Executive Management Team
Sara Gabbard
Interim Executive Director
Sara Gabbard is a graduate of Methodist University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and a Masters of Education in Sports Management from Xavier University. She comes to Hope's Closet with a background in children's ministry, volunteer coordinating and marketing. Sara is an adoptive parent & former Butler County foster parent who has directly experienced the love & support provided by Hope's Closet. She provides seamless knowledge and support through her previous Hope's Closet employment and volunteer experiences as Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Engagement. She is passionate about the Hope's Closet mission and is eager to lead our staff, volunteers & community as we continue to love, provide for and inspire children in foster care and their foster families.
Aside from her beautiful and joyful adopted son, Sara has three busy biological children who keep her on her toes. One of the greatest unexpected rewards that the Gabbards have received on their foster care journey has been seeing their biological children's hearts expand and soften as they welcomed a little foster love into their family.
Contact Sara directly at sarag@hopesclosetohio.org
Interim Executive Director
Sara Gabbard is a graduate of Methodist University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Marketing and a Masters of Education in Sports Management from Xavier University. She comes to Hope's Closet with a background in children's ministry, volunteer coordinating and marketing. Sara is an adoptive parent & former Butler County foster parent who has directly experienced the love & support provided by Hope's Closet. She provides seamless knowledge and support through her previous Hope's Closet employment and volunteer experiences as Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Engagement. She is passionate about the Hope's Closet mission and is eager to lead our staff, volunteers & community as we continue to love, provide for and inspire children in foster care and their foster families.
Aside from her beautiful and joyful adopted son, Sara has three busy biological children who keep her on her toes. One of the greatest unexpected rewards that the Gabbards have received on their foster care journey has been seeing their biological children's hearts expand and soften as they welcomed a little foster love into their family.
Contact Sara directly at sarag@hopesclosetohio.org
Reba Steiniger
Office Manager
Reba has dedicated her life to children and family ministry. She has a background in church and nonprofit leadership and is currently active in the worship ministry at her church. She and her husband are licensed foster parents and are privileged to be raising two beautiful girls and one playful doggie. Her passion is to show the love of Jesus to everyone she comes in contact with.
Reba began volunteering at Hope's Closet out of a desire to show the love of Jesus to children in foster care. She now has one foster love living in her home and is a part-time staff member with our organization. If you call Hope's Closet, it is very likely, this is the friendly voice on the other end of the phone.
Contact Reba directly at reba@hopesclosetohio.org
Office Manager
Reba has dedicated her life to children and family ministry. She has a background in church and nonprofit leadership and is currently active in the worship ministry at her church. She and her husband are licensed foster parents and are privileged to be raising two beautiful girls and one playful doggie. Her passion is to show the love of Jesus to everyone she comes in contact with.
Reba began volunteering at Hope's Closet out of a desire to show the love of Jesus to children in foster care. She now has one foster love living in her home and is a part-time staff member with our organization. If you call Hope's Closet, it is very likely, this is the friendly voice on the other end of the phone.
Contact Reba directly at reba@hopesclosetohio.org
Maddie Wentling
Director of Foster Parent Support
Maddie is a graduate from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science. She is a licensed foster parent through Butler County and serves in leadership at her church. Maddie and her husband, Chad, became foster parents because of their love for children and hearing about the great need in the area. They have fostered three children in the four years they have been licensed and pray they can help many children and families throughout their fostering journey.
After their first placement left in October 2016, Maddie discovered Hope’s Closet. She was looking for a community to help comfort her during that difficult time. She began attending Foster Mom Night Out and was so excited to talk and connect with other foster moms who have experienced the same thing. Since then, Maddie has gotten more involved with Hope’s Closet and has become passionate about foster care advocacy and foster parent support. She regularly speaks at churches and community events about foster care and helps host the monthly Foster Parent Info Meeting at Butler County Children Services.
When she’s not promoting foster care, Maddie enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and two dogs traveling, going to Red’s games, doing yoga, and relaxing in coffee shops.
