The 1N5 Team

STAFF

  • Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA

    Founder and Executive Director

  • Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS

    Program Director

  • Beth Dulle, OCPSA

    Operations Manager

  • Brandi Hamilton

    Social Media Manager

  • Abby Messner

    Grant Writer

  • Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, RA

    Program Manager, Schools

  • Jessica Hartley

    Development Manager

  • Jodi Pickering, RA

    Program Manager, Schools

  • Natalia Weekly, M.S.,LPCA, RA

    Program Manager, Community

  • Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, RA

    Program Manager, Corporate

  • Katie Keiser, MSW, RA

    Youth Programs and Training Manager

Nancy Eigel-Miller, OCPSA

Founder and Executive Director

NANCY EIGEL-MILLER – Founder and Executive Director
Nancy founded the James W. Miller Memorial Fund in 2010 after losing her husband, Jim, to suicide in 2008. She spent her career in the marketing/market research arena but felt compelled to foster education about the mental health crisis among our youth population. Her mission is to normalize conversation about mental illness, especially among the area’s youth.

Email: nancy_miller@1N5.org
Phone: 513.607.7434

Favorite 1N5 Project: Working in the schools
What you like most about 1N5: All the people I meet; the passion for the work; the youth and working with them
Wish for 1N5: We are in all of the schools in Greater Cincinnati

How you start your day: Meditating
Favorite Sport:  Xavier University Basketball
Super Power You Wish You Had: Time Travel

Family: Two amazing daughters, Elizabeth who lives in Philadelphia working in the juvenile defense arena and Kate who lives in NYC and works in the fashion industry.

Christine Browner, M.Ed., RN, OCPS

Program Director

CHRISTINE BROWNER – Program Director
Christine joined the team in June 2020. She comes to 1N5 with a background in rare disease, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse advocacy. Through personal and professional experiences, Christine has developed a deep passion for issues surrounding mental health.

Email: christine_browner@1N5.org
Phone: 513.382.6095

Favorite 1N5 Project: The #iam1N5 project. I am inspired by every person who shares their story and struggles. I learn something each time.
What 3 words best describe 1N5: Committed, Collaborative and Community-focused
What is your hope for the future regarding mental health:  That every state recognizes the importance of supporting our children’s mental health with legislation that requires mental health education within schools.

How do you handle a bad day: I  go for a run. It never fails to turn my mood around.
First Concert: Bruce Springteen back in the 80’s.
Super Power You Wish You Had: Teleportation. I would love the ability to move instantaneously from one location to another.

Family: My husband, John, and I live in Cincinnati with our five children ages 15-22. We love to travel, cook, and ski together.

Beth Dulle, OCPSA

Operations Manager

BETH DULLE – Operations Manager
Beth joined the 1N5 team in March 2019 . Beth’s experience with organizational systems helps the 1N5 team streamline operations.  Her passion for stopping the stigma and educating people about mental illness was spurred by the loss of her son, Brogan, to suicide.

Email: beth_dulle@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

Favorite 1N5 Project: Educating people by providing resources for mental illness and mental wellness.
What you like most about 1N5: How we approach the difficult subject of mental illness with hope and positivity
What makes you proud about 1N5: We don’t often have to deny a request for help from the community because our team works so hard and so collaboratively.

How you start your day: Coffee, coffee and more coffee
Bucket List Item: Hiking the Camino de Santiago
Super Power You Wish You Had: Invisibility

Family:  Married with 5 sons, 1 daughter,  4 bonus daughters, an amazing grandson and my pup, Doofenshmirtz.

Brandi Hamilton

Social Media Manager

BRANDI HAMILTON – Social Media Manager
Brandi spent 13 years in wellness management and the public health arena, including seven years as Assistant Director of the University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center. Brandi is passionate about helping others live a healthy life and achieve a state of optimal physical and mental wellbeing. Brandi also has professional experience in photography, marketing, and graphic design, and currently serves as the Social Media Manager at 1N5.

