Akron Children’s Women’s Board welcomes new members 

08-08-2023 (Akron, Ohio )

The Women’s Board of Akron Children’s recently welcomed 10 new members to the 75-member board.  

Now serving are:  

Melissa Cheney

A resident of Copley, Melissa serves as the volunteer business manager/bookkeeper for a small local business. Her previous volunteer experience includes St. Hilary School and Parish’s Parents Association and Athletic Association and Blessings in a Backpack. In 2009, she and her husband established the Strides for Autism fundraiser, benefitting Akron Children’s Family Child Learning Center.

Kelly Clarke

Kelly is a public relations professional who works at her own promotions company. A resident of Richfield, Kelly was an active volunteer at Revere Schools and worked in the Richfield and Bath Elementary Libraries. She also donated her time to support the Revere Women’s Soccer program.  She has been a volunteer at Akron Children’s since 2019 and looks forward to giving back through her time on the Women’s Board.

Kerri L. T. (Bowman, DVM, DACVS) Daye

Kerri is a retired veterinarian and resident of Medina. Her previous volunteer experience includes the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Summit County and she currently serves on the steering committee for its capital campaign. She has also served as a Medina and Summit Master Gardener volunteer.

Marisa Fatica

A lifelong resident of Akron, Marisa worked as a family law attorney before becoming a full-time mom. She currently works as an interior designer. Active in her community, Marisa has volunteered with the I Promise Village, Firestone Trace Homeowners’ social committee, Girl Scouts, the Old Trail School, Fairlawn Country Club, the Alzheimer’s Association, Stewart’s Caring Place, the Battered Women’s Shelter and Akron Children’s.

Kathie Jackson Holland

A 30-year Akron resident, Kathie is a graduate of Kent State University. She was previously employed as account executive for Artists, Incorporated, and graphics manager for the United Way of Summit County. She was volunteer artist-in-residence at Old Trail School, and has also enjoyed leading the students in art projects for the school’s annual fundraising auction. Her additional volunteer experience includes St. Bernard’s Church.

Terri Nass Reeder

Born and raised in Akron, Terri and her family reside in West Akron. Her professional work experience includes working as an attorney in insurance defense and running a nonprofit. Dedicated to community nonprofit causes, she has served on boards and worked on fundraising with the Junior League of Akron, Association of Junior Leagues International, Akron Symphony, and One of A Kind Pet Rescue. She also volunteers at Archbishop Hoban High School, Chris Fest and Boy Scout Troop 1.

Susan Strandberg

Susan has worked in the areas of mental health as a case manager, program director, behavior specialist, clinical supervisor, and social work case coordinator/counselor. She has volunteered with several community organizations including: the Arc of Akron, Summit County Juvenile Court, Iredell County Community College Instructor, The Arc of Iredell County, CFCS Football Board, Boy Scouts, Haven of Rest, Feed My Starving Children, Salvation Army, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

Sandy Winkelmann

A resident of Copley, Sandy spent her childhood around Akron City Hospital where her father served as an OBGYN/oncologist. Sandy graduated from Bowling Green State University and attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Her volunteer experience includes St. Hilary School where she served as the Parents Association president, co-chaired various fundraisers, coached CYO cheerleading, and served as a substitute teacher and secretary. 

Valerie Wright

Raised in West Akron, Valerie graduated from Firestone High School and the University of Akron. She previously worked as a marketing and communications professional and her volunteer experience includes Copley Schools and Children’s Concert Society. Valerie is also very active at Fairlawn Country Club, where she has also served on many committees.

Lindsey Yoder

Born and raised in Akron, Lindsey graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and Marketing. Her past work experience includes managing the women’s division at Ralph Lauren in New York City and working at Mobile Meals, Inc., in Akron as the Marketing Director. She volunteered weekly at the Ronald McDonald House in New York for four years and has served as a parent volunteer at St. Hilary School, along with chairing the school’s annual fundraiser. She also volunteered at the Akron Art Museum, Blessings in a Backpack and the Fairlawn Heights Parade.

Current officers of the Women’s Board are Barbara Varley, president; Connie Nolte, first vice president; Joan Lauck, second vice president; Lisa Bandwen, secretary; and Denise Schaffner, treasurer.

Since founding the Mary Day Nursery, which would later grow into Akron Children's in 1890, the Women’s Board has played an integral role in Akron Children’s growth and development and is dedicated to the support, protection and welfare of children by working to enhance community involvement, increase advocacy and raise funds for the hospital. Members give their time in support of the hospital’s mission through such activities as running the hospital’s gift shop, supporting legislative and advocacy efforts, presenting a safety program through Akron Public Schools, and holding fundraisers including Celebrate the Plate and the annual Charity Ball.