Contact Maddie directly at maddie@hopesclosetohio.org
Director of Foster Parent Support
Maddie is a graduate from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science. She is a licensed foster parent through Butler County and serves in leadership at her church. Maddie and her husband, Chad, became foster parents because of their love for children and hearing about the great need in the area. They have fostered three children in the four years they have been licensed and pray they can help many children and families throughout their fostering journey.
After their first placement left in October 2016, Maddie discovered Hope’s Closet. She was looking for a community to help comfort her during that difficult time. She began attending Foster Mom Night Out and was so excited to talk and connect with other foster moms who have experienced the same thing. Since then, Maddie has gotten more involved with Hope’s Closet and has become passionate about foster care advocacy and foster parent support. She regularly speaks at churches and community events about foster care and helps host the monthly Foster Parent Info Meeting at Butler County Children Services.
When she’s not promoting foster care, Maddie enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and two dogs traveling, going to Red’s games, doing yoga, and relaxing in coffee shops.
Contact Maddie directly at maddie@hopesclosetohio.org
Tosha Salyer
Hope's Closet Boutique Manager
Tosha is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Business
Administration with a major in Marketing. She worked in business
management for nearly ten years and children's ministry for the past nine years.
She truly enjoys seeing children grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Tosha feels led to minister to children and welcomes any opportunity to
positively impact their lives. She is passionate about the mission Hope's Closet has to change the lives of children and families affected by foster care.
Tosha and her husband, Bill, have been married 20 years. They have 3
children; Austin, Andrew, and Avery. In her free time, Tosha loves
watching her kids participate in their various activities, vacationing with
her family, coaching cheerleaders, and photography.
Contact Tosha directly at tosha@hopesclosetohio.org
Hope's Closet Boutique Manager
Tosha is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Business
Administration with a major in Marketing. She worked in business
management for nearly ten years and children's ministry for the past nine years.
She truly enjoys seeing children grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Tosha feels led to minister to children and welcomes any opportunity to
positively impact their lives. She is passionate about the mission Hope's Closet has to change the lives of children and families affected by foster care.
Tosha and her husband, Bill, have been married 20 years. They have 3
children; Austin, Andrew, and Avery. In her free time, Tosha loves
watching her kids participate in their various activities, vacationing with
her family, coaching cheerleaders, and photography.
Contact Tosha directly at tosha@hopesclosetohio.org
Kelsey Helton
Director of Engagement
Kelsey is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, with a degree in Biblical Studies. She has a background in church leadership and administrative leadership. She and her husband, Nick, have been licensed foster and adoptive parents with Butler County for 2 years. In that time they have fostered 4 children and have adopted their teenage son through foster care.
Nick and Kelsey decided to look into foster care when they felt the Lord very clearly calling them to advocate for the modern orphan. They knew absolutely nothing about foster care when their journey began. They were not originally looking to expand their family through adoption but the Lord had other plans! They can't imagine their lives any other way.
Kelsey is excited to walk with other families through foster care and adoption. The journey can be stressful and even scary. She is so thankful for the community she has found at Hope's Closet!
When not working at Hope's Closet, Kelsey runs a small business and looks for quiet, secret time to nap. Nick and Kelsey both have theater background and can be found enjoying performing arts anytime they have a date night.
Contact Kelsey directly at kelsey@hopesclosetohio.org
Director of Engagement
Kelsey is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, with a degree in Biblical Studies. She has a background in church leadership and administrative leadership. She and her husband, Nick, have been licensed foster and adoptive parents with Butler County for 2 years. In that time they have fostered 4 children and have adopted their teenage son through foster care.
Nick and Kelsey decided to look into foster care when they felt the Lord very clearly calling them to advocate for the modern orphan. They knew absolutely nothing about foster care when their journey began. They were not originally looking to expand their family through adoption but the Lord had other plans! They can't imagine their lives any other way.
Kelsey is excited to walk with other families through foster care and adoption. The journey can be stressful and even scary. She is so thankful for the community she has found at Hope's Closet!
When not working at Hope's Closet, Kelsey runs a small business and looks for quiet, secret time to nap. Nick and Kelsey both have theater background and can be found enjoying performing arts anytime they have a date night.
