Writers

Amanda Gustafson is an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics and has been with the company since 2006. She loves life and is living the dream thanks to Mary Kay. She and her team have currently earned 4 free cars so far and are working on #5 which will be that PINK CADILLAC!

Amy is a small business consultant and bookkeeper and has experience in marketing and web design. She has lived and worked in the Geauga County community for the past 30 years.

Tony is a local artist who lives in Burton, OH. He plays in the band Whiskey Courage and you can email him if you want to learn more about when they are playing out.

Caleb has been a Geauga County resident since 1997. He is a self taught pencil and ink artist, who has created and sold a number of original pieces since 2009. During a two year period in Chicago, he received training in Photoshop and Illustrator which he incorporated into building advertisements for WordPress websites. Caleb is currently lead designer for Little Acorn Media, works as HTML and CSS editor, and assists in web development. When not in the office, he is most likely at home lifting weights!

Chris Cipriani has served as the Executive Director of the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild since 2008. Chris lives with her husband and daughter in Chardon, and they enjoy all that Geauga County has to offer. Chris feels strongly about the importance of the arts in a community, and is thankful to be a part of such a vibrant arts organization.

My name is Darin Frye. I am a father of three, one of whom is my son Damon. When Damon was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with severe autism. He is now 14 years old and requires around the clock care. I started PWD Off Road for my son other young people like him.

DeAnna Tenney began her career in social services after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. Over the last 12 years she has worked in the non-profit management sector; initially in the area of domestic violence at Safer Futures, a women’s shelter in Portage County. She collaborated with many businesses, organizations and individuals to increase the building size and programmatic options for the clients served. Currently, as director of Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, she led a group of exceptional volunteers and agencies to develop a strategic plan in 2004 that transformed the Center into a vital organization focused on empowerment of families. This group of volunteers worked hard to gain back the trust of neighbors and friends and invited others to take part in the transformation of its programs and services to match the needs of the community.

Diana Tebo lives in Chardon OH with her husband Robert. She is a full time graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science at Kent State University. Diana grew up in Vermilion, OH and enjoys writing, reading, volunteering, crocheting, camping, and eating out among other things.

Elizabeth Wantz is the Curator and Education Director for Century Village Museum in Burton, OH. She has worked in the museum industry throughout Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and internationally. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with her Masters of Arts Management.

Faith grew up in Geauga County and has been drawing and painting for the past 50 years.

Gabe founded his first service company at age 16, quickly mastered online advertising, and lead generation, and sold over 5 million in business before age 21. After the decline of the housing market Gabe moved into the technology world full time. He has founded a half dozen technology companies that are all in operation today.

The Geauga News is an online publication that supports and provides wholesome news in Geauga County. We are a small team of local residents and business owners who aim to provide an important resource to the residents and businesses of Geauga County.

George Aureman,III, is a financial representative with Valley Financial Designs, a MassMutual Agency; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) learn more here.

Wife, mom, and co-owner of Emeth Gymnastics: My passion is coaching, living, and loving in a way that reflects Godly character and inspires it in others.

Helena is a mom, gymnastics coach, and involved member of her local community. She likes to keep team Geauga-News.com updated with local church and school events.

Jack is an audio engineer, musician, and music enthusiast.

Jeff Campbell is a community activist that writes about events and activities in the Chardon area.

Jennifer is a Newbury mom of two who enjoys writing for and promoting the Geauga News and other positive county events.

Jenny Hershberger was born and raised in Geauga County, Ohio. Since graduating from Marietta College she has worked as a free-lance photographer and graphic designer. Recently Jenny has become a published author, writing “Single and Content, a Journey from Despair to Delight”. She has traveled extensively throughout the USA and to several foreign countries.

Judah is a safety-certified Professional Member of USA Gymnastics and coaches at Emeth Gymnastics. Judah began his involvement in gymnastics at a young age at Emeth, before we had a competitive boys program, and then trained as a competitive gymnast for two years at Gymnastics World in Broadview Heights. Judah enjoys writing and speaking about his goals and involvement with gymnastics.

