Entirely volunteer-operated, Caring Cubs thrives because of the consistent dedication of our amazing board of directors.
Board Members
- Shari Nacson – Board President
- Jamie Routman – Vice President
- Ashley Sparks – Treasurer
- Rob Slonaker
- Angie Lydon
- Amanda Start
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 dogs.
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, Mount Sinai Human Rights Program
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 dogs.
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, Mount Sinai Human Rights Program
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; Junior Browns Flag Football
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; Junior Browns Flag Football
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
ANGELA LYDON
Member Since: 2021
Committee: Compliance
Angie has over a decade of experience providing legal services to businesses and nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes. Since graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2011, she has worked for the law firm of Frantz Ward LLP and is currently the Vice-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group. Angie lives with her husband and four busy kiddos in Bay Village.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Herps Alive Foundation
“Herps Alive is a non-profit foundation that takes in unwanted, abused, and neglected reptiles. My kids love all animals, but especially reptiles. It was such a great opportunity for them to learn about different species and how to care for them, all while helping out a unique and wonderful organization. As an added bonus, the kids had a blast soaking each other with hoses while cleaning out the tanks!“
Hobbies: Loudly cheering on my kids at their many, many sporting events, hiking, travel, and (of course) volunteering.
Other Affiliations:
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Bay Village PTA’s
ANGELA LYDON
Member Since: 2021
Committee: Compliance
Angie has over a decade of experience providing legal services to businesses and nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes. Since graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2011, she has worked for the law firm of Frantz Ward LLP and is currently the Vice-Chair of its Litigation Practice Group. Angie lives with her husband and four busy kiddos in Bay Village.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Herps Alive Foundation
“Herps Alive is a non-profit foundation that takes in unwanted, abused, and neglected reptiles. My kids love all animals, but especially reptiles. It was such a great opportunity for them to learn about different species and how to care for them, all while helping out a unique and wonderful organization. As an added bonus, the kids had a blast soaking each other with hoses while cleaning out the tanks!“
Hobbies: Loudly cheering on my kids at their many, many sporting events, hiking, travel, and (of course) volunteering.
Other Affiliations:
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Bay Village PTA’s
AMANDA START
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Service Projects
Amanda has over a decade of experience developing and evaluating curriculum and is currently a research consultant and stay-at-home mom. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grove City College, a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chatham University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Idaho. Amanda lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two children.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Caring Mail: Holiday Wishes for Former Foster Youth
“Crafting and Christmas: there is little more the Start family needs! But this project made our Christmas crafting time so much more special. Our family made holiday cards and little ornaments for the young adults served by Community of Hope. Our hope was that these simple ornaments—whether they were on a tree or a keychain—would remind these young adults that they are not alone and there are people out there who are thinking about and praying for them. We also made an ornament for our tree as a reminder for our family to keep our hearts and home open—especially during the holiday season.”
Hobbies: Crafting, baking, and hunting (for the best donut in the US)
Other Affiliations:
None
AMANDA START
Member Since: 2016
Committee: Service Projects
Amanda has over a decade of experience developing and evaluating curriculum and is currently a research consultant and stay-at-home mom. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grove City College, a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chatham University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Idaho. Amanda lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and two children.
Favorite Caring Cubs Project: Caring Mail: Holiday Wishes for Former Foster Youth
“Crafting and Christmas: there is little more the Start family needs! But this project made our Christmas crafting time so much more special. Our family made holiday cards and little ornaments for the young adults served by Community of Hope. Our hope was that these simple ornaments—whether they were on a tree or a keychain—would remind these young adults that they are not alone and there are people out there who are thinking about and praying for them. We also made an ornament for our tree as a reminder for our family to keep our hearts and home open—especially during the holiday season.”
Hobbies: Crafting, baking, and hunting (for the best donut in the US)
Other Affiliations:
None
Caring Cubs recognizes the following past and current board members who have gone above and beyond in commitment and service over the course of many years.
Board Members Recognized for Distinguished Service
- Kristen Cash Vice President, 2014-2018
- Shari Nacson President, 2014-2022
- Kelly Rudloff President, 2010-11; Secretary, 2014-2019
- Rob Slonaker Treasurer, 2017-2019
- Kerry Katz Vice President, 2018-2020
For more information about joining this outstanding group of volunteer board members contact us by filling out the form below.
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