Our Staff

Our dedicated, enthusiastic staff serves kinship and adoptive families statewide. The OhioKAN Staff is comprised of Navigators and team members with the local knowlege, statewide expertise, and personal experience needed to make sure Ohio's families are thoroughly supported.

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STATEWIDE STAFF

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Julia Donovan

Statewide Program Director

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Julia Donovan

Statewide Program Director

Julia joins Kinnect as the founding Program Director of OhioKAN, a new statewide kinship and adoption navigator program developed in partnership with the State of Ohio. Prior to Kinnect, Julia was the Employment Services Director at Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP), which works to advance participation and equality in society for people with disabilities in Northeast Ohio. Leading through a period of significant programmatic change and development, Julia worked to increase the effectiveness of several LEAP initiatives, resulting in measurably improved outcomes for job seekers with disabilities. Previous to her eight years of tenure at LEAP, Julia worked in the nonprofit sector managing volunteers, teaching therapeutic riding for people with disabilities, and fundraising. She holds an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s from Hiram College.

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Veronica Burroughs

DCY Project Manager

Veronica Burroughs

ODJFS Project Manager

Veronica Burroughs, LISW-S, is Project Manager for the Ohio Kinship and Adoption Navigator Program at ODJFS. Prior to this work she was with the Supreme Court of Ohio as the Court Improvement Program Analyst in the Children and Families Section. In this role she managed the federal Court Improvement Program grants to assist juvenile courts in handling cases related to child welfare. She has had multiple roles at private child serving agencies, and she started her career as a therapist working with children and adults with mental health and substance use disorders. Veronica is an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College and has done training for a variety of audiences. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the DePaul University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration.

OhioKAN Staff Photos - Veronica
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Amber Phelps

Statewide Program Manager

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Amber Phelps

Statewide Program Manager

Amber joins Kinnect with experience in the fields of social welfare and policy, including hands-on social work and an expertise in building and implementing evidence-based programming. After attaining her master’s degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan Law School, Amber worked for Cuyahoga county in the juvenile prosecutor’s office, serving as a liaison to parents of youth impacted by incarceration and the court system. Most recently, Amber served as Senior Project Manager for Lorain City Schools. She is very excited about joining the Kinnect team and expanding the OhioKAN program!

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Roxana Bell

Statewide Program Trainer

Roxana Bell

Statewide Program Coordinator

Roxana has a breadth of experience serving children, youth, and families in clinical and educational settings. Prior to joining Kinnect, Roxana worked for the Mobile Crisis Team at FrontLine Service in Cuyahoga County, where she conducted clinical assessments to children and youth experiencing suicide crises. She served as an AmeriCorps volunteer in an intertribal Native school and mentor for incarcerated youth. As a transracial, transnational adoptee from El Salvador, Roxana has a passion for working with multicultural adopted, foster, and kinship populations. She earned a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, a bachelor’s in Cultural Studies and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and is a licensed social worker. Roxana is so happy to be the Statewide Program Coordinator!

OhioKAN Staff Photos - Roxana
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Teresa Scrimenti

Statewide Program Trainer

Teresa Scrimenti

Statewide Program Trainer

Teresa has an eclectic background working with progressive organizations invested in giving power back to the people they serve. She has a range of customer service and teaching experiences, primarily in the disability service and culinary arts industries. Throughout her career, Teresa has developed and implemented curricula, including culinary education for home cooks, life skills classes for adults with developmental disabilities, and summer work experiences for youth in collaboration with local businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Mass Communications from Baldwin Wallace University. Teresa is so excited to be a part of OhioKAN as the Statewide Program Trainer!

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Shawna Borkoski

Statewide Contract & Performance Coordinator

Shawna Borkoski

Statewide Contract and Performance Coordinator

Shawna is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over a dozen years in fundraising, donor development, marketing, and event planning. Previously, she served as Director of Development and Marketing for the United Way of Portage County, and she is an experienced Kinship Navigator. She looks forward to bringing her extensive experience in team support, kinship navigation, data management, and event planning to the OhioKAN program. Shawna holds a master’s degree in Human Services from Capella University, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kent State University, and a certificate from Leadership Portage County. Shawna is ecstatic to be the new Statewide Contract and Performance Coordinator!

