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
Cari Laws
DIRECTOR
Cari Laws
Director, Region 10
Cari has dedicated over 15 years of her career to serving children, youth, and families in a variety of capacities within local government, for-profit, as well as non-profit organizations. Cari’s experience also includes more than 12 years in various leadership roles focusing on oversight and implementation of successful treatment interventions and aftercare strategies for youth, development of agency-wide admissions procedures involving the creation and oversight of a new department, and most recently business development and management of clinical/administrative operations within behavioral healthcare. Cari has experience and passion in streamlining access for families to critical resources/supports and is looking forward to being a part of the state-wide impact of the OhioKAN program. Cari holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wright State University and a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University.
Kimberly Dailey
COORDINATOR
Kimberly Dailey
Coordinator, Region 10
Previously, Kim was a coordinator for a staffing agency in southern Ohio. The best part of her day was making a great match for employment and being able to fill a need an employer had, while giving a candidate an opportunity to start a career. Being able to interact with the local community really had an impact on her. Kim’s most recent position was as an Insurance Verifications Specialist at Adena Health System for the Rehab department. Her duties were primarily back office functions such as submitting for prior authorizations, data entry, and communication with front office staff. There, she was profoundly impacted by seeing professionals who truly cared for people. Kim also co-leads a support group in Pike County called The Village. They meet monthly in person to help support parents and/or caregivers who are caring for a child or person with different abilities/neurodivergences. The goal is simply to help and let them know they are not alone. The Village is also on Facebook. Kim is ready to take on her new role and see every family living their best lives!
Lisa Remy
COACH
Lisa Remy
Coach, Region 10
Lisa first joined OhioKAN as a Navigator at Sojourners Care Network before moving on to become Region 10’s Coordinator and later Coach. Prior to OhioKAN, Lisa served as a Housing Transitional Coordinator through the nonprofit’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. In this role, she provided support to young adults ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness and helped them transition into permanent housing. Lisa has provided Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) to young adults as a Qualified mental health specialist and currently volunteers for the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University, and is pursuing a Master's in Business Administration at University of the People. Lisa is excited to serve kinship and adoptive families in Region 10!
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.
Marlene Emerick
NAVIGATOR
Area Agency on Aging
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!
Kelli Savage
NAVIGATOR
NYAP
Kelli Savage
Navigator, NYAP (Region 8)
Kelli comes to OhioKAN with experience in affordable housing as the Resident’s Account Manager at Mapleview & Colony Terrace Apartments and as the Family Self-Sufficiency Case Manager at the Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority. She has an Associate’s in Social Work from Zane State College, and also has her Advanced Cosmetology license. Outside of work, Kelli is a board member for the social work program at Zane State College and is also a Girl Scout Troop Leader. She can’t wait to apply the amazing techniques OhioKAN has created that allow Navigators to be the best for families in their time of need!
Hannah Brooks
NAVIGATOR
Area Agency on Aging
Hannah Brooks
Navigator, Area Agency on Aging (Region 8)
Hannah holds degrees in Business Administration and General Education. She has received specialized training in Trauma Informed Care for children and also has expertise in Parental Advocacy. In her previous role, she worked with Washington-Morgan Community Action, where she was responsible for managing all Kinship cases for Morgan County. Hannah volunteers with various animal rescues, conservation centers, and a horse trail riding business. Hannah is incredibly excited to work for OhioKAN, as she has personally experienced raising a kinship child. This firsthand experience has given her a unique perspective and a deep empathy for Kinship Caregivers.
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