Email: brandi_hamilton@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What you like most about 1N5: I love the work we do in the community, and as the Social Media Manager, I get to hear first-hand from our followers how our work has changed, and in some cases, saved lives.
Your favorite 1N5 project: I love the concept of the Youth Mental Health Innovation Challenge where we connect outstanding youth innovators with local professional mentors to help them solve mental health challenges in their communities.
Your hope for the state of mental health: I hope within the next couple of years that mental health education will be required at the state level for all grade levels and I believe that 1N5 stands apt and ready to guide schools in making the transition in a practical, sustainable and meaningful way. I also hope the need for education on the transition for students from high school to college is implemented either for upperclassmen in high school or as part of the college admission and onboarding process.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, it would be: Special Education
How you spend your spare time: What’s spare time? (lol) When I get the chance to have some me-time, I enjoy long outdoor walks around the neighborhood or park and grabbing dinner + wine with friends.
Super Power You Wish You Had: To clone myself. Then I would have spare time.

Family: I am the mom of three children: an 8 year old boy, a 3 year old boy and a 4 month old girl. My 8 year old is a super witty, uber competitive lover of all sports who lives with fairly severe ADHD. My 3 year old is an incredibly funny and strong stage IV childhood cancer survivor and has recently been diagnosed with ASD, which our family is currently leaning to navigate. And my baby girl, Willow, is the happiest, easiest-going baby you’ll ever meet. She brings a new joy to each day that I never knew I so desperately needed.

Abby Messner

Grant Writer

Abby Messner – Grant Writer
Abby joined 1N5 as our grant writer in November 2021 but has been a huge supporter through her work on the 1N5 Spring4Life Committee since 2016.  Her love of writing and passion for mental health led Abby to her role as our grant writer.

Email: abby_messner@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do yo like about working at 1N5: I love 1N5’s mission and the fun and inspiring people who call this place home.
What 3 words best describe 1N5: Bold, Life-Saving and Mission-Minded.
What is your favorite project at 1N5: Sources of Strength. My daughter was asked to be a student leader for this program when she was at Mariemont High School so I was able to see it in action.

Super Power You Wish You Had: To be able to fly.  It would be freeing.
If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be:  A relationship expert so I would always know hot to give the people in my life what they need…Maybe that should be my superpower.
What is your perfect vacation: The perfect combination of beaching, hiking, yummy food, and game nights with my family and closest friends. 

Family: I’m married to Jay and we just celebrated our 25th anniversary. We have two daughters, Sydney and Avery, who are both students at the University of Cincinnati, and one sweet little rescue dog named Otis.

Sara Utecht, M.A., LPC, RA

Program Manager, Schools

SARA UTECHT – Program Manager

Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked as a school counselor, high school assistant principal, and college adjunct instructor.  Sara understands the increasing need for conversation around mental health and suicide prevention education and is passionate about a holistic approach to wellness for all people.

Email: sara_utecht@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do you do at 1N5: Collaborate with schools, caregivers, students, and educators to develop mental health and wellness practices that contribute to a healthy and happy life for all.
What does a typical workday look like for you: A lot of listening, learning, wrestling with challenges, and getting creative and curious about solutions.  Each day is different and I love that!

What do you like to do in your spare time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, working in the garden, and traveling (especially to National Parks!).
How to you like to start your day: I am a morning person!  Waking up early, sitting with a hot cup of coffee on the couch, and reading a chapter of my latest book is the best way to start the form me to start my day.
If you were an animal, what would you be:  A hummingbird.  They float from spot to spot representing love and light, joy, and beauty.  They are always on the lookout for a yummy treat (like me).

Family:  I live in Cincinnati and come from a big “westside” family – most of whom live within a 10 minute drive of each other.  I share my home with my yellow Labrador Retriever, Pollyanna.

Jessica Hartley

Development Manager

JESSICA HARTLEY – Development Manager
Jessica joined the 1N5 team in March 2022.  After graduating from Gordon College with a degree in sociology she worked in community mental health as a case manager for adults living with mental health conditions. Jessica spent the next several years as a home educator before being drawn back to non-profit work through volunteering at IPM Food Pantry, where she ultimately became the Director of Community Engagement and Giving. Jessica brings a passion for strengthening mental wellness to 1N5, where she serves as the Development Manager. When not at work, Jessica can usually be found on the softball field at Turpin High School, on a trail somewhere, or spending time with her family.

