WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 1
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
COUNTIES SERVED
Allen
Auglaize
Defiance
Fulton
Hancock
Hardin
Henry
Logan
Mercer
Paulding
Putnam
Van Wert
Williams
REGION 1 STAFF
Jenn Butler
DIRECTOR
Jennifer Butler
Director, Region 1
Jenn recently served as Program Coordinator for the Buford Center for Diversity and Service at the University of Findlay. A longtime nonprofit sector professional, she’s done it all: organizing, managing, leading, collaborating, recruiting, relationship-building, program management, and event planning. Previously, Jenn worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator for a nonprofit where she provided support to individuals with disabilities seeking employment. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Development and Leadership from the University of Findlay and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Bowling Green State University. Jenn could not be happier to be Program Director in Region 1!
Shawna Smith
COORDINATOR
Shawna Smith
Coordinator, Region 1
Shawna joins OhioKAN after working in case management and health administration. Previously, she was an Assistant Case Manager at Manring & Farrell, Attorneys at Law. There, she requested and submitted medical records, filed appeals to the social security administration, and handled all client correspondence. As a Coding Specialist at Lima Memorial Health System, she assisted the billing and denial teams with coding questions. She has also volunteered at the Orthopedic Institute of Ohio. Shawna has a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration and an Associate’s in Health Information Technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, plus an Associate’s in Office Administration from Commonwealth Bible College. She looks forward to learning all she can in this position and doing all she can to assist in helping families and children!
Natalie Reynolds
COACH
Natalie Reynolds
Coach, Region 1
Natalie most recently served as a 30 Days to Family Specialist with Allen County Children Services, where she once also held the role of Intake and Assessment Caseworker. She has had tenures in adolescent and adult developmental disability services, with Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Service and Support Specialist and with Bittersweet Farms as a Community Outreach Specialist. Natalie was a dedicated volunteer in the United States Peace Corps program, serving in the role of Youth and Community Development volunteer based in Swaziland, Africa, and is currently Board President of West Central Ohio Abilities Collaborative, among other ongoing community engagement work. Natalie is a Licensed Social Worker and holds a bachelor’s of Social Work from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio. Natalie is thrilled to join OhioKAN as a Coach in Region 1!
Samantha Gregory
NAVIGATOR
Adopt America Network
Samantha Gregory
Navigator, Adopt America Network (Region 1)
Samantha previously worked for the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, located in Toledo. There she helped with administrative duties, including community health reports and data organization. She has a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Toledo and is currently working towards a Masters in Public Health. Samantha is excited to connect with families to provide support, acknowledgement, and assistance!
Megan Little
NAVIGATOR
Adopt America Network
Megan Little
Navigator, Adopt America Network (Region 1)
Megan previously was a group home manager for Beacon Specialized Living in Carleton, MI. There she oversaw all staff-related functions at the home, including scheduling, managing the household budget, and residents’ funds. She also handled emergency situations within the home. Megan attended Purdue University Global for both her Bachelors and Masters in Human Services. She is currently looking to pursue her Doctorate in Human Services. Megan is a kinship caregiver who later adopted her kinship child, and she is excited to connect with other kinship and adoptive families!
Jessi Smith
NAVIGATOR
LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay
Jessi Smith
Navigator, LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay (Region 1)
Jessi is extraordinarily excited about working with families to learn their stories and to help connect with them the resources and supports they need. She is especially excited that OhioKAN supports the entire family, no matter what that family dynamic looks like. Jessi is multi-racial and multi-cultural. She grew up in rural Wyandot County, Ohio, with lived experience in generational poverty and teenage parenting. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Human and Social Services from Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio. Jessi is passionate about social and racial justice, dedicating her efforts to solidarity supports and advocating for systemic change.
Janelle Johnson
NAVIGATOR
Adriel School
Janelle Johnson
Navigator, Adriel School (Region 1)
Before transitioning to OhioKAN, Janelle was an Early Head Start Home Visitor at Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission in Defiance, Ohio. Previously, she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA and a Financial Empowerment Specialist. She was also a Putnam County Caseworker for HHWP Community Action Commission in Findlay, Ohio and then a Prevention Educator with Prevention Awareness Support Services in Lima, Ohio. In these positions, Janelle facilitated classes to all ages surrounding topics such as financial literacy, communication, managing emotions, and conflict resolution. Outside of work, she volunteers as a church teacher, Missions Board secretary and member, and in a religious education program for schools. Janelle graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Bible & Theology from Bluffton University in 2018, and completed Master’s level coursework in Clinical Counseling at Winebrenner Theological Seminary. She has walked with individuals in her personal life through the journey of adoption, and she is excited to be another part of the support system for OhioKAN families!
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