Karen has lived in Geauga County since 1955 and currently lives in Burton. She is married and has four children and five grandchildren. Karen currently works for the Berkshire school system as a scheduler and high school breakfast cook. Karen loves her job and has so much fun working with the kids.

Kathryn Biddle, M.S.S.A., L.I.S.W.-S., R.Y.T., the Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services & Program Leader for Beech Brook’s Center of Excellence for Trauma-Informed Care, has BA-SW from Cleveland State University and Mater’s Degree from Case Western Reserve University’s School of Applied Social Sciences. Her employment history includes, but is not limited to, tenure as a child welfare caseworker, a therapist, a clinical supervisor, and an agency administrator. Her employment has focused largely on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with histories of grief and trauma often associated with childhood adversity. Her clinical approach is informed by participation in four SAMHSA-sponsored learning communities designed to advance trauma-informed care and practices. Her mastery of trauma-sensitive evidence-based assessment and treatment models is recognized locally, throughout the state, and nationally.

Katie Arnold has an Art Education degree from Kent State University, and currently works as a middle school art teacher at Agape Christian Academy. She also teaches classes through the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild Arts Center in Chardon. You can check out the classes she teaches at Geauga Lyric Theater Guild Arts Center

Kelly Ericsson is the Public Relations Coordinator for the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities/The Metzenbaum Center. She has her MBA from Cleveland State University and several years of experience in the Marketing/PR Field.

Kimm Leininger has served as the Executive Director of United Way Services of Geauga County since 2003. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Director of WomenSafe for five years and as a hospital social worker for three years. Kimm has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. She is also an alumnus of Leadership Geauga County, 2002. Kimm currently serves on the boards of the Geauga County P-16 Initiative, Northeast Ohio Regional P-16 Council, Chardon Healing Fund and Chardon Rotary Club. Kimm lives in Geauga County with her husband and three children. She enjoys spending her free time with her family, as well as coaching her children in various sporting activities.

Kristin Lewis is the Manager of Sustainable Development at Fairmount Minerals Ltd., headquartered in Chardon, Ohio. In this position, Kristin manages the communications and public relations relative to sustainable development, both internally and to Fairmount’s growing external stakeholder group. An alumnus of Ohio University, Kristin holds a Bachelors of Business Administration with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). She also received her Masters degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in Positive Organization Development. This internationally recognized program focuses on sustainable development, emotional intelligence, appreciative inquiry and transformational leadership. Kristin is also actively involved in the community serving on the Advisory Board for the Chardon Healing Fund as the communications liaison. She also serves as a member of the board of directors for America SCORES Cleveland and United Way Services of Geauga County. Additionally, Kristin serves on the executive committee for the Fairmount Foundation to determine fund allocation. Kristin resides in Twinsburg, Ohio with her husband, Colin and daughter, Isabel.

Laura Dobson is a farm representative for Geauga Family Farms and a freelance writer of restaurant reviews. Laura literally works for food! You’re as likely to find Laura with her fingers hovering over a keyboard as you would be to find her with her fingers embedded deep in the dirt of her garden. When she’s not writing or gardening, she’s spending time with her 7-year-old grandson Ethan.

Laura H.B. Straniero is a life long resident of Geauga County and a graduate of Berkshire High School. She is also an avid gardener. She and her husband Bryan have made several trips to Bolivia over the past four years with the ministry of Word Made Flesh bringing a message of hope and liberation to women enslaved in human trafficking.

Get Fit Get Living LLC offers group classes for all levels of fitness. Please see web site for more information. Lisa specialize in the area of strengthening and toning for women. Helping them build stronger muscles, increase bone density, improve their balance and increase metabolism. I believe that even though staying fit and healthy is hard work it can be fun and the benefits are very rewarding. It will improve your quality and enjoyment of life. Anyone can strengthen their physical, mental and spiritual well being!