Email: jessica_hartley@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do you like most about 1N5: I love the positive work environment and the supportive team atmosphere, but more importantly, I am extremely proud to be part of an organization where everyone is working so hard to make an impact upstream.
What are three words to describe 1N5: Powerful, purposeful, and authentic
What is one self-care thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?  Slowing down to get more rest and sleeping better; sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day for rest, so I am trying to make it a priority.

How you start your day: Hot coffee and a long run
What energizes you outside of work: Definitely coaching high school softball. The student-athletes I work with inspire me and keep me young. I love sharing my passion for the sport with them and supporting them through the ups and downs of being a teen. It is so rewarding to watch young athletes grow into adults during their high school years and to be a small part of their character development.
What is one thing you want to own but don’t: A cabin in the mountains

Family: My husband Steve and I live in Anderson with our four children, Austin, Abby, Ella and Molly (ages 12-20), and two dogs. You can almost always find us in a gym or on a field somewhere with our active kiddos.

Jodi Pickering, RA

Program Manager, Schools

Jodi Pickering – Program Manager

Jodi is a recent Cincinnatian, having lived the past 18 years in the Bay Area of California. She came here to do a year of service with AmeriCorps and found she liked the pace of life and the people. Before AmeriCorps, she spent her professional life in schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator for students K-12th grade. Her family includes her 24-year-old daughter, her cat, her dog and all those she loves around the country. Having lived in NY, NJ, PA, DC, TX, MN, CA and OH, she’s lucky to have friends and family all over.  She loves to run and hike, but she’s equally at home with a book or a pen.

Email: jodi_pickering@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What drew you to 1N5:  The mission. As a life-long educator, I know how important mental health programming for students and teachers is.
What are three words to describe 1N5:  Vibrant, connected, committed
If you could have a superpower, what would it be:  To run incredibly fast. I can keep trucking along, but I’m not known for my speed.

How you start your day:  Early and quietly with a cup of coffee and the NY Times.
What makes you smile:  Smiles come easily to me, but fail-safe choice is sunlight on water.
What is the best advice you were ever given:  During a difficult time in my life, a friend told me to keep repeating, “Right now it’s like this.” I use the phrase regularly when things are hard to loosen the pressure and when things are easy to remember to savor the joy.

Family: I live with my dog and my cat, and when I’m lucky, my daughter is with us, too. Most of the time though she is busy working on her MFA in textile art at the University of Missouri.

Natalia Weekly, M.S.,LPCA, RA

Program Manager, Community

NATALIA WEEKLY – Program Manager, Community
Natalia Weekly is a licensed therapist with experience in clinical counseling, mental health education, crisis intervention, and case management through higher education, community, and private practice settings. She is passionate about basic needs insecurity and mental health advocacy through a social justice lens to ensure equitable access to mental health resources and services.

Email: Natalia_weekly@1N5.org
Phone: 513-814-3007

How did you first learn about 1N5:  I first learned about 1N5 through my employment at Xavier University. I served as a mentor for the Youth Mental Health Innovation Challenge in 2019 and 2020.
What do you like most about 1N5:  How 1N5 engages the community through programming and social media to bring awareness to mental health. It’s authentic and genuine.
What is your hope for the future regarding mental health: As we continue to educate and collaborate within the community, systematic barriers are removed to increase equitable access to mental health resources and services.

What’s your guilty pleasure: Candy Crush. My friends make fun of me that I still play the game. I just hit the 5,000th level.
Favorite Cookie: White Chocolate Macadamia
Super Power You Wish You Had: Teleportation because I want to be anywhere and everywhere at once.

