Mary Ellen MitchellCo-DirectorMary Ellen Mitchell is a co- founder of Lydia’s House. As a collegiate volunteer, she became interested in the root causes of homelessness at the Open Door Community in Atlanta. Shortly after her graduation from Emory University, she moved back to Cincinnati, her home, and became an on-site volunteer at Grace Place, a provider of transitional housing for women and children. Professional development continued for her in Washington, DC where she worked for Jubilee Housing, a nonprofit provider of housing and supportive services. She returned to Cincinnati in 2006 and went on to hone skills in fundraising and development and complete her MA at Xavier University. Mary Ellen has been married to Ben since 2008, is a member of Church of the Resurrection and is the mother of 3 children. She lives in Norwood where she's helped renovate 5 houses, 2 parks and sometimes preaches at local churches.
Meridith OwensbyCo-DirectorMeridith is a co-founder of Lydia's House. She has a 15 year history in transitional and low-income housing provision. She became interested in the root causes of homelessness as a collegiate volunteer at the Open Door Community, a homeless service provider in Atlanta, Georgia. Meridith continued her work with the Open Door after graduation, becoming a live-in resident and the Volunteer Coordinator for the ministry. Professional development continued in Washington, DC. Meridith worked as a Social Services Manager at Miriam’s House, a home for homeless women with HIV. She brings many gifts and talents to Lydia's House, including case management and guest support, liturgy and celebration, and operations and finance prowess. She enjoys yoga and the arts, is an oblate with the Transfiguration Sisters and is a member of the Winton Community Free Methodist Church.
Amanda NobbeChrist Light AdministratorAmanda holds a degree in early childhood and special education from Rivier University and a Master’s in Education from the University of Dayton. For the past 16 years, shes been a stay-at-home parent, gaining deep experience in child development and trauma-informed care. As an adoptive parent, she’s passionate about family preservation and supporting children through transitions. In addition to the role of Administrator at Christ Light Day Nursery, Amanda also serves as part time Family Ministry Assistant at Bellarmine Chapel. Together with her husband Kyle, they are raising their children on their urban farm in Westwood. Rachel BurgessAdministratorRachel Burgess is the part-time Administrative Support and Development Associate. Prior to working at Lydia's House, Rachel worked in refugee resettlement for over 8 years. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, afterwards working as an immigration paralegal in Minneapolis, MN. Rachel returned to Cincinnati in 2015. Married to Zach since 2018, Rachel has two young boys and enjoys the outdoors, reading, and exercise. They are members of New City Presbyterian Church. Gabi KimCommunity Ministry FellowGabi recently completed her Master of Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School and Bachelor's in History from Emory University. She is interested in the intersection of race, religion, and gender in Asia and its diaspora. While at Lydia's House she will be coordinating meals, volunteers, and donations as well as supporting our Christian education program. In her free time, she loves running, tennis, baking, and reading. Erin ReilleyMercy VolunteerErin is a recent graduate of a masters in forestry program and is discerning a vocation to the sisterhood. She is a mercy volunteer, placed at Lydia's House this year, focusing on yard and house maintenance and supporting our daycare. After hours, you can find Erin knitting, hiking, and baking cookies.Amelie RischerAmelie is a recent high school grad from Senden, Germany. She comes to Lydia's House through the INVIA program, and will help with shelter support and the daycare. Amelie loves going to the gym and cooking.Marilyn GergesMarilyn is a recent high school grad from Neuwied, Germany. She comes to Lydia's House through the Brethren Volunteer program, and will help with shelter support and the daycare.
Theresa TriebseesTheresa is a recent high school grad from Erfurt, Germany. She comes to Lydia's House through the INVIA program, and will help with shelter support and the daycare. Theresa loves to play field hockey, reading, and baking.
Mary Ellen Mitchell is a co- founder of Lydia’s House. As a collegiate volunteer, she became interested in the root causes of homelessness at the Open Door Community in Atlanta. Shortly after her graduation from Emory University, she moved back to Cincinnati, her home, and became an on-site volunteer at Grace Place, a provider of transitional housing for women and children. Professional development continued for her in Washington, DC where she worked for Jubilee Housing, a nonprofit provider of housing and supportive services. She returned to Cincinnati in 2006 and went on to hone skills in fundraising and development and complete her MA at Xavier University. Mary Ellen has been married to Ben since 2008, is a member of Church of the Resurrection and is the mother of 3 children. She lives in Norwood where she's helped renovate 5 houses, 2 parks and sometimes preaches at local churches.
Meridith is a co-founder of Lydia's House. She has a 15 year history in transitional and low-income housing provision. She became interested in the root causes of homelessness as a collegiate volunteer at the Open Door Community, a homeless service provider in Atlanta, Georgia. Meridith continued her work with the Open Door after graduation, becoming a live-in resident and the Volunteer Coordinator for the ministry. Professional development continued in Washington, DC. Meridith worked as a Social Services Manager at Miriam’s House, a home for homeless women with HIV. She brings many gifts and talents to Lydia's House, including case management and guest support, liturgy and celebration, and operations and finance prowess. She enjoys yoga and the arts, is an oblate with the Transfiguration Sisters and is a member of the Winton Community Free Methodist Church.
Marilyn is a recent high school grad from Neuwied, Germany. She comes to Lydia's House through the Brethren Volunteer program, and will help with shelter support and the daycare.
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