Elizabeth Cox, MEd
Executive Director
Elizabeth has over 30 years of experience in the education and mental health field. She began her career as a psychiatric aid on the Behavior Modification Unit at Cincinnati Children's hospital while in college. She loved the work so much she changed her major and never looked back. She served Cincinnati Children's Hospital for 17 years and culminated her career there as the clinical behavioral specialist for the department of psychiatry. Following Children's she began a severe mental health unit at a school for at risk children in the Lockland School District. For the last 7 years she has provided community based support through her private practice. She specializes in complex medical needs, and holistic treatment, incorporating spiritual, social and community based care into her practice. She firmly believes that God has a plan for each child she works with and brings that passion to her daily practice. She has a BA in psychology from the University of Kentucky, an M.Ed. in community and agency counseling from Xavier Univeristy, a post graduate clinical endorsement in diagnosis and assessment, as well as graduate work in behavior analysis, and special education. She is married with three children (two teen boys and an 8yo girl) and attends Crossroads Eastside. She loves teaching, and enjoyed homeschooling her children for many years, and currently guest lectures at Northern Kentucky University.
Amy Kearns, BA
Educational and Behavior Coach
Amy has a BA in education. After teaching in a classroom, she quickly decided she wanted to work more closely with each student. She currently provides tutoring and behavior coach services. She is the director of a local homeschool coop where several of our students attend. She's a mom of three young adults and loves Disney!
Marissa Pender
Mentor/Behavior Coach
Skill, patience and excellence is what Marissa brings to the table. She has been a behavior coach for 8 years, as well as teaching boxing, fitness and JuJitsu to children and adults. Marissa leads our therapeutic recreation classes and is part of our summer camp staff. She is currently pursuing certification in American Sign Lanuage
Abbie Plageman
Peer Mentor
Abbie is a marketing student at the University of Cincinnati. She has worked for Elizabeth for years and is experienced and reliable. Her interests include cooking, spending time with her family, and horseback riding. Abbie is a former board member of the UC Equestrian Team, as well.
Cameron Waselenko
Peer Mentor
Cameron is a fourth-year psychology student at Xavier University and is interested in pursuing a career in clinical counseling. She has experience in childcare, tutoring, and has worked as community living support staff for over a year. In her free time, Cameron enjoys being outside, spending time with her pets, and being with family and friends.
Nathan Cox
Peer Mentor
Nathan is a junior at the University of Kentucky studying Political Science and Philosophy. He hopes to start law school in the near future. He has been a peer mentor since middle school and loves working with people and having fun at the same time. In 2020, Nathan lived in DC and worked for a Congressman. He worked on an Equine Assisted Therapy bill that helped connect veterans and individuals with special needs to these therapy facilities. Nathan also loves to cook, play basketball, and hang out with his friends. He is a big UK fan.
Tori Gould
Peer Mentor
Tori is a third year social work student at the University of Cincinnati. She has hopes of one day working with Child Protective Services. She has years of child care experience under her belt. In her free time, Tori enjoys working out, hanging with her friends and listening to music.