Lynda Nemeth is the Director of Geauga County Tourism and a lifelong resident of Geauga County. Lynda is actively involved with Ohio Tourism, Adventures in NE Ohio, and Positively Cleveland. Lynda can often be seen chauffeuring Maple Max (Geauga County Tourism’s Mascot) around the county and is thrilled to be able to promote such an amazing area!

Marilou Suszko is the author of Farms and Foods of Ohio: From Garden Gate to Dinner Place (Hippocrene Books, NY) and The Locavore’s Kitchen: A Cook’s Guide to Seasonal Eating and Preserving (Ohio Swallow Press, OH 2011). For more information including an appearance and program schedule, go to mariloususzko.com

Matthew Mesarchik is a rider, traveler, food nut, based in Middlefield Ohio.

As a way introducing myself, my name in Michael Elliott. I am a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) whose goal is to ruffle some feathers in my industry in an attempt to jump start the accountancy profession into the 21st century, It is my goal to develop new and innovative ways to reach out to my clients in an attempt to drastically alter their lives by providing tools and strategies for them to use to make a BUNCH MORE MONEY! I am currently in the process of designing several tools which will have a big time impact on my current and future clients.As I continue working on creating these tools, I will begin sharing with you, some of the basic information that provides the framework for the development of my strategies.

Michelle "Shell" Toth is a lifelong resident of Geauga County and is the owner of Shell's Dog Design in Newbury. She is a member of the International Professional Groomers, Inc. and has 30 years of experience in the pet care industry. Shell's Dog Design is committed to responsible pet care solutions and has a pet style for every lifestyle.

Patty is the editor for Little Acorn Media publications and is the primary copywriter of Meet Your Merchant features. She also writes blog content and does copywriting for tEkk3, a web development and marketing firm that provides a wide range of solutions for small businesses all over the USA. Patty is an avid pursuer of health and fitness, loves animals, organic gardening, the outdoors, and enjoys making and selling her art and crafts online at Dogbarks, Catcalls, and Mewmart.

Paul Gochnour was born in Pennsylvania many years ago and is a livelong Lutheran, a Bible reader and a beer drinker since the age of 21, not a drop before… He has been a member of Celebration Lutheran Church in Chardon since 1999. He is currently retired from a career in retail management (but always open to new opportunities) and is a “new” resident of Middlefield, having moved there in 1998. He is a Vietnam veteran and enjoys spending time with his veteran friends, making up new-old war stories and advocating for better veterans benefits. He is looking for ways to serve God and the community locally, nationally and worldwide. He believes Beer and Bible is one way of “Connecting People to People and Connecting People to Christ”.

Rachel is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She is married to Tom and has a son Jason, and a dog named Harley. Rachel and her family are devoted to bringing autism awareness to the community and they are organizing the local Autism Speaks event in Burton this year.

Rachel has been a life long resident of Geauga County, growing up in Middlefield and now living in Huntsburg. Rachel previously worked for the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office as a Records Clerk, Corrections Officer, and eventually sub-contracted to work in the Federal Building in downtown Cleveland to assist Federal Agents who investigated Social Security Fraud. She also worked for Punderson Manor Lodge in HR and as Front Office Operations manager. Rachel currently co-owns Geauga News and handles the day to day operations as well as project manages another technology company with her business partner. She enjoys walking and biking with her husband Ed and spending time in Geauga County’s parks.

Robert is a fifty one year novelist and free-lance writer from Guilford Lake, Ohio. He graduated from Kent State University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, and now spends his time with his five children and wife De Anna. When recreational time finds Bob you’ll catch him fishing on the beautiful grounds of Guilford Lake or working on his newest novel.