Contact Kelsey directly at kelsey@hopesclosetohio.org
Board of Directors
Erika Kalnai
Chairman
Erika’s enthusiasm for Hope’s Closet began when she attended a fundraiser for the organization hosted by a neighbor, and later evolved to volunteering on various Hope’s Closet projects. Over the years, her life has been touched by foster families and she has a passion for supporting, encouraging, and championing them.
Erika has a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University and is currently a senior bank examiner. She and her husband Brad live in Liberty Township with their two spunky schnoodles, Linus and Lucy. She enjoys time spent with her family, reading, traveling, and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.
erika@hopesclosetohio.org
Chairman
Erika’s enthusiasm for Hope’s Closet began when she attended a fundraiser for the organization hosted by a neighbor, and later evolved to volunteering on various Hope’s Closet projects. Over the years, her life has been touched by foster families and she has a passion for supporting, encouraging, and championing them.
Erika has a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University and is currently a senior bank examiner. She and her husband Brad live in Liberty Township with their two spunky schnoodles, Linus and Lucy. She enjoys time spent with her family, reading, traveling, and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team.
erika@hopesclosetohio.org
Bonnie Hammond
Vice Chairman
Bonnie attended Baylor University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Miami University, and received a Masters of Education from the University of Cincinnati.
After spending 5 years teaching high school and at the University of Cincinnati, she spent 35 years in Real Estate in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. Bonnie found her passion and dedication for helping improve the opportunities for our next generation through the foster care programs of Hope’s Closet.
Bonnie has 2 adult children and 5 grandsons. She enjoys traveling, sports, and her involvement with family, church, and community.
bonnie@hopesclosetohio.org
Vice Chairman
Bonnie attended Baylor University, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Miami University, and received a Masters of Education from the University of Cincinnati.
After spending 5 years teaching high school and at the University of Cincinnati, she spent 35 years in Real Estate in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. Bonnie found her passion and dedication for helping improve the opportunities for our next generation through the foster care programs of Hope’s Closet.
Bonnie has 2 adult children and 5 grandsons. She enjoys traveling, sports, and her involvement with family, church, and community.
bonnie@hopesclosetohio.org
Valerie Schatzke
Secretary
Valerie’s passion for the foster care world began a few years ago when helping to serve the foster care community alongside a friend at church. That opportunity ignited a longing to do something more. After several conversations with other foster parents and friends, Valerie and her husband Matt became licensed foster and adoptive parents in February of 2016. Valerie joined the board in May of 2015 to serve as secretary.
Valerie has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business education from The Ohio State University. She spent ten years in brick and mortar high schools teaching business education and has spent that last seven years teaching for an online charter school. She most recently received her certificate in online and blended learning from The University of Cincinnati.
Valerie and Matt currently have two biological children and one daughter adopted from foster care, in their home. They moved to Liberty Township ten years ago from central Ohio. They enjoy spending time visiting family, boating and attending Buckeye games in the fall and Reds games in the summer.
valerie@hopesclosetohio.org
Secretary
Valerie’s passion for the foster care world began a few years ago when helping to serve the foster care community alongside a friend at church. That opportunity ignited a longing to do something more. After several conversations with other foster parents and friends, Valerie and her husband Matt became licensed foster and adoptive parents in February of 2016. Valerie joined the board in May of 2015 to serve as secretary.
Valerie has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business education from The Ohio State University. She spent ten years in brick and mortar high schools teaching business education and has spent that last seven years teaching for an online charter school. She most recently received her certificate in online and blended learning from The University of Cincinnati.
Valerie and Matt currently have two biological children and one daughter adopted from foster care, in their home. They moved to Liberty Township ten years ago from central Ohio. They enjoy spending time visiting family, boating and attending Buckeye games in the fall and Reds games in the summer.
valerie@hopesclosetohio.org
Matt Wieland
Treasurer
Matt joined Hope's Closet's Board in 2017. His desire to make a difference in the lives of children placed in difficult circumstances sparked his interest in Hope's Closet. He saw the impact we can make first hand when his family embraced a young man exiting the foster care system. The stable environment enabled that young man to transition into a successful person and become one of Matt's closest friends.
