Most of the board member photos below are courtesy of the very talented Little Boo Photography.
Entirely volunteer-operated, Caring Cubs thrives because of the consistent dedication of our amazing board of directors. Click below to meet the members of this remarkable team.
SHARI NACSON, LISW-S
Member Since: 2012
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Shari has served as board president since 2014. With expertise in child development, non-profit management, and community engagement, Shari loves being invited to talk and write about the benefits of family volunteerism!
Mostly a mom, Shari also works as a freelance editor, pro bono social worker, and consultant in child development & nonprofit management. She lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband, daughter, and barky dog, Norah (who often chimes-in during Caring Cubs calls).
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Scarves for Bellefaire JCB Homeless Youth
“I was so inspired by the excitement in the room as families cut and tied fringe for scarves. This was the first time we used gift tags, which changed the outcome into a stack of beautiful gifts with heartfelt messages to “teens who might be feeling lonely.” I felt we did justice to young cubs by framing it this way—as a way to be empathetic without scaring them about homelessness. I imagine that a homeless youth receiving one of these scarves would truly feel cared about for at least a moment.”
Hobbies: Audiobooks, running, Cleveland’s elusive sunshine.
Other Affiliations:
Burning River Baroque, Reaching Heights Village Tutor Program, Safe and Sound Schools, The Heights Observer
SHARI NACSON, LISW-S
Member Since: 2012
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Shari has served as board president since 2014. With expertise in child development, non-profit management, and community engagement, Shari loves being invited to talk and write about the benefits of family volunteerism!
Mostly a mom, Shari also works as a freelance editor, pro bono social worker, and consultant in child development & nonprofit management. She lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband, daughter, and barky dog, Norah (who often chimes-in during Caring Cubs calls).
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Scarves for Bellefaire JCB Homeless Youth
“I was so inspired by the excitement in the room as families cut and tied fringe for scarves. This was the first time we used gift tags, which changed the outcome into a stack of beautiful gifts with heartfelt messages to “teens who might be feeling lonely.” I felt we did justice to young cubs by framing it this way—as a way to be empathetic without scaring them about homelessness. I imagine that a homeless youth receiving one of these scarves would truly feel cared about for at least a moment.”
Hobbies: Audiobooks, running, Cleveland’s elusive sunshine.
Other Affiliations:
Burning River Baroque, Reaching Heights Village Tutor Program, Safe and Sound Schools, The Heights Observer
MELISSA McCLAIN
Member Since: 2018
Committee: Compliance
Melissa and her two-year old daughter Haessly were overjoyed to discover Caring Cubs after spending several weeks reaching out to local organizations trying to find a volunteer opportunity they could do together. Giving back to the community and instilling the love of doing so in their children from an early age is important to her and her husband; therefore, asking to join the board to be more actively involved was an easy decision. Melissa has since joined the Compliance Committee, putting her experience in accounting and bookkeeping to better use. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project:
“I simply love the wide variety of opportunities Caring Cubs provides. We get to work with organizations involved in nature (i.e. the CVNP clean up), caring for animals (Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter), the elderly (arts and crafts at Arden Courts) and more. What a wonderful way to introduce my daughter to the array of avenues she can take to help her community!”
Hobbies: Running, hiking with my family, scrapbooking, and traveling.
Other Affiliations:
None at this time
MELISSA McCLAIN
Member Since: 2018
Committee: Compliance
Melissa and her two-year old daughter Haessly were overjoyed to discover Caring Cubs after spending several weeks reaching out to local organizations trying to find a volunteer opportunity they could do together. Giving back to the community and instilling the love of doing so in their children from an early age is important to her and her husband; therefore, asking to join the board to be more actively involved was an easy decision. Melissa has since joined the Compliance Committee, putting her experience in accounting and bookkeeping to better use. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project:
“I simply love the wide variety of opportunities Caring Cubs provides. We get to work with organizations involved in nature (i.e. the CVNP clean up), caring for animals (Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter), the elderly (arts and crafts at Arden Courts) and more. What a wonderful way to introduce my daughter to the array of avenues she can take to help her community!”
Hobbies: Running, hiking with my family, scrapbooking, and traveling.
Other Affiliations:
None at this time
KELLY RUDLOFF
Member Since: 2010
Committee: Board Secretary, supports all committees
Kelly, our longest serving board member, has served as Executive Director, President, and is currently the Secretary. Kelly has professional experience in event planning, fundraising, and adult learning. Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University, a Master’s of Education degree from Cleveland State University, and after 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, has recently returned to work in the nonprofit world.