Sandi Allison has been a Licensed Social Worker for 25 years helping families in mental health and developmental services. She has been an entrepreneur and business owner for over 10 years. She has pursued her Master’s degree in Health and Safety in hopes to continue to apply a well rounded focus of social service work, education and health related influences in her work and writing. She sits on several local, regional and State council/advisory boards and is currently a program Director, private consultant, and educator.

Sandy Ward is communications specialist at Geauga Park District and a proud resident of Chardon, Ohio. Having started her career as a reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal and The News-Herald, she counts among her passions photography, walking, nature, travel, pets, friends and family. Her husband, Jamie, is a reporter at the Geauga County Maple Leaf.

Sheila Roberts is a home-schooled high school student who enjoys music, drawing and taking care of her 4-H ducks. She is also the news reporter for one of her 4-H clubs, Giggles 'n Stitches.

Sheri Rimes has been an animal lover, owner and rescuer all of her life. She is the mother of 1 and enjoys working with their newest family member, a German Shepherd named, “Ziva”. Sheri is the founder of “Save the Kitties Cat Sanctuary”, “The Ransom Ranch Project” (a faith-based outreach program looking for funding that helps single parent families and troubled youth), and the owner of “The Organic Pet”. Sheri is also the host of Pet Prep Radio. She has also been a long term volunteer with Lake Metroparks Farmpark riding with “The Light Horse Brigade, educating the public about the Arabian and The American Paint breeds of horses.

Sheryl Gusler has lived in Middlefield for 56 years and is a graduate of Cardinal High School. She is married to Duane and loves spending time with her family and friends as much as time allows. She has three children and three grandchildren. Sheryl loves to travel, cook, read and garden. She is committed to helping others as much as she can. Her favorite quote is "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you will get".

Sister Christin Alfieri is a Sister of Notre Dame from Chardon, Ohio. She has been a Sister for 40 years and an educator for 38 years serving five schools in the Diocese of Cleveland. Presently, Sister Christin is the principal of St. Helen Catholic School in Newbury, Township. She is passionate about educating children preschool through grade eight with an outstanding faculty and staff. St. Helen School is known for being a faith filled school environment with excellent academic preparation for high school. Sister Christin also enjoys music, the arts, animals, and a special love for cats.

Stacey is a lifelong resident of Geauga County graduating for Newbury High School. Stacey worked for Punderson Manor Lodge as a Front Desk Agent for many years before transitioning full time as the content & social media manager and creative designer at Little Acorn Media. Stacey loves her cats, Meena and Willow, and enjoys hiking and exploring all of the Geauga County Parks. Recently, Stacey became a Geauga Park District volunteer, so you may see her around at their events, but probably behind her camera. She also loves to spoil her two nieces, Kennedy and Korrina.

Sue is a Newbury mom who enjoys crafts, gardening and supporting local community and school events.

Trent is a graduate of Madison High School and a new resident of Geauga County. He enjoys spending time with his family, history, and the outdoors, but his passion is sports, both local and professional.

Trish Kosik is an elementary school librarian in Westlake, Ohio. Her passions include her family, libraries, gardening, and her yoga practice. She credits her brother, John, for inspiring her to recreate the recipes from their past.

Ty Kellogg has been the Organization Director of the Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula and Trumbull County Farm Bureau for just shy of two years. His primary duties include management of the four-county Farm Bureau office, assisting volunteers with membership drives, programs that promote agriculture and engaging the public in agriculture and community policy development. Born, raised and living in Geauga County, Ty can also be seen playing music throughout northeast Ohio, running, hunting, fishing and helping his parents on their farm.

Ty is the president of the Huntsburg Historical Society, and has lived in Huntsburg most of his life. When he is not designing, installing, and maintaining landscapes for the family construction business, Ty enjoys vegetable gardening, restoring and collecting old pressure lanterns, and spending time with his family.

Vicki Clark LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisory Endorsement and a graduate of Kent State University with a masters degree in Counseling. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Ravenwood Mental Health Center in Chardon, Ohio where she has been employed for the past 26 years.