Meet our Team

Chief Executive Officer

Michele brings strong leadership skills and a deep connection to The Gathering Place. Most recently she worked with Hospice of the Western Reserve as its Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer. Before that, she held several executive positions at KeyCorp (KeyBank). Michele is a proven and dynamic leader whose skills and personal appreciation for the mission of The Gathering Place make her uniquely qualified to be our successor CEO.

seyranian@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1500

Chief Development Officer

Adam has years of development experience & comes to The Gathering Place after 9 years as VP of Development with Vocational Guidance Services. Throughout his 20 year career in the non-profit sector, Adam has been responsible for fundraising, marketing, public relations, budgeting, human resources, program development, mentoring, strategic planning, & business development. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University & a member of the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Bridge Builders Class of 2014.

ross@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1505

Chief Program Officer

Beth brings over 35 years of experience to The Gathering Place as a physical therapist and dietitian. She enjoys helping our participants develop a healthy sustainable lifestyle with an emphasis on plant foods and plenty of physical activity for themselves and their loved ones. After 11 years managing the Exercise & Nutrition programs and services at The Gathering Place, Beth enjoys her current role as Chief Program Officer, overseeing all program components of The Gathering Place.

bennett@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1517

VP, Partner Engagement

Jeff brings a wealth of experience building relationships with healthcare systems and community partners to promote growth and continued awareness. Prior to joining TGP, Jeff spent 16 years at Hospice of the Western Reserve where he most recently served as the Vice President of Marketing and Provider Relations. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Cleveland State University with a focus on Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics. He is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is trained in mediation. He served as past Board President of Association of Specialists in Aging and currently volunteers with Lake County Council on Aging.

stanicki@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1511

Program Staff

Sydney Beeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a background in Trauma Based Care and Mental Health. She earned both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University and received an additional Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. She brings a wealth of experience in group, individual and grief counseling. Sydney looks forward to tapping into the strengths of those whose lives have been impacted by cancer as they navigate their unique journeys.

beeman@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1520

Program Staff

In Mary’s 40 years of practice in mental health and oncology social work, she has worked with many people who have been touched by cancer, both as individuals and in groups. Mary served as Director of Mt. Sinai Medical Center’s Social Work, Home Health Care and Geriatric Departments. She has been working with individuals and families and facilitating support groups at The Gathering Place since it opened in 2000. Recently, Mary has been studying many healing art modalities and is a Reiki Master.

bornstein@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1506

Program Staff

Stephen brings his expertise as a certified cancer exercise trainer (ACSM/ACS-CET), personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach, as well as his own personal family experience with cancer to his role at The Gathering Place. He looks forward to using his knowledge to educate, empower, and enrich the lives of others who may be mentally and physically fragile, providing encouragement, hope and imparting upon them a "some is better than none" attitude.

cerne@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1503

Medical Librarian

After a decade in the nonprofit mental health field, Eileen obtained a degree in Library Science to address the need for relevant, credible information for people in crisis. She started the first consumer health cancer library in Cleveland at Fairview Hospital’s Moll Center and has been with The Gathering Place since it opened in 2000. Eileen works to overcome the stereotypes of librarians! She also teaches guided imagery, journaling, and craft activities at The Gathering Place.

coan@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1504

Program Staff

Brittani is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Akron. Brittani is an LGBTQ+ affirming counselor with a range of experience including mental health, substance use, grief, trauma, self-compassion & body image, and relationships & intimacy. Brittani offers a safe space for all impacted by cancer and looks forward to providing support and standing beside those who find themselves giving us a call, visiting our office or meeting us while we’re out and about in the community.

