster and Pathways of Central Ohio in Newark as a Prevention Coordinator, where she educated students on staying healthy and preventing drugs and alcohol abuse. She taught preschool as a Cooperating Lead Teacher at The Ohio State University Newark, and has done volunteer tutoring at the Zanesville Civic League. Michelle has a bachelor’s of science in Human Ecology, Family Relations, and Human Development from The Ohio State University. She is excited to serve with OhioKAN as a Region 8 Navigator for Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services.
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