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Paula Oliver

Statewide Benefits
Coordinator

Paula Oliver

Statewide Benefits Coordinator

Prior to OhioKAN, Paula served as a Career Coach for Jewish Family Services. There, she mentored, coached, and empowered adults with disabilities in their journey towards employment. She also spent time as an Ombudsman at The MetroHealth System advocating for patients and their families. Over the last several years, Paula has volunteered at Dress for Success and iServe for C.H.A.N.G.E. Both are nonprofits that provide education and support to various communities. Paula has a Masters in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Administration, both from Cleveland State University. She is excited to be a part of OhioKAN/Kinnect and looking forward to helping families along their journey as kinship caretakers and adoptive families.

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Amber Robinson

Statewide Benefits
Coordinator

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Amber Robinson

Statewide Benefits Coordinator

Amber has dedicated the past three years as a Benefits Coordinator for OhioKAN. In this vital role, she helps families navigate the complexities of public benefits, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need. By providing guidance and assistance, Amber empowers families to make informed decisions, fostering a stronger support system within their communities.
Prior to her work at OhioKAN, Amber began her career in the mental health field as a Referral and Information Specialist with Frontline Service’s Mobile Crisis Team in Cleveland. There, she addressed crisis situations and connected individuals and families with essential services. Her passion for community support led her to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Cleveland, where she served as the Helpline & Volunteer Coordinator. In this position, Amber oversaw the Helpline and volunteer initiatives, ensuring that community members received compassionate and effective assistance.
Certified by NAMI to lead family support groups, Amber is committed to creating a safe space for families to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University and recently completed her master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University.
With her extensive knowledge and experience, Amber is dedicated to working collaboratively with families and community leaders, striving to enhance access to public benefits and improve the overall well-being of the families she serves. She is excited to continue her journey with OhioKAN, where she aims to make a lasting impact in the lives of families across the state.
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Britney Breidenstein

Associate Program Director
of Community Practice

Britney Breidenstein

Associate Program Director of Community Practice

Britney has spent the last 12 years of her career serving in various leadership roles in the non profit sector, including Director of Programs and Business Development with a focus in program design and inclusion. She also has strategic consulting experience, specializing in helping businesses with growth and development. Britney is passionate about bridging the gaps in equity with community and enterprise. She holds a B.S in Business from Indiana Tech University and is currently attaining her MBA/MSOL at Western Governor’s University. Britney’s community service includes serving on the Board of Directors for Bring It Push It and Own Your Success, two non-profits dedicated to empowering women and girls. Britney also is a member of Young Leaders NE Indiana where she serves as Committee Chair. She is extremely excited to have the opportunity to create sustainable, innovative, and systemic change for families across Ohio!

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Deborah Knaup

Regional Director
of Community

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. 

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Damita Kniceley

Regional Director
of Community

Damita Kniceley

Regional Director of Community

Damita has over 20 years’ experience working with families and children in various roles, including Community Outreach, Workforce Development, Family and Youth Advocacy, OWF/SNAP and Medicaid Case Management, Kinship and Adoption, and working with survivors of Domestic Violence. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University in Organizational Communications and a Family Development Certification from the University of Iowa. Damita's passion is working in the community, helping families overcome challenges and barriers and become self-sufficient. Previously, an RAC member, Navigator and Coach, she is now excited to serve the families of OhioKAN as a Regional Director!

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Derrick Beitzel

Community Engagement
Coordinator

Derrick Beitzel

Community Engagement Coordinator

Derrick previously served at OhioKAN as the Region 8 Coordinator and a Navigator. Derrick has spent his career working in the mental and behavioral health fields, previously serving as a childcare worker for youth and young adults with severe emotional and behavioral needs in residential treatment, as well as a behavioral health technician at Mercy Health, St. Charles Hospital, and a tech for Community Mental Health’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. Derrick also has experience working with those with developmental disabilities at Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and served as chief of operations at a community provider, providing respite care and other services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, Derrick has lived experience as a former kinship caregiver and now adoptive parent to three children. 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.

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Nicole Diaz

Community Outreach
Coordinator

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Nicole Diaz

Community Outreach Coordinator

Nicole comes to OhioKAN after previously coordinating six different health programs throughout Cuyahoga County as a Healthy Cleveland Coordinator for the City of Cleveland. She has a BA in Nonprofit Administration from Cleveland State University and an MPA from Ohio University. Nicole is also a certified Spanish interpreter and Notary. In this role, she is excited to have the opportunity to help others and impact their lives in a positive way!

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