Kelly lives in Brecksville with her husband and three daughters.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: April 2013 Tree Planting in Cleveland Metroparks
“Picking a favorite project from the past 7+ years is very difficult. Caring Cubs has been fortunate to volunteer for many local organizations and give young families the opportunity to volunteer for organizations they may not be aware of or able to volunteer for on their own. ONE of my favorite service projects is planting trees in the Rocky River Reservation with the Sierra Club and the Cleveland Metroparks. Unofficially known as ‘Caring Cubs Forest,’ my oldest daughters love to visit the trees they planted on that freezing cold April day.”
Hobbies:
Pinterest and home improvement projects, gardening, and chauffeuring my three daughters to their activities!
Other Affiliations:
Shoes and Clothes for Kids (Board Member), Brecksville-Broadview Heights Preschool Mother’s Club (Member)
KELLY RUDLOFF
Member Since: 2010
Committee: Board Secretary, supports all committees
Kelly, our longest serving board member, has served as Executive Director, President, and is currently the Secretary. Kelly has professional experience in event planning, fundraising, and adult learning. Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University, a Master’s of Education degree from Cleveland State University, and after 10 years as a stay-at-home mom, has recently returned to work in the nonprofit world.
Kelly lives in Brecksville with her husband and three daughters.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: April 2013 Tree Planting in Cleveland Metroparks
“Picking a favorite project from the past 7+ years is very difficult. Caring Cubs has been fortunate to volunteer for many local organizations and give young families the opportunity to volunteer for organizations they may not be aware of or able to volunteer for on their own. ONE of my favorite service projects is planting trees in the Rocky River Reservation with the Sierra Club and the Cleveland Metroparks. Unofficially known as ‘Caring Cubs Forest,’ my oldest daughters love to visit the trees they planted on that freezing cold April day.”
Hobbies:
Pinterest and home improvement projects, gardening, and chauffeuring my three daughters to their activities!
Other Affiliations:
Shoes and Clothes for Kids (Board Member), Brecksville-Broadview Heights Preschool Mother’s Club (Member)
ASHLEY SPARKS
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Compliance
Upon joining the board, Ashley began managing the organization’s bookkeeping. Ashley has a wealth of professional experience that includes healthcare fundraising, economic development, and small business support services—all with strong roots in the Northeast Ohio community. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University. She currently lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband, two young children, one dog, and four chickens.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
“We adopted our dog from the shelter many years ago. It was great for my daughter to see how we helped give our dog a loving home and to understand that there are many other animals who don’t have loving homes and need one. Plus she loved giving treats to all the dogs!”
Hobbies:
Cooking (and of course eating), crafting, leisurely bike rides and exploring Cleveland.
Other Affiliations:
Cleveland Bridge Builders, Class of 2012, Cleveland Museum of Art Column & Stripe
ASHLEY SPARKS
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Compliance
Upon joining the board, Ashley began managing the organization’s bookkeeping. Ashley has a wealth of professional experience that includes healthcare fundraising, economic development, and small business support services—all with strong roots in the Northeast Ohio community. Ashley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University. She currently lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband, two young children, one dog, and four chickens.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
“We adopted our dog from the shelter many years ago. It was great for my daughter to see how we helped give our dog a loving home and to understand that there are many other animals who don’t have loving homes and need one. Plus she loved giving treats to all the dogs!”
Hobbies:
Cooking (and of course eating), crafting, leisurely bike rides and exploring Cleveland.
Other Affiliations:
Cleveland Bridge Builders, Class of 2012, Cleveland Museum of Art Column & Stripe
ROB SLONAKER
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Compliance
Rob has been Treasurer since January 2017. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry and is currently the National Fiduciary Services Manager for Key Private Bank in Cleveland. Rob holds a Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University.
Rob lives with his wife and three boys in Strongsville. He is actively involved in his boys’ activities, which include youth sports and Cub Scouts, among others. He has been a youth soccer and football coach in Strongsville. He is the Race Chair and member of the leadership committee for Strongsville Cub Scout Pack 226.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Annual November Tri-C Project
“This is a truly inspiring sight to behold: a small organization like Caring Cubs, partnering with others in the community, and making a big impact just ahead of the holiday season. It warms the heart to think about the children that will benefit from the toy collection and music shakers, and the veterans and military families that receive the holiday cards made by our families. Seeing our families in action, and in particular our kids working hard while having fun and giving back, is what Caring Cubs is all about.”
