WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 2
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
REGION 2 STAFF
Jo Ellen Simonsen
DIRECTOR
Jo Ellen Simonsen
Director, Region 2
Jo comes to OhioKAN from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, where she served for 17 years, most recently as the Family Systems Advocacy Director. In her work at ODVN, she nurtured cross-system and multidisciplinary partnerships, managed a federal demonstration project serving young victims of crime, developed and designed programs, supervised and trained staff, and more. Jo also privately consults as an expert witness on domestic violence in civil and criminal cases. She earned a BA from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and holds training certifications from the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program and the National Council for Behavioral Health, among others. Jo is an active board member at Wynford Education Foundation. She is also a Harvard University-trained dramatist and has volunteered and performed in community theater productions in Upper Sandusky and in Tiffin in Seneca County, Region 2!
Nicole Diaz
COACH
Nicole Diaz
Coach, Region 2
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!
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!
Kimberly Neese
NAVIGATOR
National Youth Advocate Program
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!
Monica Frank
NAVIGATOR
National Youth Advocate Program
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!
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