Matt has a Bachelor's degree from The University of Akron and a Ph.D. from Indiana University, both in accounting. He is currently a professor at Miami University's Farmer School of Business. He has a fantastic wife Laura and three children, Emerson, Corinne, and Ella. He enjoys coaching/watching his kid’s sporting activities, engaging at his church, running, and playing golf.
mattw@hopesclosetohio.org
Treasurer
Matt joined Hope's Closet's Board in 2017. His desire to make a difference in the lives of children placed in difficult circumstances sparked his interest in Hope's Closet. He saw the impact we can make first hand when his family embraced a young man exiting the foster care system. The stable environment enabled that young man to transition into a successful person and become one of Matt's closest friends.
Matt has a Bachelor's degree from The University of Akron and a Ph.D. from Indiana University, both in accounting. He is currently a professor at Miami University's Farmer School of Business. He has a fantastic wife Laura and three children, Emerson, Corinne, and Ella. He enjoys coaching/watching his kid’s sporting activities, engaging at his church, running, and playing golf.
mattw@hopesclosetohio.org
Rick Vogsberger
Board Member
In 2012 Rick and his wife Karen took their children Austin, Bradyn & Colin to “Foster Parents Night Out”, where they had their first significant exposure to foster care. As a parent, it was Rick’s goal to help his kids see the need of children in our community and hopefully impress on them to think less about themselves and more of others. It was at that event Rick learned his Heavenly Father had for him the same goal. God broke Rick’s heart for His little ones, and he knew he must respond in some way. That night started their journey, as Karen and Rick are currently adopting 3-year-old twins (boy and girl) who have been part of our family for 2-1/2 years.
Rick has a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Baptist Bible College. Rick enjoys spending time with his family, serving with his wife at their church, traveling & any excuse for sports especially if it includes the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Yankees.
rick@hopesclosetohio.org
Board Member
In 2012 Rick and his wife Karen took their children Austin, Bradyn & Colin to “Foster Parents Night Out”, where they had their first significant exposure to foster care. As a parent, it was Rick’s goal to help his kids see the need of children in our community and hopefully impress on them to think less about themselves and more of others. It was at that event Rick learned his Heavenly Father had for him the same goal. God broke Rick’s heart for His little ones, and he knew he must respond in some way. That night started their journey, as Karen and Rick are currently adopting 3-year-old twins (boy and girl) who have been part of our family for 2-1/2 years.
Rick has a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Baptist Bible College. Rick enjoys spending time with his family, serving with his wife at their church, traveling & any excuse for sports especially if it includes the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Yankees.
rick@hopesclosetohio.org
Nicole Stephenson
Board Member
Nicole is an attorney with Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC. She has been practicing law since her admission in November 1998. Nicole has dedicated her legal career to representing children in foster care, relative placements, kinship care, and various other placements. She speaks on these childrens’ behalf in Court to help them have a voice. Prior to joining Legal Aid, Nicole was in private practice where she also represented families in adoptions, custody cases, and kinship care. Nicole was also appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in private cases. Nicole became aware of Hope’s Closet through the foster care community that have assisted so many children in need. Children are our future and it takes a village to help them succeed. Hope’s Closet is that village with a network full of angels. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending church and playing cards and board games. Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ball State University in December 1994 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton in 1998.
nicole@hopesclosetohio.org
Board Member
Nicole is an attorney with Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC. She has been practicing law since her admission in November 1998. Nicole has dedicated her legal career to representing children in foster care, relative placements, kinship care, and various other placements. She speaks on these childrens’ behalf in Court to help them have a voice. Prior to joining Legal Aid, Nicole was in private practice where she also represented families in adoptions, custody cases, and kinship care. Nicole was also appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in private cases. Nicole became aware of Hope’s Closet through the foster care community that have assisted so many children in need. Children are our future and it takes a village to help them succeed. Hope’s Closet is that village with a network full of angels. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending church and playing cards and board games. Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ball State University in December 1994 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton in 1998.
nicole@hopesclosetohio.org