Hobbies: Golf and basketball (mostly driveway ball with my boys now)
Other Affiliations:
Strongsville Cub Scout Pack 226
ROB SLONAKER
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Compliance
Rob has been Treasurer since January 2017. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the financial services industry and is currently the National Fiduciary Services Manager for Key Private Bank in Cleveland. Rob holds a Bachelor’s Degree from John Carroll University.
Rob lives with his wife and three boys in Strongsville. He is actively involved in his boys’ activities, which include youth sports and Cub Scouts, among others. He has been a youth soccer and football coach in Strongsville. He is the Race Chair and member of the leadership committee for Strongsville Cub Scout Pack 226.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Annual November Tri-C Project
“This is a truly inspiring sight to behold: a small organization like Caring Cubs, partnering with others in the community, and making a big impact just ahead of the holiday season. It warms the heart to think about the children that will benefit from the toy collection and music shakers, and the veterans and military families that receive the holiday cards made by our families. Seeing our families in action, and in particular our kids working hard while having fun and giving back, is what Caring Cubs is all about.”
Hobbies: Golf and basketball (mostly driveway ball with my boys now)
Other Affiliations:
Strongsville Cub Scout Pack 226
KATIE BELL
Member Since: 2017
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Katie was thrilled to join the Caring Cubs board in early 2017. In her role she supports board development and technology needs of Caring Cubs. She has nine years of experience in many facets of the corporate wellness industry, including client management, training, and internal operations. Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the College of Wooster and is a proud Wooster Alumni Admissions Advocate. Katie lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two busy, chatty preschoolers. Together they enjoy hiking, checking out the local museums and, of course, volunteering.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Veggie U Service Project
“I had never heard of Veggie U prior to signing my family up for this project. I loved that the organization was not only willing to create a volunteer project for younger children, but they spent some time talking to the kids about what they do as an organization (and brought an example grow kit with plants)! It was really fun to learn about a new organization and their mission.”
Hobbies:
Planning trips (and taking them!), puzzles, and catching up on my reading.
Other Affiliations:
The College of Wooster, Alumni Admissions Advocates
KATIE BELL
Member Since: 2017
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Katie was thrilled to join the Caring Cubs board in early 2017. In her role she supports board development and technology needs of Caring Cubs. She has nine years of experience in many facets of the corporate wellness industry, including client management, training, and internal operations. Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the College of Wooster and is a proud Wooster Alumni Admissions Advocate. Katie lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two busy, chatty preschoolers. Together they enjoy hiking, checking out the local museums and, of course, volunteering.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Veggie U Service Project
“I had never heard of Veggie U prior to signing my family up for this project. I loved that the organization was not only willing to create a volunteer project for younger children, but they spent some time talking to the kids about what they do as an organization (and brought an example grow kit with plants)! It was really fun to learn about a new organization and their mission.”
Hobbies:
Planning trips (and taking them!), puzzles, and catching up on my reading.
Other Affiliations:
The College of Wooster, Alumni Admissions Advocates
LINSEY SAUNIER
Member Since: 2019
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Linsey joined the Organization Sustainability Committee with the role of webmaster. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University. Linsey is in the marketing department at Cleveland Metroparks and in her free time enjoys hiking with her husband, three kids and dog.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Halloween decorations at Arden Courts
“This was the first project I attended with my son, as soon as I attended I immediately knew I would want to be more involved in Caring Cubs. It was heartwarming to see how much joy both the residents and kids felt working together on crafts. I know both my son and I got so much out of that day, he still references the time we made crafts with friends.”
Hobbies:
Hiking, crafts, photography and sports (both watching and participating in them)
Other Affiliations: Cleveland Metroparks, Together Digital
LINSEY SAUNIER
Member Since: 2019
Committee: Organizational Sustainability
Linsey joined the Organization Sustainability Committee with the role of webmaster. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University. Linsey is in the marketing department at Cleveland Metroparks and in her free time enjoys hiking with her husband, three kids and dog.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Halloween decorations at Arden Courts
“This was the first project I attended with my son, as soon as I attended I immediately knew I would want to be more involved in Caring Cubs. It was heartwarming to see how much joy both the residents and kids felt working together on crafts. I know both my son and I got so much out of that day, he still references the time we made crafts with friends.”
