Rebuilding: 2023 Additions To Staff

During the pandemic, We Care Arts was reduced to just 4 staff members due to all services becoming virtual. However, with resilience and determination, We Care Arts has embarked on a journey to rebuild and recover. One key area of recovery in 2023 was an investment in current staffing and the welcoming of new teammates to meet the growing needs of its programming. These strategic decisions paid off as the new positions and the skills and enthusiasm that they brought with them to We Care Arts created significant growth across all service areas. This growth included but was not limited to a 25% rise in our Transition to Work program, a 33% expansion in classroom capacity, and a 50% increase in our community outreach programming across the Greater Miami Valley in 2023. This investment in our staffing, their training, and the improvements to our infrastructure have all led to a revitalization of We Care Arts. Today, the organization is proud to be back on the mend and set up for success in 2024 as it continues its mission to make a difference through art and community thanks to the dedicated and talented staff who are there to support our artist-clients in their artistic journey.

Rick Willits – Community Engagement Director – Community Engagement Director – Graduating from Saint Joseph’s College with a degree in marketing and secondary education, Rick spent the 1990’s teaching at Alter High School. In the 2000’s he switched gears and went into Executive Search for Management Recruiters International with a focus on the printing and graphic arts industries. In 2011, Rick returned to Alter, this time in a development role, and served as the Advancement Director raising over $1.7+ million a year in annual giving, scholarships, special events, a 3-phase capital campaign and grant writing. Post-Covid, Rick tied back into his recruiting experience at the Modern College of Design where he served as the Director of Career Services. After a short stint at United Rehabilitation Services, Rick now happily serves as the Director of Community Engagement at We Care Arts. Rick continues to coach high school football, enjoys reading, working out, renovating his home, and spending time with family and friends.

Cara Stedman – Employment Services Manager – Employment Services Manager – Cara Stedman, a proud alumna of Antioch College, holds a unique bachelor’s degree in psychology and writing that she designed herself. Her dedication to offering innovative forms of support to members of the community led her to join We Care Arts. Her objective is to empower individuals with disabilities by fostering independence, self-assurance, and expertise through their personal journeys.

Jay Engleman – Art Instructor Jay Engelman is thrilled to be part of the vibrant community at We Care Arts as a budding art educator. Their journey into the world of art began in 2020 when they stumbled upon the captivating realm of collaging. Entranced by its possibilities, Jay soon found themselves drawn deeper into artistic expression, eventually embracing photography as their primary medium.

Joining the talented team at We Care Arts has been an inspiring adventure for Jay, propelling them to explore a multitude of creative avenues. In addition to their initial love for photography, they have eagerly delved into the colorful realms of watercolor and acrylic painting, discovering new dimensions of self-expression with each brushstroke.

Central to Jay’s artistic philosophy is a firm belief in the transformative power of creativity, both for individuals and communities. They wholeheartedly resonate with We Care Arts’ mission of “empowering healing through art and community,” and they are honored to integrate this ethos into their own personal mission. In the nurturing environment of We Care Arts, Jay is constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of their fellow artists, fueling their passion to cultivate creativity and facilitate healing through every stroke of the brush and click of the camera.   (Feel free to shorten if needed)

Amelia Rone – Art Instructor – Amelia Rone is an Ohio based artist who focuses in ceramics and printmaking during her personal practice. She graduated with her BFA in Fine Art and Art History from University of Cincinnati in 2022 and moved back to the Dayton area to be closer to family and friends. She enjoys all forms of art, but pottery will always be her favorite art form. When she is not creating, she is baking, hiking, journaling, or playing video games with her partner, Ty. She has four cats: Ziggs, Zola, Ash, and Gnar, and two dogs: Lily and Walter.

Lauren Borek – Art Curator – Lauren Borek is an artist that primarily focuses on the mediums of painting and ceramics, but she loves any type of artwork! Graduating from University of Dayton in 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she is extremely passionate about creating a more inclusive space within the art community. When not making artwork, she loves to play video games, be around friends and family, do her makeup, and go thrifting!

Anna Brown – Art Instructor – Anna Brown has worked as a Freelance Scenic Artist and Art Teacher for the last decade in New York City. After graduating from The University of Cincinnati with a degree in Theater Design and Production, she built props and painted sets for multiple Broadway productions including Hamilton, Frozen, and School of Rock. She taught at Xavier High School in Manhattan for four years before moving back to Ohio. Anna loves to paint, embroider, sculpt, and has recently discovered a passion for watercolors. She enjoys sharing and learning new skills with fellow artists.

Jennifer Visnovits – Job Coach/Art Instructor – Jennifer is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, committed to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. She earned her degree in Communication Disorders from Jackson State University in 2017. Since graduation, she has held several roles geared towards uplifting individuals with disabilities such as teacher and direct support professional. Jennifer’s mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of ability or circumstance, is afforded opportunities and support.

Brandi Frederick – ISP and Intake Specialist – Brandi has been working with CareSource in appeals and customer service since January. Prior to this, she worked as a CNA in homecare and private care for people with disabilities for a decade. She holds an Associate degree in Radiology from Sinclair, but chose to stay at home full time to care for her son who has Autism until he started school. Her son has since become a happy and functioning member of society. Brandi is excited to be a part of the mission of We Care Arts for people with disabilities and is honored to be a part of such an important cause.

Nicole Erickson – Administrative Assistant – Nicole joined us in June of 2023. After graduating with an associate degree in social work from Sinclair, Nicole is pursuing a BA in Psychological Science at Miami Regional University. She brings a level of compassion and understanding for our Artist-Clients that supports our mission in her position. Nicole is also organizing and improving our donor database and policies while providing proper support to facilities, management, and staff alike. Please help us in welcoming her as she continues to grow the mission with us.