Board of Directors
kyle frias - president
Employee at Hancock County Veterans Service Office
Board Member since March, 2021
2nd Term President
Kyle Frias is the County Veterans Service Officer at the Hancock County Veterans Service Office. During his tenure, he has significantly increased the number of veterans served locally and raised VA expenditures for county veterans.
Frias' background in the U.S. Air Force, where he maintained cyber security systems and oversaw a substantial computer network, has prepared him well for his current role. He has continued his commitment to service after leaving the military, engaging in various community activities upon returning to Northwest Ohio.
Frias is involved with organizations like the Flag City Honor Flight board and has participated in leadership programs such as the Hancock County Leadership program. He also serves on multiple veterans organization boards, demonstrating his dedication to supporting and advocating for veterans.
In addition to his professional and community accomplishments, Frias prioritizes his family. He resides in Findlay with his wife, Lindsay, and their three children, Noah, Mason, and Makayla.
Overall, Kyle Frias is recognized for his selflessness and commitment to serving others, particularly veterans, and has made a significant impact on his community.
allison trutt - VICE PRESIDENT
Paraprofessional with Findlay City Schools
Board member since July, 2023
Allison Trutt is a dedicated educator who earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Findlay. But before she embarked on her teaching journey, she spent three incredible years serving in the United States Army as a Human Resource Specialist. Currently, she is working as a paraprofessional for Findlay City Schools, where she get to make a positive impact on the lives of young minds each day. It's an incredibly rewarding experience!
Allison's wonderful family consists of loving husband, Thomas and their three awesome kids: Tyler (14), Katie (13), and Logan (9) along with two adorable cats named Stampy and Boots. They certainly keep things lively and entertaining! When she's not busy with work and family, you can often find her indulging in her favorite hobbies, like crafting, reading books (especially mystery and romance novels), and traveling. Family favorite destinations include the pool and the Toledo Zoo!
"As someone who deeply values the importance of community and helping others, I am genuinely thrilled to have joined the AMA board. I've personally witnessed the incredible services that the Awakening Minds Art (AMA) organization provides, benefiting my own children. It's an honor to be part of the AMA family, where together we can make a positive difference in the lives of those around us."
cassi cronin - TREASURER
CPA at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA)
Board member since August 2023
Cassi Cronin is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working as a senior audit associate at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) in Findlay. She focuses on serving non-profit clients throughout Ohio. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting as well as a Master of Accountancy degree from Bowling Green State University. Go Falcons!
She is excited to join the AMA board and be a part of an organization that is making a huge difference in the Findlay Community.
Cassi lives in Ada with her husband Randy. They have 2 cats (Groot and Trixie) and 1 dog (Shaggy). Cassi enjoys volleyball, golf, and quality time with her friends and family which usually consists of some sort of card or board game.
rachel fix - SECRETARY
Occupational Therapist with Findlay City Schools
Board member since May, 2023
Rachel Fix attended Xavier University in Cincinnati where she earned her Master’s degree in occupational therapy. Before becoming an occupational therapist with Findlay City Schools, she worked in the healthcare model in hospitals, skilled nursing, and home health. Her passion is representing and advocating for those with different abilities. From a young age, she has been involved in volunteer opportunities to serve others.
‘I am thrilled to join the AMA board as a way of giving back to an organization who has done so much for the community. My own children have had parties at AMA and we have attended AMA events in the past. I hope to be able to act as a liaison with AMA and the students of FCS to encourage and support families as they navigate having a child with different abilities. Art is universal- good for one, good for all. The practice of inclusion could not fit more perfectly with art!’
Rachel lives in Findlay with her husband Matt and three children Olin (10), Ivy (8), and Esme (5). They have 2 dogs and a cat, and also foster rescue dogs through Blackjack Animal Rescue. Rachel enjoys gardening, crafts, traveling, and quiets days at home with her family. Her family attends St. Mark’s United Methodist church. One interesting fact is that in the past year, she has visited destinations in opposite corners of the US! Some even outside of the US! Florida, Alaska, Cabo Mexico, and Prince Edward Island Canada.
Sarah crisp-ricker - FOUNDER, BOARD MEMBER
Founder of Awakening Minds Art
Owner of Whirlwind Productions
VP of Public Relations at Northwest Physical Therapy
Board Member since July, 2020, Former board vice-president
Raised in both Lima & Spencerville Ohio (ever heard of it? Probably not, it’s a farm town with a stoplight and a pop machine). Sarah moved to the BIG city of Findlay in 2004 to attend the University of Findlay, majoring in Psychology. Sarah founded Awakening Minds Art in 2009 to merge her interests of psychology and art. She wanted to find a way to merge her love for all things brain with art, which is how the birth of Awakening Minds Art happened.
Sarah specializes in marketing, event planning, behavior processing and modifications, while adding an artistic flare.
Sarah believes that everyone should feel accepted and understood, which is what every single person experiences from the second they walk in the doors of Awakening Minds Art.
Sarah is married to Keith Ricker, has a step-son, Grayson, and a daughter Zoe. Her family moved to Ottawa in 2021 and she started a new business, Whirlwind Productions. Sarah is also a past Vice President of Hancock Leadership Alumni Association (class of 2017), a former Findlay Elks Lodge- Six Bits Trustee and a former board member of Sunshine Institute. Proudly, Sarah is one of the 20 recipients of the 2019 Toledo Area 20 Under 40 Awards.
melody rinker - BOARD MEMBER
Employee of Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Board Member since January, 2019, former board treasurer
Melody Rinker is a native of Eubank, Kentucky, and an unapologetic Wildcat fan. At the University of Kentucky, she earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. Melody has worked in a variety of accounting roles, including audit, cost accounting, payables, receivables, and most recently corporate and general accounting.
