WELCOME TO OHIOKAN

Region 2

Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.

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We proudly serve kinship and adoption families throughout the state. Our OhioKAN Region 2 team specifically serves families in our area and is dedicated to making sure you get the resources you deserve.

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COUNTIES SERVED

Erie


Huron


Lorain


Lucas


Ottawa


Sandusky


Seneca


Wood


REGION 2 STAFF

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Lisa Banks

DIRECTOR

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Lisa Banks

Director, Region 1 & 2

Lisa M. Banks is a licensed social worker trainee (SWT) currently completing a Master of Social Work (MSW) program. She possesses a robust background in behavioral health and social services, having held leadership roles in various organizations focused on supporting vulnerable populations.

Throughout her professional journey, Lisa has successfully developed policies and pro-social curricula aimed at at-risk youth and their families, emphasizing community engagement and access to educational resources. She has held executive positions in agencies where she supervised behavioral health programs and facilitated the transition of families and individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing (Leading Families Home/Toledo). Additionally, her experience includes working in both inpatient youth and adult psychiatric facilities for ProMedica (Toledo/Defiance/Monroe, MI), as well as Ohio Link Corrections & Treatment (Toledo) a residential community correctional facility, where she implemented innovative treatment programs in collaboration with local courts.

Lisa holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Health, a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security (Criminal Justice), a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, and a Bachelor of Business with a Major in Marketing and a Minor in Management. She is a certified First Aid and CPR facilitator through the American Red Cross, a certified facilitator in The Aegis System for de-escalation, and serves as a Youth Mental Health First Aid facilitator through the National Council of Wellbeing. Additionally, Lisa is a member of the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. With a dedication to education and empowerment, she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families facing challenges – which is what has brought Lisa to OhioKAN.

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Tiyana Lighty

NAVIGATOR

National Youth Advocate Program

Tiyana Lighty

Navigator, National Youth Advocate Program (Region 2)

Tiyana has experience working with communities in various roles, including tenures as a Family Advocate Mental Health Worker at Ohio Guidestone in Lorain, and a Case Manager/Therapeutic Behavior Specialist (TBS) for children and adolescents at the Nord Center. Tiyana is a licensed Pharmacy Tech Trainee and has a BS in Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion and Education from Kent State University. She’s so excited to join OhioKAN as a Region 2 Navigator at the National Youth Advocate Program!

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Kimberly Neese

NAVIGATOR

National Youth Advocate Program

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Kimberly Neese

Navigator, National Youth Advocate Program (Region 2)

Kimberly has over 25 years of experience in social services, primarily within the developmental disabilities community. She previously worked for Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities in a variety of roles ranging from supporting individuals with work goals as a Habilitation Specialist to providing supports for community employment as an Employment Navigator. Kimberly has a BA from Wilberforce University and an MA in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. Kimberly is looking forward to providing kinship and adoptive navigation services to Region 2 in her work as a National Youth Advocate Program Navigator!

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Monica Frank

NAVIGATOR

National Youth Advocate Program

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Monica Frank

Navigator, National Youth Advocate Program (Region 2)

Monica comes to OhioKAN after working for various Lorain County agencies, including Catholic Charities of Lorain County, Oberlin City Schools, and the Lorain County Office on Aging. She also spent several years serving as a volunteer for Voices for Children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a volunteer speaking up for the needs and well-being of children. She has an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services from Lorain County Community College, and is also certified as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary and a Social Work Assistant. She is looking forward to helping families in region 2!

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Whitney Ragland

National Youth Advocate Program

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Whitney Ragland

Navigator, National Youth Advocate Program (Region 2)

Whitney graduated from Tiffin University with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Psychology. She is finishing her master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has worked for over 10 years in human services. She spent most of that time working for Franklin County Children Services, as a caseworker and then supervisor. She also has experience working with both children and adults with special needs. Whitney is very excited to help families in Region 2!

NAVIGATOR

REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS

National Youth Advocate Program

Serving all families

We are 100% committed to making sure every kinship and adoption family in Ohio who is looking for support will get it. No matter who you are or what your circumstances may be — contact us because we are here for you!