Kelly Barry, M.S., CHES, NBC-HWC, RA

Program Manager, Corporate

KELLY BARRY – Program Manager

Kelly joined the organization in May 2023. She comes to 1N5 with a background in health education, corporate wellness, stress and evidence-based coping skills, and health and wellness coaching. Kelly is passionate about mental health education, mental health advocacy, and creating safe, inclusive environments that enable people to thrive. When not at work, she enjoys travel, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Email: kelly_barry@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do you like about working at 1N5: I’m so proud to be a part of the important work 1N5 is doing, particularly in the space of normalizing conversations around mental health and mental illness. These conversations help create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and hopefully empowered to tap into resources.
What your hopes for the area in which we work: Mental illness is the result of multilevel influences: internal, relational, community, organizational, policy, etc. We have to have a systemic approach; school, communities, and corporations are just the start as we work to impact lasting change
What are 3 words to describe 1N5: Passionate, Compassionate, Evidence-based

Favorite Cookie:  Cookies are my love language! I will eat any bakery cookie, Because I’m 5 at heart I prefer them iced, bonus points for sprinkles!
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be:  To pause time, I’d probably use it to sleep. 🙂
What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day:  It probably depends on the type of bad day. Most of the time going for a walk and listening to a good book or music can help give me a boost, clarification, or just out of my head depending on what I’m needing that day. And sometimes connecting with someone helps me feel seen and gives me perspective. I try to start by asking myself “what do I need right now”.

Family: I’ve been married to my husband, Matt, for almost 14 years. We moved to Cincinnati about 10 years ago from Raleigh, NC. We have a 7 year old son, Connor, two dogs and a cat.

Katie Keiser, MSW, RA

Youth Programs and Training Manager

KATIE KEISER – Youth Programs and Training Manager

Katie joined the 1N5 team in May 2023. Her previous experience in school social work and counseling has reinforced her passion for mental health awareness and advocacy, social emotional learning, and trauma informed practice. Outside of work, Katie is the proud mom of her beloved 7lb dog, Cliff, and (too) many houseplants. Katie is committed to changing the landscape of mental health education and services in schools and beyond!

Email: katie_keiser@1N5.org
Phone: 513.814.3007

What do you do at 1N5: As the Youth Programs and Training Manager, I act as a resource for youth, school staff, and caregivers on mental health and mental illness. I work extensively with all youth driven initiatives, which includes overseeing the Sources of Strength programming in our partner schools and facilitating the Youth Council for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
What do you like about working at 1N5: I like working at 1N5 because I am surrounded by people who inspire and motivate me every day.
What are 3 words to describe 1N5: Mission-driven. Collaborative. Innovative.

Do you have a hidden talent: I am a classically trained vocalist and flautist (flute)!  I studied both for over 10 years through elementary, middle, and high school.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given and who was it from: A very wise mentor and friend once told me that, “you can’t do better until you know better”. This has stuck with me as a reminder to always maintain an open mind and remain curious so that I can continue to grow as a professional and a person.
What’s your go-to karaoke song:  Dancing Queen by ABBA…always brings down the house.


Family: I live in the Oakley neighborhood of Cincinnati with my partner, Joey and my dog, Cliff. I spend a lot of time with my mom and grandmother, who both live very close by. My younger sister, who is also my very best friend, lives in Chicago, which means that we take frequent road trips to visit! I’m very grateful to also have so many cousins, aunts and uncles in Cincinnati that make my life so much fun.


INTERNS

  • Meghan Mays

    General Intern

  • Kostas Hinkle

    General Intern

  • Faith Breeden

    General Intern

  • Maya Goertemoeller

    General Intern

  • Kaitlyn Blaha

    Graphic Design Intern

  • Kimberly Dinh

    Video Intern

  • Maggie Wright

    General Intern

Meghan Mays

General Intern

Hello! My name is Meghan Mays! I’m a senior at University of Cincinnati studying psychology with certificates in Deaf Studies and Pre-Art Therapy. My goal for the future is to be a clinical therapist. I have been passionate about mental health for years so I am very excited to be working with 1N5! A fun fact about me is that I am a very big nerd about Marvel and my favorite superhero is Spiderman!

Kostas Hinkle

General Intern

Hi, my name is Kostas Hinkle. I will be graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies of Nursing with a focus in Psychology following this fall semester. I plan to continue my education as a UC graduate student and aspire to earn my Doctorate in Psychiatry so that I may become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I look forward to taking what I learn from 1N5 on with me in my career; by continuing to spread mental health awareness and breaking down the barriers to mental health care access. A fun fact about me is that I love to run and spend time outdoors. (I hope to see everyone at the Warrior Run this year!)

