Meet the Team

Erica Thom

Executive Director

Best Part of Your Job:
I love helping people to meet their goals and become stable in housing, school, and our community. It’s wonderful to watch them succeed.

What is a hidden talent that you have:
My staff tells me that my hidden talent is that I am good at talking to anyone and making them feel comfortable.

Go to Karaoke Song:
If I would ever do it, I would really like (to try) “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”, Deniece Williams.

Favorite place in Massillon to grab a bite:
Top of the Viaduct!

Dawn Miller

Behavior Coach

Best Part of Your Job:
All of the smiles, waves, and hugs I get from the students every day.

What is a hidden talent that you have:
I rely on my observation skills and ability to read body language in kids to prevent triggers before situations escalate.

Go to Karaoke Song:
“I will survive”, Gloria Gayner

Favorite place in Massillon to grab a bite:
Smiley’s

Leslie Campbell

SPARK Parent Partner

Best Part of Your Job:
Watching kids and parents build a bond over learning. I also love seeing the kids’ faces when they finally understand/grasp something hard they’ve been working on.

What is a hidden talent that you have:
My ability to get through to kids most people would deem harder to work with. They hold a special place in my heart because I was once one of them.

Go to Karaoke Song:
“I Feel the Earth Move”, Carole King

Favorite place in Massillon to grab a bite:
Top of the Viaduct!

Ahead Board of Directors

Officers

Josh Hinkel

President
Community Legal Aid
Services Inc

Anne Juhasz

Past President
Massillon Public Library
(Retired)

Stefanie Myers

Treasurer
City of Massillon

Secretary

(Vacant)

Board

Debbie Busby

Massillon Chamber
of Commerce

Kathy Feichter

Stark State College

Jamie Maneville

Marathon Petroleum

Jenn Warner

The Legacy Project of Stark

Ex-Officio Members

Erica Thom

Executive Director
AHEAD Inc

Kris Blair

Director of Curriculum
Massillon City Schools

Mission Statement

AHEAD assists Massillon students and their families in reducing barriers to learning by improving their academic, social, emotional, and overall well-being.

Vision Statement

AHEAD will support and empower Massillon students to become high school graduates and productive citizens.

Helpful Resources

Below, you can find links to additional community resources.