Employment & Education Programs
Having a job or being in school is possible with the right supports.
Our Staff
Magnolia Clubhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We employ staff of diverse backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We actively work to increase the diversity of experience and perspectives on our team. We are committed to being a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We work to identify inequities within our organization and develop policies and practices that advance equity principles in our workplace and work.
Administration Unit
James joined the Magnolia team in 2022, bringing with him a 30-year Clubhouse career including 15 years at the original Clubhouse, Fountain House in New York. A Kansas native, James earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wichita State University and his master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College, City University of New York.
Don joined the Clubhouse in 2023 after serving as Director of Development at Hopewell, a therapeutic residential farm community for people with serious mental illness. His nearly 40-year career in non-profit fundraising and administration includes work at the Cleveland Clinic, Great Lakes Theater, Hiram College, and the Achievement Centers for Children. Don also served as Managing Director of Lyric Opera Cleveland, and has worked for and managed arts councils in upstate New York and Erie, PA. He earned an MBA degree in Arts Management from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a Bachelor’s in Drama from the University of Toronto, and is credentialed as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International. Don is an award-winning actor and director, performing regularly with several regional community theatres.
Angel graduated from Hamilton College in 1994 with a degree in Comparative Literature and received a master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University in 1998. In 2010, she received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy through Behaviortech. Angel has spent most of her career providing community support to the most vulnerable populations of Cuyahoga County.
Nicole joined Magnolia Clubhouse in August, 2024, having worked most recently as a Service and Support Administrator for individuals living with developmental disabilities in Lake County. She has spent her professional career helping others reach their fullest potential.
Nicole previously served as a supervisor of employment/placement services at a vocational agency in Cuyahoga County, and as a consultant and trainer for the Center for Evidence-Based Practices at Case Western Reserve University. At the Cleveland VA Medical Center, she worked on a research study on the application of evidence-based supported employment. Nicole received her BFA from Lake Erie College in 2000 and earned her MSSA from CWRU in 2015.
Lori, a psychologist, has been with Magnolia Clubhouse since 1997. Prior to her position with the Clubhouse, she worked at the University Hospitals of Cleveland Mood Disorder Program as a post-doctoral fellow. She obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 1995 where she is currently an adjunct clinical faculty member in the Department of Psychology. A Medical Advisory Board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Cleveland, she also serves on the board of NAMI Ohio and Fountain House, the world's first Clubhouse, located in New York City, with which Magnolia Clubhouse has many partnerships. In addition, Lori serves as a Faculty and Advisory Council member for Clubhouse International (the umbrella organization for Clubhouses around the world), and is on the Advisory Board of the Clubhouse Program of Research, a partnership between the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Clubhouse International. In 2015, Lori was named Executive Director of the Year by NAMI Ohio.
Michael works with Clubhouse Ohio Coalition director James Wineinger to help develop more Clubhouses throughout the state. He is very excited to join the community at Magnolia Clubhouse.
Michael entered the Clubhouse world in 2005 as a member of Fountain House in New York City. Originally from Akron, Ohio, he moved to NYC to attend university during which time he began to experience symptoms of serious mental illness. At this time, he found Fountain House and the Clubhouse model. Inspired and supported to take advantage of the many opportunities for growth, he became immersed in the Clubhouse model and its history and has developed and facilitated Clubhouse training discussions all over the world. Michael has also been a member of the Clubhouse International Faculty and Advisory Council for the past 8 years.
"This community intervention, this support, helped me stay healthy and find balance. It also helped me find stable housing and return to school," he said.
Michael recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from CUNY City College with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.
"The power of positive, supportive communities that lift people up and tear down stigma is undeniable, and I look forward to helping expand this model throughout Ohio," he said.
After a decade with the State of Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Chuck was hired by Hill House in March 1993 to start a program to help transition individuals with long-term hospitalizations, as well as those with dual developmental and mental health issues, into the Clubhouse community and then into the greater community. Chuck graduated from Cleveland State University with a degree in social work. In 2025, Chuck was recognized by NAMI Greater Cleveland with the "Lifetime Achievement Award."
Jennifer joined Magnolia Clubhouse in January 2025. Jennifer earned her BBA from Ohio University and her MBA from Franklin University. After a career in the finance field, Jennifer decided to pursue her passion for social work with her most recent position as a care coordinator for Ravenwood Health. Prior to that, Jennifer worked as a parenting specialist for WomenSafe in Chardon, Ohio. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, golfing and skiing.
Nicole joined the staff at Magnolia Clubhouse in March of 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Dyke College and has over 20 years of experience working in all facets of accounting including corporate accounting, data analytics, and finance. Her work experience has also provided her extensive knowledge of several financial software programs, experience with the programming languages SQL and Python, she is a certified Microsoft Excel super user, and she has been involved in several implementation projects on accounting software.