Faith Breeden

General Intern

Hello, my name is Faith! I recently graduated from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law with my Master of Science in Law where I studied regulation and compliance, intellectual property, and policy in healthcare. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Dayton with a BS in Biology and minor in psychology. It is my ultimate goal to be a healthcare provider, possibly in pediatrics or emergency medicine! My own journey with my mental health is what makes me passionate about working with 1N5, ending the stigma around mental health could have helped me manage mine at an earlier age. A fun fact about me is that I just moved back to Cincinnati after living in Chicago for a year (I definitely miss Chicago a lot)!

Maya Goertemoeller

General Intern

Hi, I’m Maya Goertemoeller (she/her)! I am a third-year in the medical sciences BS/MD program at the University of Cincinnati with a minor in psychology. After medical school, I’m hoping to provide mental healthcare to the Cincinnati community that focuses on treating the whole person. In my free time, I love to take classes at Cincinnati ballet, play the piano, cook new recipes for my roommates, and read with an iced chai in hand. I’m excited to learn from the 1N5 team and be part of the change!

Kaitlyn Blaha

Graphic Design Intern

Hey! I am entering my fourth year at Xavier University studying Graphic Design and Digital Media! I am involved in Xavier’s pep band, 4 Paws for ability, Xavier Art Society and photography for sports events! I love rock climbing and adventures outdoors. I am super excited to have the opportunity to work with 1N5!

Fun Fact: I am an assistant wedding photographer and do a lot of other photography of my own!

Kimberly Dinh

Video Intern

Hi, I’m Kimberly Dinh and I am a third year student finishing my Media and Communications Technology major at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash! I am honored to be a part of 1N5 to help stop the stigma and start conversations through video production! In my free time, I enjoy taking a step back from work and social media to appreciate time with my friends and family (which often includes spending too much money on snacks and eating out).

Maggie Wright

General Intern

Hi, my name is Maggie Wright! I am a fourth-year Psychology student at the University of Cincinnati. My goal is to pursue a career in mental health counseling and become a school counselor. Through my own journey with mental health struggles, I have developed a passion for helping those around me and ending the stigma around mental health. I am thrilled to be able to work with 1N5 and join the team! In my free time, I enjoy attending workout classes, playing pickleball, reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. I am grateful for the opportunity to intern and excited to learn and grow from this experience!


COMMUNITY EDUCATORS

  • Kristy High

  • Mallory Klingenberg

  • Monique Gilliam

  • Tennelle Woods

Kristy High

Kristy High, MEd, is a literacy coordinator who oversees the Imagination Library and Reach Out and Read programs at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. She is also a children’s book author and Vice President on the board of Winn Reading, a non-profit organization that helps emergent readers in Cincinnati. Kristy is passionate about education, reading and literacy and encourages children to be the best version of themselves.

Mallory Klingenberg

Mallory is a Cincinnati native who graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters in Public Health in 2011. She has a background of working in both school and hospital based mental health services but her goal has always been to work in mental health promotion and prevention.  Mallory has seen both personally and professionally the gaps in the mental health system and is excited to be a part of the 1N5 mission by working as a mental health educator and advocator out in the community.  Mallory is a proud mom of two young sons, ages 4 and 7, and a mini-goldendoodle named Graham.

Monique Gilliam

Monique Gilliam was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Monique advocates passionately for causes regarding homelessness, family stability and suicide awareness, to name a few. When Monique isn’t advocating for others, she’s being a mother to four amazing future leaders of the world.

Tennelle Woods

Tennelle Woods is native of Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2016 with a dual Masters in Psychology. Tennelle has worked in the social services world since she graduated high school and has been invested in the betterment of the community. Tennelle is active in her community through her jobs and also in her personal life. She is the owner of Tee’s Touch, LLC which services the community through the State of Ohio. Tennelle loves to hang out with family and friends in her spare time. Tennelle has been recognized for being a community leader with her church, family, friends and through her various adventures while serving. Fun Fact about Tennelle is that her Favorite movie is Dirty Dancing and she loves cookies!!!

