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
Membership Co-Chair
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."
Membership Co-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."
A Night In the Hive Co-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."
Party In the Patch 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!"
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."
Sponsorship Chair
Brooke Cavallo
"Upon my return to Columbus from New York, I learned about The Beehive Alliance through another member and I immediately wanted to get involved in the cause. I have always been extremely passionate about helping kids battling pediatric cancer through a variety of organizations over the years, and I wanted to apply my passion and skills to a cause that is making an impact in the mental health space, which is so important now more than ever. I hope to continue volunteering alongside this incredible team to raise awareness and help make an impact on the lives of children and their families, both in Columbus and nationwide!"
Communications Chair
Meaghan Olson
"After attending a presentation held at my children's elementary school by The Beehive Alliance and On Our Sleeves, I instantly knew I needed to be a part of the hive. As a mom of three boys, through different personalities and worries, I have found myself searching for resources and tools to help. Everyone talks about the sleep deprived years of tiny babies, but the conversations seem to end when your kids get a little bigger and their brains start firing at a rate they are unable to process (yet). I am beyond excited to be a part of this group to end the stigma around pediatric mental health!"
Social 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."
Lemonade Co-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 Co-Chair
Haley Johnson
Coming Soon