Meet Our Team
The Beehive Alliance and a fully volunteer-based nonprofit organization. As a grassroots movement, we rely on the dedication of those in our community who are also passionate about pediatric behavioral and mental health. We are so proud of our team.
Learn more about us below!
Co-Founder
Liason to the Hospital & A Night In the Hive CoChair
Taylor Germain
"My professional background is in teaching and behavior analysis, specifically working within the Autism community. I have always felt inspired by not only the kids with whom I have worked but the opportunity I had to work for Nationwide Children's Hospital at their Autism Center. When I left to stay home with my children, I longed for a way to give back to the hospital and community with whom I had worked so closely. We are so fortunate to have Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Behavioral Health Pavilion here in Columbus serving our children when they need its services. With the emergent pediatric mental health crisis, now is the time for our community to come together and support this incredible hospital and the many programs they have developed to combat this crisis."
Co-Founder
Brad Sheely
"Having 3 young children and seeing the range of emotions they go through on a daily basis really got me paying closer attention to pediatric mental health. When I saw the work that was being done by On Our Sleeves in 2018 it resonated with me, so I sent an email inquiring on how to get involved. A few weeks later I was connected with Taylor, as she shared a similar passion and desire to get involved, and the idea of The Beehive Alliance was born. I love the small, but mighty, group we have formed and the positive impact we are having on pediatric behavioral health in our local community!"
President
Katie Hesketh
"As a former 4th grade teacher, I watched students struggle with anxiety and other behavioral and mental health challenges. Not only was it difficult at times to find the resources these children and their families needed, but the stigma often prevented them from seeking help. After losing a former student, I realized that mental health challenges don't discriminate - even the outwardly happiest children from the most loving families need support. Now as a parent of 3, pediatric mental health feels even more personal. My children and my former students are the fuel behind every thing I do for the Beehive."
Vice President
Megan Hall
"As a former preschool aid and teacher who worked directly with students with behavioral health needs, I saw firsthand what a deep support system can do for not only the child but for the parents. Creating environments for children and families to get the resources they need, surrounded by unwavering support and reduced stigmas, can change the trajectory of a child's life. Beehive Alliance supports and funds easy access to these life-changing resources and I am so proud to be a part of this movement!"
Finance Chair
Sara Robertson
"Pediatric mental health has never been more important, and it is never too early to start. I’ve seen firsthand the impact early intervention had on our son, and it has made me passionate about the importance of helping all children reach their full potential via access to resources and treatment. I love being part of the buzz in a hive of amazing volunteers who share my passion for helping children develop self-confidence, raise self-esteem and create a healthy emotional outlook."
A Night In the Hive Chair
Kylie Bentine
As a new mother of two young kids, both born during a global pandemic, my curiosity of mental health impacts on children continued to rise. My sister is also a pediatric psych nurse and one of my personal role models for the impact she makes in her field. I want to be part of a movement that changes stigmas around mental health and works to provide resources to children and families in need. The Beehive Alliance helps fulfill me in more ways than I knew possible & I'm so excited for the bright future ahead."
A Night In the Hive Co-Chair
Alex Crock
"I was involved in a pediatric non-profit throughout high school & college and was looking for something that filled this passion in my adult life. The Beehive Alliance has done just that! With all that has happened over the last two years, pediatric mental health seems more relevant than ever and I am proud to be a part of an organization that focuses its efforts on this. My favorite thing about the Beehive Alliance is it's "grassroots" nature and how much of an impact we are making within the greater Columbus community and beyond in such a short amount of time! I am excited to see what 2022 has in store!"
Membership Chair
Amy Barger
"Beehive Alliance was the exact thing I’ve been waiting to be involved with. As a former elementary educator, I had watched our young students show up with increasing levels of anxiety that was leaving them uncertain and lacking confidence. It was time for mental health to come to the forefront of children’s overall health.
Last year I loved watching my three children share my passion through the Lemonade Stand. They helped raise nearly $400 for our mission."
Membership Co-Chair
Sara Roby
"As a mom of two toddlers, I found myself digging for resources to help lay a healthy foundation for their mental health. On Our Sleeves has provided me with such wonderful resources and through that search I found The Beehive Alliance. I am passionate about the work The Beehive Alliance is doing to help build a world where all children and families have access to the resources they need to live a happy and mentally healthy life!"
Party in the Patch Co-Chair
Megan D'Ambrosio
"As an education consultant and former elementary teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the rising mental health needs and disparities among children nationwide. Exacerbated by the global pandemic, too often the mental health crises hit close to home. I was drawn to the Beehive Alliance’s mission to create a “buzz” around pediatric mental and behavioral health. We talk about all kinds of feelings in our house, even with our two year old, thanks to the resources I’ve gained from the Beehive Alliance. I look forward to collectively breaking stigmas as we talk, learn, and grow together as an organization and community."
Party In the Patch Co-Chair
Kateri Salavitabar
Communications Chair
Britney Bohling
"As a middle school teacher, I have seen a range of pediatric mental health issues, and know the importance of bringing awareness to it, as well as making resources for children and families readily available. When I became a mom I knew I needed to get more involved with pediatric mental health, and The Beehive Alliance is just what I was looking for! I am excited to be part of a group that is working to end the stigma of mental health and actively helping the children and families in our community!"
Lemonade Fundraiser Chair
Taylor Darkoch
"I was introduced to the Beehive Alliance through a friend and I was eager to find a way to get involved after hearing their mission. The Beehive Alliance combines two things I care deeply about - mental health & children. Over the past few years it's become clear how important mental health & wellness are for everyone. I'm excited to join a group that is not only about raising awareness but also funding to give children & families the support they need. I can't wait to see the impact this organization continues to have on the community, both in Columbus and beyond!"
Lemonade Fundraiser Co-Chair
Racheal Lindsey
"As a mother of young children and a background as a Nurse Practitioner, I feel that mental health in our country has never been so important. I believe that we need to prioritize mental health and teach children skills to develop emotional intelligence and tear down the stigma of mental illness. Providing accessible mental health resources and timely interventions are keys to the success of the upcoming generations. I am excited to be part of such an important cause and look forward to raising funds and awareness of the pediatric behavioral health issues that exist in our community."