Samson joined the clubhouse in the Spring of 2024 as an intern before joining the staff in June of 2025. He studied psychology as well as statistics and analytics at John Carroll University, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree. His background in statistics and psychological research allow him to work with data and focus on research in the Clubhouse. In his free time, Samson enjoys playing and listening to music and watching sports.
Communications Unit
Adonté joined Magnolia Clubhouse in 2023. Adonté attended Saint Francis University (PA), where he received a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Currently, Adonté is enrolled in Cleveland State University’s master's program to obtain his clinical degree in Social Work. Prior to coming to the clubhouse, Adonte has years of experience working as a Child Protection Specialist at the Division of Children and Family Services. Adonté enjoys cooking, playing recreational sports, and hanging out with his dog in his free time.
Ryan joined Magnolia Clubhouse in 2013 and is a key member of the Communications Unit. He previously worked as a Youth Specialist at Bellefaire JCB from 2006 to 2013. While working at Bellefaire, he co-facilitated Partial Hospitalization and CPST groups with children. Ryan graduated from the Ohio Center for Broadcasting in 2014.
After graduating from Muskingum College, Jennifer joined AmeriCorps to lead a youth health program with the American Red Cross. She then spent two years with the Peace Corps teaching AIDS education in Africa before returning to Cleveland as a specialist in the foster care program with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She joined the Clubhouse in 2014.
Employment & Education Unit
Terrence joined Magnolia Clubhouse in December 2024. He earned his Bachelors in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Having most recently worked as a community-based Case Manager and Employment Specialist and he is dedicated to empowering individuals by providing the support and resources they need to achieve stability and success. In his spare time, Terrence is also a basketball coach and skills development trainer for student athletes around the city of Cleveland.
Jillian Roberts joined the Magnolia Clubhouse staff in 2024. Jillian received her Bachelor of Psychology from Kent State University and her Master of Social Work from Cleveland State. Jillian has over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field as a case manager, helping adults with mental health disabilities be able to retrieve resources and navigate in the community.
Kevin graduated from Cleveland State University with a BA in business. Before joining the Clubhouse in 2017, he worked as a vocational/employment specialist at The Employment Alliance and Recovery Resources for eight years.
Hospitality Unit
Anthony comes to Magnolia Clubhouse with a bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University in business. He has over ten years of community engagement experience, including being an assistant coach for the Cleveland State Women's Basketball team and Supervisor of Security for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anthony previously worked in mental health for over two years with Frontline Service and Medical Mutual. He enjoys sports, the outdoors, and spending time with his family.
Greg is our local celebrity chef! He has been sharing his talents as a creative and enthusiastic chef at Magnolia Clubhouse since 2004. He is a key staff member of the hospitality unit, working with members to teach strong skills and provide the opportunity for members to learn the joys of cooking nutritious meals while working together as a collaborative and creative team. He often asks both staff and members to share family favorites to enhance the variety of lunches served daily at the Clubhouse. He is fun and creative and always has a smile! He truly enjoys his work, and it shows. Greg also participates in social outings with the membership particularly with an annual shopping trip to Amish Country.
Jordan Krugman joined Magnolia Clubhouse in September of 2023 as a licensed social worker. Jordan attended Ashland University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Jordan later attended Cleveland State University, where she received a master's degree in Clinical Social Work. Prior to coming to the clubhouse, Jordan was a school-based behavioral health specialist working with children and adolescents at OhioGuidestone. In her free time, Jordan enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family and friends.
Tia Thomas joined the staff of Magnolia Clubhouse in August of 2022. She holds a Master of Social Work degree, which she completed from The University of Toledo in 2021. Tia calls herself “a social worker who loves to cook,” having had six years of kitchen experience at her family’s restaurant, The 4 Bistro, in South Euclid. Previously, she worked with youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio for two years. In addition, while attending college, she gained experience as an intern working with youth and families at a school-based program in Toledo.
Tia has a passion for art and loves traveling and spending time with family.
Laura received her graduate degree from CWRU's Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences in 2007 and also holds a clinical social work licensure with supervisory designation. Laura started her career supporting children and families through community, school, and home based services prior to joining the Clubhouse in 2013. During her time at Magnolia Clubhouse Laura has worked on several units and now provides supervision support to staff as well. In 2024 Laura joined the Clubhouse International Faculty and participates in the accreditation process for Clubhouse programs through Clubhouse International. The Clubhouse model provides the perfect environment for Laura to use her passion for supporting those living with mental illness and the joy they discover in working through the day-to-day, building confidence and success. In her spare time Laura enjoys family time with her husband and son, quiet time with her plants, loving on her three cats and practicing taekwondo.
