Our Team

Mary holds a degree in International Affairs, with a focus on international economic development, from Xavier University.  After previous experience working with international non-profit organizations, Mary joined the team at Education Matters in 2010 as an AmeriCorps member. Over the years, Mary has lead Education Matters through its re-branding and core program development, visioning, managing creative growth, and leading staff members. Mary also serves as the Executive Director and founder of our sister organization, Community Matters.

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Emily worked in the nonprofit sector for 6 years before joining the team at Education Matters in 2008. She is driven by a strong passion for people and community. Her belief in complete transparency in the non-profit sector makes her one of the strongest professionals in non-profit finance. On a daily basis, Emily manages our accounting and supports our operations staff.

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Patty holds a BS in Business Administration from Berea College and a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University. It was while living in Berea that her passion for empowering communities through service began. Her previous nonprofit experience includes program and project management, event planning, grant writing, and marketing, public relations, and graphic design for art, public art, environmental, and local history organizations. A native of western Pennsylvania, her personal interests include hiking, photography, bird-watching, and cooking.

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Erica grew up in Dayton but calls Cincinnati home. She fell in love with Education Matters as soon as she walked through the doors. If she’s not making students laugh, she’s busy emphasizing the importance of pursuing education at any stage in life. Recently enrolling back into college after growing a greater appreciation for education, Erica is pursuing a bachelor’s in education.

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Sarah is currently a student at the University of Cincinnati and is majoring in Criminal Justice with a focus in mathematics. Her real passion is in teaching and she has enjoyed working at LPHCS for over 4 years. She is motivated by her students’ stories of struggle and success and is inspired every day to help build the confidence of each student that walks through the door. Her goals are to make students feel comfortable learning at the school and to show them that they are capable of passing the GED test.

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In 2017, Gail started as a volunteer ESL teacher in the English Connection program. She has a strong background in adult education, having led a GED program in Kentucky for many years. Gail brings great energy and focus on improving our instruction and teaching skills.

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Joe is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he majored in Finance. Last year, he completed a year of service with us through the Notre Dame Mission Volunteer AmeriCorps, during which we realized his strengths as both a teacher and student data coordinator. In his spare time, Joe enjoys being physically and mentally active! He enjoys reading, running, and crossword puzzles. When he is not at work, Joe is most likely at a library or a local park.

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Patty is a Cincinnati native. She has been happily married for more than 30 years and has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Her passion has always been to work with and help young children. She earned her GED at Education Matters and received her Child Development Associates degree through Cincinnati State. She has been employed at Education Matters for 16 years.

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Lissette joined us first as GED graduate and later as an AmeriCorps member within Education Matters. Lissette is an avid and highly-creative writer.

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Colleen has over 15 years experience working to develop programs, curriculum, and community-based projects with youth and creative professionals. She studied Photography at the University of Dayton and Visual Arts Administration at New York University and is interested in the intersection of arts and community. Additionally, she is involved in creating public events in her community through Second Sunday on Main, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Northside Community Council. Her main joy come from spending time with her 3 children and husband going to museums, parks, listening to music and watching movies.

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