Hobbies:
Hiking, crafts, photography and sports (both watching and participating in them)
Other Affiliations: Cleveland Metroparks, Together Digital
HEATHER ENGLANDER
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Service Projects
Heather joined the Caring Cubs board after attending several projects with her first son. As a member of the Service Projects committee, Heather helps plan, set up, and host some of our volunteer projects. As Director of Business & Community Engagement at Business Volunteers Unlimited, Caring Cubs has been a natural fit that allows Heather to tie her work skills into her personal goals of giving back to the community and spending time with her kids. Heather is also a proud graduate from the College of Wooster and recently moved from the East to the West side of Cleveland (gasp!) Along with 2 young boys, Heather loves exploring our country’s National Parks, as well as all the great parks, theaters, restaurants, and events Cleveland has to offer.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: All of them!
“Truly, this is not just a cop-out answer. I love that Caring Cubs demonstrates that there are so many ways for young people to give back. The variety of opportunities exposes children to new experiences and allows them to try new things and be a part of our community. It also encourages them to think of ways they can be a kinder, more caring person in everyday life. The variety is what I think is truly special about Caring Cubs.”
Hobbies:
Anything in the great outdoors, new experiences. From theater and music to sports and camping, I love it all (maybe this is why I couldn’t pick a favorite project…).
Other Affiliations:
None at this time. Purposefully trying to keep it simple
HEATHER ENGLANDER
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Service Projects
Heather joined the Caring Cubs board after attending several projects with her first son. As a member of the Service Projects committee, Heather helps plan, set up, and host some of our volunteer projects. As Director of Business & Community Engagement at Business Volunteers Unlimited, Caring Cubs has been a natural fit that allows Heather to tie her work skills into her personal goals of giving back to the community and spending time with her kids. Heather is also a proud graduate from the College of Wooster and recently moved from the East to the West side of Cleveland (gasp!) Along with 2 young boys, Heather loves exploring our country’s National Parks, as well as all the great parks, theaters, restaurants, and events Cleveland has to offer.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: All of them!
“Truly, this is not just a cop-out answer. I love that Caring Cubs demonstrates that there are so many ways for young people to give back. The variety of opportunities exposes children to new experiences and allows them to try new things and be a part of our community. It also encourages them to think of ways they can be a kinder, more caring person in everyday life. The variety is what I think is truly special about Caring Cubs.”
Hobbies:
Anything in the great outdoors, new experiences. From theater and music to sports and camping, I love it all (maybe this is why I couldn’t pick a favorite project…).
Other Affiliations:
None at this time. Purposefully trying to keep it simple
KERRY KATZ, LISW-S
Member Since:2016
Committee: Service Projects
Serving as Vice President since 2018, Kerry has over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit world with expertise in child development, program management, and mental health. Kerry lives in the Greater Cleveland area with her husband and two daughters. As a family, they enjoy hiking; playing board games; cooking and playing with our 3 cats!
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Making toys and blankets for Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
“The participants learned what is needed in order to properly care for an animal. Food, shelter, love. We were given a tour and learned about what the shelter does for each animal. The families made braided toys and blankets for the animals. In the end, each child was given treats to feed to the dogs. The joy on the children’s faces was incredible!”
Hobbies:
Baking; reading anything related to European Monarchies; canoeing and camping
Other Affiliations:
Northland College Alumni Association, PM Breakfast Club, NCJW/Cleveland, Suburban Temple Kol Ami
KERRY KATZ, LISW-S
Member Since:2016
Committee: Service Projects
Serving as Vice President since 2018, Kerry has over 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit world with expertise in child development, program management, and mental health. Kerry lives in the Greater Cleveland area with her husband and two daughters. As a family, they enjoy hiking; playing board games; cooking and playing with our 3 cats!
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Making toys and blankets for Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
“The participants learned what is needed in order to properly care for an animal. Food, shelter, love. We were given a tour and learned about what the shelter does for each animal. The families made braided toys and blankets for the animals. In the end, each child was given treats to feed to the dogs. The joy on the children’s faces was incredible!”
