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 Bellarmine Chapel and is the mother of three young 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 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.
Ebony PrattNon-Profit Leadership FellowEbony Pratt is a recent graduate from the Master of Public Affairs program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Born and raised in North Carolina, Ebony has relocated to Cincinnati and will be serving as the Non-Profit Leadership Fellow for Lydia’s House. Ebony enjoys running, bargain shopping, and attending church. Before returning back to school, Ebony worked in the non-profit field as the community engagement coordinator, volunteer manager, and community outreach specialist with Susan G. Komen Northwest NC – the local breast cancer Affiliate, and with United Health Centers – a local federally qualified community health center in the Triad area. Ebony is passionate about working with individuals who are facing homelessness and food insecurity. While also taking an interest in mental health, education and sex health/education, specifically in the black community.
Macey McAteeCommunity Ministry FellowMacey McAtee completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2021. She relocated to Cincinnati to do a year of service with Mercy Volunteer corps, and Lydia's House is her placement. This year will give Macey the opportunity to hone in on core skills for the field of social work and discern a possible masters program. Previously she interned at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center as a youth counselor. Macey enjoys yoga, concerts, and napping. She is passionate in expanding her understanding of causes of homelessness and empowering women.
Aaron GrantProperty ManagerAaron Grant is the Property Manager for Lydia's House. Aaron has been working in the nonprofit sector for 15 years, and has worked in construction and home repairs for more than two decades. Highlights include working with a local community group in Morocco to install running water at their vocational center for people with disabilities. Lowlights include framing a house in the middle of a Maine winter. Aaron earned a BA in History at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and after serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years, completed his MA in Public Service at Marquette University in Milwaukee as a Trinity Fellow with a focus in affordable housing. Aaron has provided emergency home repair and home maintenance services for low-income families since moving to Cincinnati in 2011, and is excited to help provide safe, quality housing for Lydia's House guests.
Sachi HumanOffice Manager & Leasing SpecialistSachi has lived all over Cincinnati her entire life. A few years ago she decided to settle in Reading with her two children, Eddie (8) and Ellie (7). She has always tried to do her part in helping and giving back as much as possible, as she believes in people, and trusts that if you do right by yourself and fellow brothers and sisters, then you will be rewarded. Sachi has over 20-years combined of professional administrative, bookkeeping and leasing experience. After applying and meeting Meridith and Mary Ellen, Sachi knew this would be her chance to not only do her part on a personal front, but also give the opportunity to help in her professional life as well. Sachi looks forward to contributing positively to Lydia’s House and doing her best to help make things run more efficiently and effectively.
Faith Casella-LopezMercy VolunteerFaith relocated to Norwood from Northern New Jersey for a year of service at Lydia’s House as a Mercy Volunteer. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Kean University, and has worked for several Non Profit organizations over the years, specifically within social services supporting the needs of vulnerable individuals, youth and families. Most recently working with foster children & families as a Supervised Visitation Worker with the Center for Family Services in Morris County NJ. Previously, she has also volunteered with Family Promise, and has had the opportunity to connect with people of various backgrounds. She loves engaging with people and learn about their experiences, and how she can best provide encouragement/support for where they are as well as with their future endeavors. Faith enjoys coffee, listening to podcasts, and music. She also loves creating/sharing through art, exploring parks, and organization projects. Faith is very grateful and excited to be able to learn and serve at Lydia’s House! Following this experience, she hopes to begin pursuing a Master’s Degree in either Clinical Counseling or Art Therapy.
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 Bellarmine Chapel and is the mother of three young 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 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.
Ebony Pratt is a recent graduate from the Master of Public Affairs program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. Born and raised in North Carolina, Ebony has relocated to Cincinnati and will be serving as the Non-Profit Leadership Fellow for Lydia’s House. Ebony enjoys running, bargain shopping, and attending church. Before returning back to school, Ebony worked in the non-profit field as the community engagement coordinator, volunteer manager, and community outreach specialist with Susan G. Komen Northwest NC – the local breast cancer Affiliate, and with United Health Centers – a local federally qualified community health center in the Triad area. Ebony is passionate about working with individuals who are facing homelessness and food insecurity. While also taking an interest in mental health, education and sex health/education, specifically in the black community.
Macey McAtee completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2021. She relocated to Cincinnati to do a year of service with Mercy Volunteer corps, and Lydia's House is her placement. This year will give Macey the opportunity to hone in on core skills for the field of social work and discern a possible masters program. Previously she interned at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center as a youth counselor. Macey enjoys yoga, concerts, and napping. She is passionate in expanding her understanding of causes of homelessness and empowering women.
Aaron Grant is the Property Manager for Lydia's House. Aaron has been working in the nonprofit sector for 15 years, and has worked in construction and home repairs for more than two decades. Highlights include working with a local community group in Morocco to install running water at their vocational center for people with disabilities. Lowlights include framing a house in the middle of a Maine winter. Aaron earned a BA in History at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and after serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years, completed his MA in Public Service at Marquette University in Milwaukee as a Trinity Fellow with a focus in affordable housing. Aaron has provided emergency home repair and home maintenance services for low-income families since moving to Cincinnati in 2011, and is excited to help provide safe, quality housing for Lydia's House guests.
Sachi has lived all over Cincinnati her entire life. A few years ago she decided to settle in Reading with her two children, Eddie (8) and Ellie (7). She has always tried to do her part in helping and giving back as much as possible, as she believes in people, and trusts that if you do right by yourself and fellow brothers and sisters, then you will be rewarded. Sachi has over 20-years combined of professional administrative, bookkeeping and leasing experience. After applying and meeting Meridith and Mary Ellen, Sachi knew this would be her chance to not only do her part on a personal front, but also give the opportunity to help in her professional life as well. Sachi looks forward to contributing positively to Lydia’s House and doing her best to help make things run more efficiently and effectively.
Faith relocated to Norwood from Northern New Jersey for a year of service at Lydia’s House as a Mercy Volunteer. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Kean University, and has worked for several Non Profit organizations over the years, specifically within social services supporting the needs of vulnerable individuals, youth and families. Most recently working with foster children & families as a Supervised Visitation Worker with the Center for Family Services in Morris County NJ. Previously, she has also volunteered with Family Promise, and has had the opportunity to connect with people of various backgrounds. She loves engaging with people and learn about their experiences, and how she can best provide encouragement/support for where they are as well as with their future endeavors. Faith enjoys coffee, listening to podcasts, and music. She also loves creating/sharing through art, exploring parks, and organization projects. Faith is very grateful and excited to be able to learn and serve at Lydia’s House! Following this experience, she hopes to begin pursuing a Master’s Degree in either Clinical Counseling or Art Therapy.
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