Meet The Guides

Shane writes and travels extensively speaking about peacemaking, justice, and Jesus. Shane’s books include Jesus for President, Red Letter Revolution, Common Prayer, Follow me to Freedom, Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers, The Irresistible Revolution, and Executing Grace.

Duane and his wife Lisa formed South Street Ministries in 1997. They are now a part of the pastoral team at The Front Porch Fellowship in Summit Lake and have impacted the lives of thousands throughout Akron with a holistic approach to service and coming alongside.

Jamie is the Director of Higher Education at Lighthouse Ministries in Canton. She has a doctorate degree (you go girl!) and uses it to come alongside both college students and inmates as an instructor. She also deserves a doctorate in loving her neighborhood and city.

Andrea is the Director of Multicultural Services at Malone University in Canton. She was formerly the Director of Equity and Inclusion for Canton School District. She is a career k-12 educator who knows a thing or two about making people fell like they belong.

Kemp is the Executive Director of Love Akron, the head football coach at Kenmore-Garfield High School, and a pastor at Garden City Church. He lives in Kenmore with his family and is one of Akron's key leaders. Let's just say that Kemp is THE real deal.

Gino is a native of Akron who has since relocated to Canton to pastor two very different congregations -- Radial Church and Beacon of Hope. He is a true symbol of reconciliation, an experienced hip hop artist and creative. And, boy, he's handsome.

Stephanie is a dance artist, musician, and creative writer from Columbia, Missouri who has been practicing her art from a young age. She now lives in Cleveland and dances professionally with Inlet Dance Theatre and also serves as the company's video production coordinator.

Errick attended Kent State and lives in Canton. He is a pyro-chromatic artist that was born creative -- seriously. He has been a noted artist since 2000; shown in New York, Florida, and throughout Northeast Ohio. He's a published, awarded, and recognized artist.

Bryson is the CEO of the Akron Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to leadership and economic development. He is also an Akron pastor and instructor at Malone University in Canton. He also enjoys bocce ball. What else can we say?

Reuben and his wife Heidi moved into the Middlebury neighborhood in 2013.  Reuben is part of the Housing Team at The Well CDC and is grateful for the opportunity to use his education and skills to benefit his neighbors. Even when no one's looking.

Beth is a proud mother of three amazing boys and proud resident of the Middlebury neighborhood. She is also proud to be behind the scenes making so many things beautiful without any praise. Jesus said something about this in that one sermon of his.

That orange shape on Zac's shirt is the state of Ohio. He loves Ohio; he loves Akron and he loves Middlebury. This love led him to start and lead The Well CDC as the Executive Director. He also pastors at Citizens Akron. He's who we all want to be like when we grow up. Seriously.

Jess is the Executive Director of First Glance, a nonprofit that loves on youth, and proud resident of Kenmore. She's a super leader (servant), super mom, super friend, and overall super woman. We could say much more. Akron is better because of people like her.

Vince is the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Advocates Association and a board member with the National Fair Housing Alliance. He may know a little something about housing -- maybe. He may also have some things to share about being a Christian in the nonprofit world.

Alongside his wife Amy, JR serves as co-lead pastor of First Church of the Resurrection, the oldest church in Canton, OH. He has founded two nonprofits, as well as worked to create networks of nonprofits, both nationally and regionally. He's kind of famous, y'all.

Da'Shika is a Faith-led entrepreneur and owner of VineWorks Marketing, LLC. and Project Sew United. Mrs. Street is a wife, mom of three, and advocate for entrepreneurship and the advancement of Black and women-owned businesses.

Heidi is the Owner and Director of Operations of CrossFit HighGear. She is experienced in project development and growth, marketing, management, event planning as well as coaching. She's who the character Wonder Woman is based on.

Scott is the President of SD Myers (a global transformer company located in Tallmadge, OH) and CEO and Board Chair of Good Place Holdings. He has incredible business acumen and an even greater love. He and his wife Gina are true lovers of Jesus and of Akron.

Veronica is a lifelong resident of Akron and currently serves as the District 5 Representative on Summit County Council. She strives to be an effective, love-driven, transformative leader of and for the people. We're just waiting for Veronica to go ahead and run for US President.

Reverend Susan is the Associate Rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, one of the older churches in Akron. Her passion for leading people to Jesus underscores all of her work. You would have a hard time finding anyone more kind. Rev Susan lives in Medina.

Curtis was born and raised in Akron and doesn't plan on leaving. He is the Director of Operations at The Well CDC in Middlebury, but is also very civically engaged. He is one Akron's best and brightest. The future of Akron will be shaped by young leaders like Curtis.

Amar (Amber) is an advocate in the immigrant and refugee community and loves Jesus dearly. He is a well of kindness and compassion that inspires other to truly love their neighbor, especially those who we might not understand. Remind you of anyone? (hint: Jesus)

Reverend Nanette pastors the First Congregational Church of Akron (the church with the amazing sign and amazing people). She is a dynamic preacher, engaging teacher and gifted pastoral leader who brings a deep faith and an all-around aptitude to her ministry.

James is a pastor at Citizens Akron and Bible teacher at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy. James and his family live in Middlebury and seek to live out the gospel in tangible ways in their neighborhood. James is the kind of leader you would follow anywhere.

Santa is a pastor and the president of the Bhutanese Nepali Christian Community. His leadership has dramatically challenged the way we view the "foreigner" in Akron. He truly has a pastors heart and brings a life to the city that is irreplaceable.

Merisa is a Licensed Social worker who earned her master's from Case Western University and BA from Malone University. She has a special interest in working with the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups as someone who has personal experience as both.

Mary is a talented architect and writer who originally hails from New York, but now calls Akron home. She beautifully merges her Catholic upbringing with our rich Christian mystic tradition. She's wildly creative and accepting -- an embodiment of God's grace.

Ruth (also goes by Roodie or Rodney) fills their time as a teacher, parent, neighbor and friend. They daily strive to live a life where their intersections of faith, family, career, gender identity and sexuality can reside together and be whole. 

Joe serves as Executive Director with South Street Ministries. He has also recently joined the Board of Directors of the Christian Community Development Association and has served in ministry/non-profit roles for over 12 years. Joe doesn't just talk about this stuff, he lives it.