Our Team

Executive Director

Thea DeRosa Cerra
thea@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Thea took the reigns as Executive Director in August 2020, succeeding co-founder Judy Payne. Thea understands the importance of kids learning to read so they can read to learn. She is passionate about education equity and wants to make sure kids across our communities have access to books that will help them imagine, thrive, and succeed.

Thea is born and raised in Greater Cleveland and loves the area. She and her family can often be found in the MetroParks, at local restaurants, or coffee shops.

Thea’s favorite children’s book is The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.

Community Outreach Director

Jessica Walsh-Frazier
jessica@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Jessica works with our community partners to better understand their needs and help us improve our programs to best serve the families and children and we support.

Jessica loves to read, travel, swim, and bike. A lifelong Clevelander, she’s a huge Browns fan.

Communications Manager

Leslie FitzSimmons
leslief@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Leslie is passionate about sharing our story and impact with the world. If you’ve been to our warehouse, she’s probably tried to take your picture for social media. Leslie’s history with the Kids’ Book Bank goes back to the month after we opened when she came to volunteer to sort books—the rest is history!

Leslie’s favorite children’s book is Muldoon by Pamela Duncan Edwards & Henry Cole.

Volunteer Services Coordinator

Colleen Watt
colleen@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Colleen is the smiling face that greets you when you come through our door, ensuring our volunteers have the best experience possible. Colleen loves people, she loves books, and she’d love to have you come volunteer with us!

Colleen’s favorite children’s book is The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch.

Warehouse Inventory / Coordinator

Steve Maistros
steve@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Steve is the Kids’ Book Bank jack-of-all-trades, assisting people picking up and dropping off books, keeping track of our inventory, and making sure our warehouse keeps humming along. Don’t let Steve’s quiet demeanor fool you; he’s got a great wry sense of humor!

Steve’s favorite children’s book is Switch On The Night by Ray Bradbury.

Administrator

Margie Ordog
margie@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Margie keeps our staff on the same page, preparing books for pick up, recruiting new distribution partners, and keeping behind-the-scenes accounting and administrative systems running smoothly. Margie loves being outdoors, hiking in the MetroParks, and sailing on Lake Erie.

Margie’s favorite children’s book is The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper.

Volunteer Services Assistant

Maddie Weir-Schuster
maddie@kidsbookbank.org
216.417.1803

Maddie is an essential part of our team, enabling us to host volunteer shifts on Saturdays and on select evenings. She has a passion for books and literacy and is loved by our volunteers.

Maddie’s favorite children’s book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Judi Kovach
Chair – Co-Founder
Retired Product Manager, Progressive Insurance

Amanda Schaub
Treasurer
Senior Manager, Ernst & Young LLP

Alexis Beachdell
Secretary
Partner, BakerHostetler

Kristen Saada
Fundraising Committee Chair
Community Volunteer

Jeff Ryder
Young Professionals Board Chair
Associate Managing Director, Cleveland Play House

Thea DeRosa Cerra
Executive Director, Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank

Deena Epstein
Retired Senior Program Officer, The George Gund Foundation