MELISSA ADAMCHIK, MA, LPP | Executive Director

Melissa Adamchik has her MA in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University and is licensed as an independent Psychological Practitioner in KY. She has 25 years of experience as a practicing mental health therapist in three states, and 19 years of mental health and social-emotional consulting and training experience. Her specialty for many years was Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) and she served as an ECMH Coordinator and Specialist for close to 10 years, building capacity within one agency to treat children 5 and under as part of their Child and Family Services, and building capacity in educators to prevent mental health challenges in children. Melissa has worked with clients of all ages in community mental health settings, in the community, and in schools. Melissa was the Founding Executive Director of the Tristate Trauma Network in 2015 and served for almost 8 years, helping to change the system of care in the Greater Cincinnati area to become more trauma-informed and trauma-responsive. She is passionate about systems change that supports the success of all community members and about building protective factors and resilience in children to help withstand life’s challenges. Melissa joined UpSpring in February 2023. Email Melissa

KATIE C. JENSEN, MPA | Development & Marketing Director

Katie Jensen has over 11 years of nonprofit experience, including her previous work with The LAM Foundation and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. Katie holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of Colorado Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. She is passionate about philanthropy, community involvement, and innovative approaches to fundraising. Katie has presented her research thesis, Necessary Relationships: The Effect of Pharmaceutical Relationships on Rare Disease Nonprofit Organizations at conferences for the Drug Information Association and Global Genes. She is a member of the local AFP chapter, and volunteers in local theater as Vice President of the Village Players of Fort Thomas. Katie joined UpSpring in September 2019. Email Katie - Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

JORDAN MITCHELL | Program Director

Jordan Mitchell brings more than 10 years of experience in working with youth to UpSpring. He has worked various roles including Site Coordinator for the Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools program for 5 years, Childcare Administrator at the YMCA, and Assistant Director at Kindercare Learning Center. Jordan aims to focus on building great relationships with students, parents, and community members. Jordan has a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Bowling Green State University, and a Master in Youth Development degree from Iowa State University. Jordan joined the UpSpring team as a Program Manager in September 2020, and was promoted to Program Director in August 2022. Email Jordan - Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn

AZIA CARNES | Program Manager

Azia Carnes has worked with youth for over 8 years and has had a variety of different roles. Some of her past positions include being an After-School Teacher at Mt. Auburn International Academy and Lead Teacher/Program Coordinator at KinderCare. Azia received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Cincinnati, and her research focuses on brutality and injustice against women of color. Azia loves working with the youth and believes that there are so many voices that can change the world within them—all it takes is someone to listen! Azia has been with UpSpring since October 2022. Email Azia

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Andrea Neuwirth, Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office
President; Interim Treasurer

William S. Dean, Jr., Cincinnati Health Department
Vice President

Jordan Celestin, KPMG
Secretary

Jackie Baumgartner, Easterseals Redwood

Kit Brunner, Queen City Impact

Ashley Bryant-Bailey, A—B

Briana Harper, University of Cincinnati CECH Marketing & Recruitment

Gregory Harris, First Financial Bank

Cash Hayden, Indian Hill Elementary School

Ryan Higgins, Ernst & Young

Ricardo Hill, Thompson Hine LLP

Linsey Kraeling, Linsey Kraeling Design

Kelsey Mehaffie, Thompson Hine LLP

Kelsey Murray, HORAN

LaDasha Reeder, P&G

Scott Solomon, Amazon Web Services

Trent White, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City Schools

EMERITUS BOARD

Peter Daugherty, Zebra Technologies

Vagelis Kontopos, The E.W. Scripps Co.

Rebecca Riegelsberger, The E.W. Scripps Co.