WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 7
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
REGION 7 STAFF
Lena Garner
COORDINATOR
Lena Garner
Coordinator, Region 7
Lena joins OhioKAN with seventeen years of administrative experience. Most recently, she was employed by The Buckeye Ranch, where she worked as the Foster Care Billing Specialist for nearly nine years; she also served as a Foster Care Team Lead, supervising two administrative positions. During her tenure at The Buckeye Ranch, Lena was responsible for working collaboratively with case managers, supervisors, and county agencies to provide accurate monthly billing for youth in Foster Care, invoicing foster parent trainings, reconciling payments, and completing dashboard tracking. Lena also oversaw her department’s relationship with a donor organization, assisted in event coordination, and participated in budget planning. In addition to her duties, Lena was a member of The Buckeye Ranch’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, serving for more than five years; she also helped facilitate the organization’s involvement in several Pride Parades as a Pride Parade Ambassador. Lena also attended The Buckeye Ranch’s Leadership Academy and served as a member of the social media team, creating content for several platforms on behalf of the Foster Care team as well as the entire organization. Lena is excited to be a part of OhioKAN as Region 7’s Coordinator!
Karla Hall
COACH
Karla Hall
Coach, Region 7
Karla began her career with Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services as an Assessment Caseworker where she conducted investigations for suspected abuse, neglect, and dependency concerns. She also spent time working with kinship families and children with delinquency concerns. Karla is a graduate of Muskingum University, New Concord, with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Karla worked with OhioKAN as a Region 7 Navigator for 2 years and is looking forward to continued growth in her professional experiences within the nonprofit sector.
Emily Phillips
Emily Phillips
Coach, Region 7
Emily is coming to OhioKAN with over seven years of experience supporting children and their families. Emily is a graduate of Ohio University where she studied child development and received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies. Emily holds certification through The Child Life Council as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). Most recently, Emily was employed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she spent two years working as a Child Life Specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Perinatal Palliative Care Team. In this role, Emily helped infants and their families cope with the stress and uncertainty of illness, injury, trauma, and bereavement. Emily also worked at The Buckeye Ranch as a Child Protection Specialist and Kinship Support Specialist. In these roles, Emily worked to promote child safety, strengthen family bonds, and support permanency for youth. Emily’s passion for child development is the basis of her daily work. She strives to achieve the best outcomes for children and their families. Emily is excited to be part of OhioKAN as Region 7’s Coach!
Zachary Mitchell
NAVIGATOR
The Recovery Center
Zachary Mitchell
Navigator, UMCH Family Services (Region 7)
Zachary is coming from a community case management position at Pathways Caring for Children. Before that he worked as a Contact Tracer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zachary graduated from Muskingum University with a Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Health Administration, and Health and Fitness. He is currently in pursuit of his Master of Education from Kent State in Community Health Education and Promotion. Zachary looks forward to his new role at OhioKAN!
Daniel Bush
NAVIGATOR
UMCH Family Services
Daniel Bush
Navigator, UMCH Family Services (Region 7)
Daniel has seven years of experience in social services, including corrections, mental health, substance abuse and child welfare. He began his career at Alvis House, a drug recovery non-profit in Columbus, then transitioned to Franklin County Children Services as a Caseworker before joining OhioKAN. Daniel is a graduate of Central State University with a B.S. in Psychology and is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. He plans to obtain his master’s degree in Social Work and certify as a licensed social worker. He is passionate about the families he serves through OhioKAN and is excited to serve as the Navigator for Region 7 at UMCH Family Services!
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
