Staff
Working to change lives
Jenn Lasky has over 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors. Her experience as a Parole Officer, small business owner, and Re-Entry Director, have all led to her becoming Executive Director of The Edna House for Women in 2017. Her passion for the mission enabled her to enhance and expand The Edna House into a campus by completing a $1.25 million dollar capital campaign in 2022. She has built an experienced team, that provides trauma informed, inclusive and culturally responsive programming to the women in her care. She credits Edna’s success to the Cleveland community for investing in the women and organization.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science and Technology and a Master of Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Youngstown State University. She is a graduate of The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and was awarded a Notable Woman in Nonprofits by Crains Magazine. In 2023, Jenn was awarded The Smart Business Progressive Woman Award.
Sarah Murphy has been with The Edna House staff since 2019. Murphy was instrumental in helping to raise $1.25 million for the capital campaign which enhanced and expanded The Edna House. As Assistant Director, Murphy is overseeing The Edna staff, and advancing The Edna House mission. She is a proud Edna House Alumna since 2015, and is passionate about helping others on their recovery journey. Murphy is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She served as President of the Edna Alumnae Association in 2016 and 2017, was chairperson of various committees, including The Phase III Program Committee. Murphy is a 2023 graduate of The Neighborhood Leadership Development Program, Cohort XV.
Karla Seese is a Licensed Social Worker with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board and a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. She completed her graduate studies at Cleveland State University and received her Master of Social Work degree in May of 2023. Karla also completed EMDR Therapy training in May of 2023 with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Her experience includes counseling people of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds and those recovering from substance use disorder. Karla’s current clinical focus is to better understand the impact of trauma and to be skillful working with adult clients affected by early trauma.
Vicki joined The Edna House in 2023 as our Program Administrator. In her role as Program Administrator, Vicki is responsible for all new admissions and all residents in Phase 1 of our program. She also oversees our volunteers, who facilitate over 30 groups weekly. Vicki brings lived experience in the health care field and uses some of those skills to help the residents in the house. Vicki is dedicated and enthusiastic about helping women throughout their recovery journey.
Bonnie has over 28 years of business experience and retired as a successful business owner in 2020. She began her search to find an opportunity to be of service to others and started at The Edna House as a volunteer conducting mock interviews with the women in our Job Skills program. She fell in love with The Edna House, which led to her applying for the position of Resident Recovery Manager. Her business management experience has been a contributory asset to helping the residents in our Phase II and III programs as she helps them prepare to re-enter their lives outside of The Edna House. Bonnie guides our residents via specific workplans to help them achieve goals that will enable them to live successful and sober lives. Bonnie’s educational background incudes a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Baldwin Wallace University, and she is an Army Veteran.
Kate is the Job Development and Education Specialist and brings a wealth of experience to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education K-12 from Kent State University, and her background is deeply rooted in education, management, and behavioral intervention. Kate is committed to creating opportunities for women on their journey in recovery.
Kate’s journey in education and behavioral intervention has fueled her passion for women’s empowerment. As the Job Development Specialist, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between recovery and employment, providing tailored support to women seeking to rebuild their lives. Kate’s commitment to creating opportunities, fostering inclusive environments, and leveraging her diverse skill set makes her a great fit for The Edna House, aligning seamlessly with our mission to empower women in recovery through meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.
With over 20 years of expertise as a Regional Sales Support Manager overseeing the Cleveland and Pittsburgh offices, Janet’s responsibilities included managing the sales processes, regional administration, HR, and sales reporting. In 2022 she joined The Edna House, volunteering in our Job Skills program, utilizing her Behavior Event Interview technique. Adding to her commitments, in the summer of 2023, she assumed the role of Operations Coordinator, leveraging her organizational skills and extensive business background to enhance The Edna House’s operations and standard operating procedures.
Jennifer Stimac joined The Edna House in 2024 as our Residential Counselor, and holds a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant II, licensed by the Ohio Chemical Professionals Board, as well as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Jennifer’s lived experience and knowledge of diverse cultures battling substance use disorder guides her in empowering women. Additionally, Jennifer holds certificates in Mental Health and Trauma counseling. She has an Associate of Arts degree, and is in her final year of completing a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Youngstown State University. Jennifer’s passion is to help educate, support and guide others through challenges as they navigate the path to recovery.