Hobbies:
Baking; reading anything related to European Monarchies; canoeing and camping
Other Affiliations:
Northland College Alumni Association, PM Breakfast Club, NCJW/Cleveland, Suburban Temple Kol Ami
JAMIE ROUTMAN
Board member Since: 2020
Committee: Service projects
Jamie and her family have volunteered with Caring Cubs since 2019. Professionally, Jamie works as a Project Manager in Logistics. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and MBA from Cleveland State University. Jamie lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two children.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Festival of Caring
“I was thrilled to take part in this service project benefiting so many different organizations. It was inspiring to see kids learn the importance of sharing a smile. Their eyes lit up after completing projects to deliver to veterans, nursing homes and dogs in shelters. Like other Caring Cubs events, each project was well thought out and simple enough for even young kids to put together and make a contribution to our community!”
Hobbies:
Exploring new places in and out of Cleveland, Volunteering, Reading
Other Affiliations: Solon Early Childhood PTA, Project Management Institute, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business mentor
JAMIE ROUTMAN
Board member Since: 2020
Committee: Service projects
Jamie and her family have volunteered with Caring Cubs since 2019. Professionally, Jamie works as a Project Manager in Logistics. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and MBA from Cleveland State University. Jamie lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two children.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Festival of Caring
“I was thrilled to take part in this service project benefiting so many different organizations. It was inspiring to see kids learn the importance of sharing a smile. Their eyes lit up after completing projects to deliver to veterans, nursing homes and dogs in shelters. Like other Caring Cubs events, each project was well thought out and simple enough for even young kids to put together and make a contribution to our community!”
Hobbies:
Exploring new places in and out of Cleveland, Volunteering, Reading
Other Affiliations: Solon Early Childhood PTA, Project Management Institute, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business mentor
KATIE EMRICK
Member Since: 2020
Committee: Service Projects
Katie is a wife and mom of three children. As a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, Katie fully understands and appreciates the abilities we possess and utilize them on a daily basis. Currently a homeschool mom of a kindergartener, Katie values the enormous benefits of volunteering and use it as part of her curriculum.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Caring Mail (from home) and Clean Up Day.
“One of my favorite things to do while volunteering is to bring people together who wouldn't have the time, the idea, or the commitment to sign up for an event. Also it's a wonderful opportunity to share time with friends who tag along (even through social distancing) and to be outdoors while helping our communities.”
Hobbies:
Outdoors & nature, cycling, fitness, skiing, crafting, hiking, and learning
Other Affiliations: Tinkergarten (Leader), AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association), Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (Troop Leader)
KATIE EMRICK
Member Since: 2020
Committee: Service Projects
Katie is a wife and mom of three children. As a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant, Katie fully understands and appreciates the abilities we possess and utilize them on a daily basis. Currently a homeschool mom of a kindergartener, Katie values the enormous benefits of volunteering and use it as part of her curriculum.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Caring Mail (from home) and Clean Up Day.
“One of my favorite things to do while volunteering is to bring people together who wouldn't have the time, the idea, or the commitment to sign up for an event. Also it's a wonderful opportunity to share time with friends who tag along (even through social distancing) and to be outdoors while helping our communities.”
Hobbies:
Outdoors & nature, cycling, fitness, skiing, crafting, hiking, and learning
Other Affiliations: Tinkergarten (Leader), AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association), Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio (Troop Leader)
KARA HOUGHTON
Member Since: 2019
Committee: Service Projects
Kara and her family have volunteered with Caring Cubs since 2014. Valuing the experiences her own children have received by attending Caring Cubs events, she joined the Board to be a part of that work for other families. Originally from Canada, Kara has a background in business and accounting. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, three daughters, and a yellow lab.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project:Annual Cards for Heroes
“I have attended this project with my girls several times. The size of the event impacted my girls when they were young and as they have gotten a little older, they take such care in making these cards and look forward to this event every year. I love seeing my girls connect with this project, knowing they are spending their time to bring some holiday joy to others.”
Hobbies:Running, gardening, traveling and volunteering.
Other Affiliations:
Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio
KARA HOUGHTON
Member Since: 2019
Committee: Service Projects
Kara and her family have volunteered with Caring Cubs since 2014. Valuing the experiences her own children have received by attending Caring Cubs events, she joined the Board to be a part of that work for other families. Originally from Canada, Kara has a background in business and accounting. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, three daughters, and a yellow lab.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project:Annual Cards for Heroes
“I have attended this project with my girls several times. The size of the event impacted my girls when they were young and as they have gotten a little older, they take such care in making these cards and look forward to this event every year. I love seeing my girls connect with this project, knowing they are spending their time to bring some holiday joy to others.”
Hobbies:Running, gardening, traveling and volunteering.
Other Affiliations:
Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio