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 McAteeMercy VolunteerMacey 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.
Savannah StatenMaternal and Child Health FellowSavannah Staten recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in English and a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from North Carolina State University. She’s relocated to Cincinnati from Raleigh, NC to serve as the Maternal & Child Health Fellow for Lydia’s House. During her time as an undergraduate student, Savannah served a multitude of marginalized communities as a doula and substance abuse technician for mothers with substance abuse disorder. Savannah’s passion to provide support to women was amplified after leading NC State’s spring break trip to Guatemala that centered on gender-based violence in 2019. When she’s not nose-deep in a book, she can be found cooking or listening to music. Savannah is excited about this opportunity at Lydia’s House. She looks forward to the experience assisting her in obtaining her MPH in Maternal and Child Health.
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.
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.
Savannah Staten recently obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in English and a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from North Carolina State University. She’s relocated to Cincinnati from Raleigh, NC to serve as the Maternal & Child Health Fellow for Lydia’s House. During her time as an undergraduate student, Savannah served a multitude of marginalized communities as a doula and substance abuse technician for mothers with substance abuse disorder. Savannah’s passion to provide support to women was amplified after leading NC State’s spring break trip to Guatemala that centered on gender-based violence in 2019. When she’s not nose-deep in a book, she can be found cooking or listening to music. Savannah is excited about this opportunity at Lydia’s House. She looks forward to the experience assisting her in obtaining her MPH in Maternal and Child Health.
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.
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