Executive Director

Dalenna Zingalis-Braine has worked in the developmental disabilities field since 2010. In fact, she first volunteered at Camp Cheerful when she was 13 years old. Dalenna confirmed her passion for serving individuals with disabilities while working in an intermediate care facility. She currently is an independent provider with the Department of Developmental Disabilities and works as the community outreach coordinator for the My Choice Adult Day Support Program. During her time at My Choice, Dalenna realized her passion for connecting the individuals she supports with the community and promoting inclusion. Dalenna is from Parma, Ohio, where she lives with her husband, her daughter Isabella, and step son Bryson. She sits on the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals and serves on the Direct Support Professionals Council.

Chief Operating Officer

Stephanie Caldwell started working with individuals with disabilities at the age of 16 at a summer camp. More recently, she worked for 20 years in various roles for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Next, she worked at a private day program as an employment manager. Since the pandemic, she has worked as an independent provider, focusing on helping individuals achieve their dreams. Stephanie enjoys engaging with other providers and advocacy groups to further the rights of people with disabilities. She regularly attends state-wide conferences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Cleveland State University and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Texas Tech University. 

She currently resides in Parma with her husband, four children, and three cats. You can often find her on the sidelines of the football field and basketball court, cheering on her kids. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors.

President, Board of Directors

“Ang” is a retired police dispatcher from Michigan with a heart devoted to service. After  her 19-year career, amid an abundance of free time, Ang connected to organizations and people serving her community. Since her move to Ohio in December 2018, she has used her love and voice to advocate for marginalized populations. Ang has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and on her local Parents Teachers Association (PTA) board since December 2021. Through Christian partnerships, she has worked with children, incarcerated individuals, and in many outreach areas.  Ang and Dalenna met via PTA. She is honored to be a part of AP2BM and is eager to help it grow into Dalenna’s BIG DREAM . . . and to see its impact ripple outward for generations to come.  

Ang resides in Parma with her husband, two children, and two dogs.  When she isn’t jumping into helping wherever a need is, she enjoys time with her family and eating East Coast Custard. GO BLUE!  

Treasurer

Denise Shannon brings over 30 years of experience as a nurse in Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her commitment to health, safety, and well-being is at the core of everything she does. As Treasurer of the Board, Denise combines her clinical expertise with a passion for community inclusion and education. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections, fostering understanding, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to come together—and have fun while doing it.

Secretary

Director of Marketing

Michelle brings both personal and professional passion to her role as Marketing Director at A Place 2B Me. With a master’s degree in Sign Language Interpreting and years of experience in the disability community, Michelle has been a dedicated advocate, service provider, and supporter for individuals with diverse needs.

As the parent of two neurodivergent children, Michelle understands firsthand the importance of inclusive spaces, accessible resources, and strong community connections. Her work has long focused on creating environments where every individual is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Michelle is thrilled to join A Place 2B Me in this new capacity and is excited to help amplify its mission, connect with more families, and turn big dreams into meaningful realities.

Chair of Marketing & Communications

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Greg brings passion, creativity, and resilience to everything he does. Living with Cerebral Palsy has shaped his perspective and deepened his commitment to accessibility, advocacy, and inclusion.

A proud graduate of Lincoln-West High School (Class of 2001), Greg went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communications from ITT Technical Institute in 2009, followed by a Diploma in Broadcasting and Production from the Ohio Center for Broadcasting in 2011.

From 2014 to 2024, he served on the Cuyahoga County Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, contributing a vital voice to local disability advocacy efforts.

Since 2017, Greg has been a dedicated Guest Service Representative for the Cleveland Browns. In 2019, he joined the School of Dancing Wheels, where he continues to express their love of performance and movement through inclusive dance.

Outside of work and advocacy, Greg enjoys reading, music, creative design, and is a passionate fan of sports—especially professional wrestling.

Director of Law, Board of Directors

Kathy is a litigation attorney, focusing her practice on business and employment disputes for companies. She also represents guardians, trustees, and beneficiaries when probate litigation becomes necessary.

Kathy has two special needs members in her family, her uncle and stepson. These relationships have inspired her to work to advocate for the special needs community, hoping to educate others and create opportunities for inclusion. She is honored to be a part of AP2BM, where she can provide guidance on the business side and find an outlet for her love of the special needs community.

Kathy resides in Broadview Heights with her family and dog. When she isn’t juggling her work and personal obligations, she enjoys hiking in the Metroparks, riding her bike with her family, and trying new restaurants.

Director of Education & Advocacy

Derek Topola is a teacher and a disability advocate. Most recently, Derek has obtained his Resident Educator License for Middle Childhood Education, in the areas of Science, Social Studies, and Reading for grades 4 – 9.

Past Achievements include: being a part of 4 different honor societies, being Community Council President for 2 years, and receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award. Also, he works for the Nisonger Center, at The Ohio State University gathering research on people with Developmental Dishabilles, as a National Core Indicator, as needed.

Derek currently is a substitute teacher for the Independence School District and Brecksville-Broadview Heights District. Derek not only subs, but he also makes sure any students with IEP’s and 504’s are reaching their highest potentials by having all the proper tools that they need to learn alongside their classmates. He also serves as Chair for Cuyahoga County Board of DD on Leadership Council, and helps advise about changes to flyers, mailers, and other projects with his team, through the lens of a person with DD.

Derek has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair and a walker, and he shows students that even though he has a physical disability, he can achieve any goal he wants to.

Derek’s overall hope while being in A Place 2B Me is to be a part of the educational sector and help others be more aware about inclusion in the classroom for students with disabilities, and to assist others to advocate for themselves and the needs they may need to be as independent as possible.

Virtual Chair of Education & Advocacy

Kelly Harmody brings positivity and resilience to everything she does. Born with Spina Bifida and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 2½ years old, Kelly faces daily challenges—but she always manages to greet the world with a smile.

A proud graduate of Solon High School (Class of 2021), Kelly was an active member of her school community. She competed on the track team in the seated division, throwing shot put and racing the 100-meter dash. She qualified for the state championship three out of four years and raced at Jesse Owens Stadium—an experience she remembers fondly.

Kelly also participated in the Council for Exceptional Children, a school club that connects students with disabilities to peer mentors for fun outings and community activities like mini golf, pottery painting, and bowling.

She currently serves on the Leadership Council, where she’s passionate about learning more about the work of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD). Through this role, Kelly hopes to help others better understand CCBDD’s mission and to advocate for individuals who need a voice.

Kelly lives in Solon with her parents, two dogs, and is the youngest of three siblings. This fall, she will be transferring from Wright State University to Kent State University to continue her education.

Director of IT

Director of Development

Chair of Fundraising

Jamie began her journey in home health care. When her grandmother fell ill she decided to get certified and take care of her full time. She has a family member that needed support within the waiver program. It was there she met an amazing team of supports and advocates. This is what prompted her to apply here after her grandmothers passing. The most rewarding aspect of her job is getting to know the individuals at the program and help them achieve their goals. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her animals , and nephews. She is also part of a non-profit dedicated to creating engaging events for individuals with disabilities to create life long friendships and bonds.

Honorary Board Member & Volunteer

Kim is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and an active member of the community. Living with autism, Kim enjoys volunteering, making new friends, and participating in Special Olympics Ohio — proudly cheering on the MBB Grinders! Kim also belongs to a social league called Friends Forever, where friendships and fun are always a priority. With a hopeful spirit, Kim aspires to live independently one day.