Program Staff

Stephanie earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Case Western Reserve University in nutrition while finishing the coordinated University Hospitals dietetic internship program. Her career started as a clinical inpatient dietitian at Seidman Cancer Center. She became involved with The Gathering Place in 2018 as program staff and has since transitioned to the full-time dietitian. Recently named Ohio's 2021 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year, Stephanie helps people impacted by cancer to better understand and utilize nutrition as a tool for health.

hopkins@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1525

Program Director

Susan is our Program Director and has been with The Gathering Place since 2008. She is a clinical social worker and a board certified music therapist. Susan has over 25 years of professional experience in the areas of psycho-social oncology, hospice and bereavement care. Susan often incorporates the creative arts into her practice. She leads several groups including a group for caregivers and a group for young women with breast cancer.

marinac@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1512

Family and Children Program Director

Erin completed her doctorate in 2006 from the University at Buffalo and is a Licensed Psychologist. Erin has experience working with children and adults in grief & loss, pediatric palliative care & hospice, and family therapy. Erin began with The Gathering Place in 2000 as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2011. In addition to leading groups for children and providing support to families, Erin aids participants in learning to cope with the stressors of cancer.

rafter@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1516

Program Staff

Andrea completed her MSSA at Case Western Reserve University and is accredited in oncology social work. She has been with The Gathering Place since 2008, having a special passion for assisting people with cancer & their family members. Andrea has 30 years' experience in behavioral health, emphasizing skills to empower health-focused coping. Andrea enjoys on-going training to gain expertise in survivorship and wellness when partnering with those confronting the challenges of cancer.

sonnie@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1521

Marketing Manager

Cheryl brings years of non-profit work experience to The Gathering Place. She has also been a volunteer with many local organizations including The Gathering Place, where she joined the staff in 2009. Cheryl has worked in several administrative capacities at The Gathering Place, including outreach, facilities and with our warehouse. She currently helps get the word out about our free programs and services.

apisdorf@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1501

Warehouse Manager & Partnership Development

Amy has years of experience in sales & marketing in the corporate world. She has developed partnerships with clients in customizing office equipment, the sale & construction of residential homes & designing and selling furniture to create beautiful interior spaces. She is a graduate of Ohio State University, studying English, Fine Arts & Art History. Amy has been an avid shopper at the TGP Warehouse and will now combine her passion for design with her desire to help people touched by cancer.

bell@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1514

Director of Marketing

Sabrina brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing communications to The Gathering Place. For much of her career, she has been contributing to corporate communications teams, executing public relations campaigns and leading content development strategies in a non-profit healthcare setting. Sabrina oversees marketing the life changing services offered by The Gathering Place and considers it a privilege to utilize storytelling to highlight the unique offerings provided for those on a cancer journey.

bowens@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1502

Development Coordinator

Maureen worked for many years as a software engineer. In 2004, after taking time off to raise her children, she joined the staff at The Gathering Place. As the Development Coordinator, Maureen is responsible for acknowledging every donation made to fund our free programs and services. She also assists with any fundraisers we may have to help support those on their cancer journey.

paez@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1515

Development Associate - Community Partnership Development

Jill has been with The Gathering Place since 2011 in a volunteer capacity, including serving on our Board of Directors for 7 years. Prior to Jill's time at The Gathering Place, she led a corporate marketing and sales team at Baxter International. Jill has a BA in Consumer Economics with a focus on Marketing and Psychology from the University of Michigan. Jill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, developing our community partnerships and helping to manage our signature fundraising efforts.

schwartz@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1526

Manager of Finance and Operations

Suzette brings decades of successful experience in Executive Administration, Human Resource Management and Payroll Processing to The Gathering Place. Suzette has a professional interest in public service and is passionate about serving her community. She considers it an honor to work with the talented team at The Gathering Place, helping individuals on their cancer journey.

stanitz@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1518

Volunteer Services Manager

Diane has been in volunteer management for almost 20 years. While working for The Ronald McDonald House she established the first Ronald McDonald Family Room in the state of Ohio. At Montefiore, she developed an award-winning junior volunteer program, applied technology throughout the volunteer department and built a formal volunteer program at The Weils. She obtained her Certification in Volunteer Administration to enhance her skills and best practices in volunteer engagement. Diane truly believes in the mission of The Gathering Places and encourages others to give their time to make a difference.

weiner@touchedbycancer.org
216-455-1508

Contract Program Staff, Zumba

Contract Program Staff, Exercise

Contract Program Staff, Exercise

Contract Program Staff, Family & Children Programming

Contract Program Staff, Support Groups

Contract Program Staff, Qigong-Tai Chi

Contract Program Staff, Art Therapy

Contract Program Staff, Yoga