DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PREVENTION

You’ll recognize Cheryl this week as our Conference Coordinator, but she has been a part of youth-led prevention for over twenty years. She began as a teen involved in a school-based prevention program, became a volunteer upon graduation, and has been a certified prevention professional for over ten years with Youth to Youth International. Over the course of her nearly two decades as a prevention professional, Cheryl has combined her passion for youth prevention with experience as a former teacher. She’s most energized by watching teens grow into confident, capable leaders. Outside of Y2Y, she’s a Disney enthusiast, audiobook addict, mom to her daughter Parker, and stepmom to Carly, Tanner, and Keegan.

PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Aloni was born and raised in Columbus, OH. She graduated from Eastmoor Academy in 2017 and went to The University of Akron following high school. She is a Y2Y alumni and has been working at Y2Y for three years. She loves her job and the people she works with! When Aloni is not at work, you can find her at a brunch, hanging with her friends, or planning an event for her business Honestly Here! She is also the life of the party and loves meeting people, so any time you see her say, “HEYYYYYYYYY!”

PREVENTION SPECIALIST

Hannah grew up in Upper Arlington, OH and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 2021. After high school, she attended Columbus State Community College and received an associate’s degree in communications. She began working as a Prevention Specialist at Youth to Youth in March of 2025, but Youth to Youth has been home to her since 2017. The people and place are like no other! Outside of Y2Y, Hannah enjoys trying new coffee shops, reading, listening to true crime podcasts while going for walks in her neighborhood, and shopping.

PREVENTION ASSISTANT

Aliyah started Y2Y her senior year of high school. After her first year at conference, she fell in love with Y2Y. She joined the team as Summer Staff last year and has been working year-round ever since! Aliyah dreams of being a kindergarten teacher and moving away somewhere HOT!

PREVENTION ASSISTANT

Haylee has been involved in Youth to Youth since her first CAMP in 7th grade. They work year-round for Y2Y as needed, but their full-time job is being a middle school language arts teacher, so they spend their summer “breaks” with Y2Y. She has a B.A. in Middle Childhood Education from Capital University and recently received her M.A. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. You can find Haylee this week in the Y2Y office, helping volunteers find their way, or eating the OWU snickerdoodles.

SUMMER STAFF

Zarek is a carrot connoisseur, a washed-out college football player, a professional pick-up game hooper, and a friend to Jacob Maschke. He has a Bachelors from Wittenberg University and a Master’s from University of Cincinnati, so he’s actually very smart despite the goofy side of him you’ll see this week. Zarek is the mastermind behind this year’s teambuilding AND he’s working double time as a member of the Adult Staff!

SUMMER STAFF

Carmen is an outspoken Aries with a deep love for animals and a heart that always wants to help others! She is a recent Y2Y alum and current student at the University of Findlay. You may not see her much this week since she will be working behind the scenes, but you might see her younger sister who looks a lot like her!

SUMMER STAFF

Joi is super excited to add all the positive energy she can to conference this year. This is her second year at conference and first time working as admin staff. She loves trying new things, can play the flute, and her favorite color is blue. If you see Joi helping with fun events, selling merch, or anywhere else on campus, don’t hesitate to say hi!

SUMMER STAFF

Lisa is a college student studying exercise science with aspirations of becoming a pediatric physical therapist and helping athletes stay healthy throughout their lives. She enjoys serving others, growing in her faith, and building meaningful connections while encouraging those around her. This week, she will be mostly behind the scenes helping with fun events, workshops, and more!

DIRECTOR OF SPEAKER SERVICES & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Ty is an internationally-renowned speaker and brings over thirty years of experience in drug prevention and community services. He is a “product” of the Youth to Youth high school program and spent years during and after college working directly with youth in its’ local program. He is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant and has trained and spoken to youth the adults that work with young people in all 50 states as well as Bermuda, Canada, Guam, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany, Japan, and Italy. Beyond work, Ty is also the father to Tanner, Keegan, Carly, and Parker. This week, Ty is our staff trainer and the presenter at the Adult Training.

SPEAKER SERVICES & TRAINING COORDINATOR

Julia is a Y2Y alumni from Columbus, Ohio. Year-round, she is our Speaking and Training Coordinator and will be working with the Adult Participants on the Adult Track this week. She loves her two cats (honestly, she loves all cats). You probably got many emails from her, and you can find her in the Y2Y office during the day if you have any logistical issues!