ADVISORY BOARD

  • D. Lynn Watts

  • Hope O’Brien

  • Patrice McDowell-Brown

  • Tristan Vaught

D. Lynn Watts

Professional Experience:

A strategic thinker with exceptional leadership and communication skills, Lynn is Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Learn, Lead, Live. An accomplished speaker and thought leader specializing in Culture, Equity, Inclusion, Associate Engagement and Racial Healing. Compelling platform skills on podcasts, as keynote speaker, panelists, and facilitator. Dynamic communicator with an artful ability to engage groups as large as 2K and as intimate as 6-8 people. Lynn is a people development leader with outstanding and varied experiences in corporate, non-profit, ministry, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Lynn earned B.A. from Mount St. Joseph University and M.Ed. degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lynn capitalizes on her 15-year career in technical sales with IBM and Microsoft to address everyone from the C-suite to front line Associates as a subject matter expert sought out by organizations to lead and transform employee engagement.

Works featured in the NY Times and Soapbox online media. Committed learner receiving Harvard Kennedy School certificate in Leadership, Organizing, and Action: Leading Change in June 2020

Expertise:

Cultural Intelligence coaching, training, and consulting

Inclusion, Equity, and Implicit Bias training and instructional design

Leadership Development

Facilitation and Strategic Planning

Outdoor Ropes / Adventure Facilitator

 

Contact Information

learnleadlive2020@gmail.com

513.288.9937

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlynnwatts

Hope O’Brien

Dr. Hope O’Brien earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with Honors Distinction for Research at the University of Rochester (NY) before completing her Medical Doctorate at University of Cincinnati.  After a year of study in adult medicine at The Christ Hospital, she completed residency training in Adult Neurology at University of Cincinnati.  She then studied Headache Medicine and was recruited to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as faculty.  There she directed the Headache Fellowship Program, training other doctors in the practice of headache medicine.  She also established the Young Adult Headache Program that serviced late adolescents and young adults using a multidisciplinary approach to headache management.

Her research endeavors and unique practice, serving both pediatric and adult patients, earned national and international acclaim.  In 2018, she completed an Executive MBA at Xavier University.   She has been appointed to several expert committees, with leadership roles in the American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society.  She is on the accreditation committee of the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties and is on the Medscape/AHS Advisory Board Migraine Center of Excellence. She is board certified in Neurology and Headache Medicine and is founder and CEO of Headache Center of Hope.

Patrice McDowell-Brown

As Executive Director to Preston Brown Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit, Patrice provides leadership to initiatives that empower vulnerable youth to enhance their life trajectory, by optimizing their mental, physical, and financial wellness. She is actively engaged in the Greater Cincinnati community as a youth mental wellness advocate.

In response to the global trauma of the Covid19 pandemic, in June 2020, she became certified, by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, as a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. The nationally recognized, evidence-based course teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth.

She holds a B.A degree from the University of Dayton, master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and DE&I in the Workplace certificate from the University of South Florida. Patrice also has over 25 combined years of corporate sales, human resource, and training experience.

She resides in Cincinnati with her husband Michael. They have two adult children, Paige and Preston. Contact Patrice info@prestonbrownfoundation.org

Tristan Vaught

Currently, Tristan N. Vaught, M.A. is the CEO and Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Facilitator of Tristan N. Vaught Consulting, LLC, the co-founder of Transform Cincy (transformcincy.org), and professor of Queer and Trans Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Before COVID 19 changed the landscape of our world they were the inaugural director of education and training and interim executive director for 18 months for the Living with Change Foundation. Previous to this role, they held positions as the founding director of the LGBTQ+ Center at IUPUI, the interim director and first program coordinator of the LGBTQ Center at the University of Cincinnati.

Tristan, originally from Buck Creek, Indiana (a small farming community outside of Lafayette), is a first-generation college graduate. They graduated with honors from the University of Cincinnati in 2011 with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. In December 2015, they completed a Master’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from University of Cincinnati with research centered around the effectiveness of LGBTQ+ educational ally workshops in higher education and beyond. Tristan’s advocacy and education work focuses on intersecting identities and how they impact individuals’ lived experiences. They enjoy working with schools, businesses, non-profits, organizations, and surrounding communities to provide tools to help create equitable and inclusive spaces of belonging. The most interesting thing about them though is that they are a bourbon snob and love to write poetry in their spare time.