Her career has taken her through Lexington Kentucky and Canton, Ohio, as well as two times each to Robinson, Illinois and Findlay, Ohio. A spreadsheet enthusiast and an advocate for informed decision making and financial planning, Melody has a passion for helping AMA achieve its goals through sound financials and a forward-looking mindset.
When she’s not crunching numbers, you might find Melody attending local Gateway Church, or traveling. Melody is a mom to Karson and Isabella, who make life fun on a daily basis! Melody was also honored to be a mom and advocate for twins Landon and Nolan. To say Melody cares about the special needs community would be an understatement. “I am unreservedly proud to be part of an organization that can mean so many things to so many people.”
tamera rooney - BOARD MEMBER
Owner of Red Tornado Art Productions
Marketing & Communications Professional, Former board secretary
Board Member since Dec. 2017
Tamera Rooney has been involved with Awakening Minds Art since its inception, serving as the Founding Board President and even housing Awakening Minds Art in a formerly owned art gallery that served as a previous home base for AMA. Since then, she has served as a volunteer, Strategic Planning Chair, and Capital Campaign Coach.
Tamera was most recently the Communications Director at United Way of Hancock County. She was responsible for all marketing and communications for the organization since 2004. In 2017, the organization raised $3.3 million dollars. Tamera is a long-term artist with a studio in the historical Jones Building in downtown Findlay. She is currently assisting several nonprofit organizations with marketing needs.
Tamera received the Outstanding Artist of the Year from the Arts Partnership; the first ever Go Local award from the Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards and was awarded the Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award.
katie unverferth - board member
Owner of Moose Landing Country Club
-Board Member since October, 2022
Graduate from University of Dayton, Bachelors of Science in Business
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Dayton (2018)
Katie Unverferth is the owner of Moose Landing Country Club north of Kalida OH where she and her husband Shawn reside with their mini golden doodle Reggie. Katie graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Business and went back to earn her MBA from UD as well in 2018. Katie is an avid UD Flyers basketball fan in the winter months, Buffalo Bills and Ohio State football fan, and Cincinnati Reds fan in the summers.
Katie currently volunteers as the President of the Kalida Area Chamber of Commerce to grow local businesses and gain them exposure. Also, she serves on the board of the newest USA Cares chapter located here in Northwest Ohio. "I am excited to continue to grow the already great AMA program and help raise awareness to this wonderful and ever-serving cause that means so much to so many!"
Shelby Cole - board member
Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice
Board Member since May, 2023
Shelby Cole attended both Ohio University and Bowling Green State University, now holding a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and Master’s in Business Administration. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in the senior living and elder care industries starting her career in college as a nurse's aide, then becoming an Assisted Living Activities Director, and has worked for the last two years on the sales and marketing side of the business. She is also involved with the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and is a member of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Walk Committee.
In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her husband John and three dogs—Hank, Harlee, and Penny. Together they are working on remodeling their family’s farm house and are active in their church. Her other interests include traveling, event/party planning and interior decorating. On any given weekend, you might find her bartending/working events at either Alexandria’s in Findlay or Hull’s Trace in Arlington!
“I am excited to join the AMA board of directors because I have seen the residents that I work with every day reap the benefits of this organization's cause. The elderly are too often an overlooked, vulnerable population, and AMA enhances their lives in so many more ways than just painting. Attending class each month helps enhance their fine motor and cognitive abilities, but also boosts their confidence and provides a new and different opportunity for socialization. I am so grateful for the way AMA helps us serve seniors and for this opportunity to give back to a cause that has given my residents so much”
JORDAN HAMILTON - board member
Assistant Education Professor and Field Experience Coordinator - Bluffton University
Board Member since August, 2024
Jordan's undergraduate degree is from Ohio Northern University in Early Childhood Education. She holds a master's degree from the University of Findlay in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Jordan is currently a doctoral student at Liberty University, where she is pursuing an EdD in Special Education. Jordan also holds two teaching licensures in the state of Ohio in both PreK-3 and as an Intervention Specialist.
Previous to Jordan's university role, she taught at Liberty-Benton Elementary for several years in special education. Jordan was first introduced to AMA through a student in her classroom while teaching at L-B. Her student was also a part of the AMA organization and won a free art session for his classroom at school. Ms Megan came to do that art session with Jordan's class and that began the wonderful connection with AMA. Her students received art instruction from Ms Megan on a regular basis for two years. Jordan's students blossomed in their art abilities, and she was so thankful for AMA and Ms Megan for the opportunity to have art as a part of her classroom. In 2018, Jordan's classroom was the honorary classroom of the year, and they were honored at the AMA Art Auction event. What a fantastic night that was to honor her AMAzing students!
Jordan lives outside of Findlay with her husband Kristopher and daughter Lillian. Their family has three fur babies Willow, Winnie, and Piper. Often you will find Jordan studying and doing schoolwork in the pursuit of her terminal degree but, in Jordan's free time she loves to spend time with her family vacationing and time with the family doggos (as she calls them collectively). Jordan also loves tending to her many indoor plants and she enjoys learning new facts about her plant varieties.
"I feel honored to be a member of the Board of Directors at AMA. I have witnessed firsthand the opportunities that AMA provides to members of our community. I have also seen the self-confidence, the abilities, and beautiful artwork that my students developed through creating art with Ms Megan. It is truly remarkable to be a part of an organization that provides so much opportunity and support to our community."
Interested in joining our board?
Join our Board of Directors at Awakening Minds Art! 🌟 Are you passionate about inclusive programming and nonprofit development? Do you want to make a difference in your community? We're seeking dedicated individuals from Hancock, Allen, Wood, and Putnam counties to join our cause. No previous board experience required – just a heart for growth and positive change!
Board meetings are held monthly on the first Thursday at 6 PM.