Membership Unit
Nick joined the Clubhouse in November of 2019 as a Mental Health Professional. He holds a Master's degree in Psychology and has over 13 years of experience both in Clinical and Research Psychology. Nick spent the majority of his life in Upstate New York and was born in Syracuse, went to school in Buffalo, and most recently lived in Saratoga Springs. His most recent role was as a Mental Health Worker for a private psychiatric facility working closely with a diverse population of adults and adolescents in crisis. While working at the hospital Nick was also able to collaborate with the Senior Leadership team on improvement projects such as the integration of Positive Psychology applications and approach. This turned out to be a perfect segue to coming to work at Magnolia Clubhouse which, just like the field of Positive Psychology, focuses on understanding and growing people's strengths and abilities.
Kevin Liptrap joined the staff of Magnolia House in 2023. Kevin possesses an M.ED and ED.S. from Baldwin Wallace and Bowling Green Universities. During the past decade, Kevin has been the Director and Program Director for various organizations that help those vulnerable in need. These nonprofits have centered around the homeless, those with mental illness, the incarcerated, and youth with challenges and barriers. Kevin is from the mountains and the beaches of Virginia. In his downtime, Kevin likes to watch his son play college football, play with his granddaughter, visit the ocean, and enjoy a lot of Mitchell's ice cream. He has discovered golf as a new hobby and is having fun purchasing gadgets to improve his game.
Meghan first joined Magnolia Clubhouse in January, 2024 as part of her practicum work as an intern. She attended John Carroll University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in clinical counseling and a minor in leadership development, and joined the Clubhouse staff in June of 2025. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends and being outdoors. Meghan says, "After my internship, I knew that Magnolia Clubhouse was where I was meant to be. Not only is it a unique model, but it is inspiring to see the way that the model positively impacts the lives of members. I look forward to continuing to help end the stigma surrounding mental health."
Clinic Staff
David received his Advanced Practice Nurse education at Case Western Reserve University. With 11 years of nursing experience, he has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for seven years. His nursing experience ranges from working in hospital intensive care units and emergency departments, to adult and geriatric psychiatry.
Melanie has been a Licensed Practical Nurse for eight years but has worked in the medical field for 26 years. She holds an associate's Degree in Applied Science/Human Services which allows her to work as an assistant social worker. Work throughout her career has spanned multiple disciplines within the human services field. She currently is enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University to obtain a Bachelor's Degree. She is a native Clevelander.
Megan joined the staff of Magnolia Clubhouse in 2024. She has a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Akron. Before coming to the Clubhouse, she worked as a therapist in non-profit and private practice settings. She is trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including EMDR and DBT. In her free time she enjoys gardening and traveling.
Board of Directors
Mary Lou Stricklin, MSN, RN, EMBA, FAAN
Mary Lou Stricklin is the founder of the Arts for Healing and Stricklin Consulting.
As an advanced practice mental health nurse, Mary Lou maintains a private holistic therapy practice for adolescents and adults. She previously served as CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association Ohio for 20 years.
Mary Lou holds a MSN in Mental Health from CWRU School of Nursing, an Executive MBA from Baldwin-Wallace University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. A licensed Minister and Funeral Celebrant, she is a graduate of the Fellowships of the Spirit School of Healing and Prophesy and the Elixir Light School of QiGong in New York. Mary Lou is also a Certified Practitioner/Trainer with the Center for Mind Body Medicine, Washington, DC.
A dedicated community and professional volunteer, Mary Lou continues to serve as trustee and officer to many civic, arts and human service organizations. Nationally recognized in the nursing profession as well as non-profit management, Mary Lou is a recipient of numerous acclaims and awards.
(Program Committee)
Carla M. Wainwright
Carla M. Wainwright is a Certified Public Accountant and a managing director for MAI Capital Management, LLC (“MAI”) in the tax group. Carla has more than 20 years of tax experience with models, athletes, and high net worth individuals. She is a graduate of Cleveland State University and holds a Master of Taxation (MTax) degree from The University of Akron. Carla is also a mentor to two students through College Now of Greater Cleveland. She has previously served on the finance committee of United Way, Bike Cleveland, and Ohio City Bike Co-Op.
(Finance Committee)
Kristine Zanotti
Dr. Zanotti is a recently retired physician with a longstanding dedication to patient care, medical education, and health system improvement. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and earned her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine. She completed her fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, where she later served on the faculty, and continued her academic and clinical work at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
While at University Hospitals, Dr. Zanotti served on hospital, regional and national committees, with a professional focus on advancing medical education and promoting value-based care. She brings to Magnolia Clubhouse a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, along with a strong commitment to the dignity and empowerment of individuals living with mental illness. She is honored to support Magnolia Clubhouse's mission to provide community, connection, education and job training to those it serves.
(Program Committee)
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