Governance

Members of the Board of Directors of Power of the Pen

» Julie Lyberger, President, Regional Director. With more than 35 years in education, Julie is a retired administrator from Lake Local Schools in Hartville, Ohio. She formerly taught middle school English Language Arts. Julie holds a B.A. in Education and a master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration. She has served with Power of the Pen for more than 25 years in roles including coach, tab room supervisor, state tournament building monitor, and secretary of the State Committee. Julie joined the Power of the Pen board in 2018.

» Robin Langlais, Secretary. Robin retired after 35 years as a media specialist in junior high and middle schools, most recently with Strongsville City Schools. She holds a B.A. in Library Science/Educational Media and an M.S. in Educational Technology. Robin has received numerous grants for educational purposes. In her 30 years with Power of the Pen, Robin has served as a coach, computer operator, and Regional Director. Robin joined the Power of the Pen board in 2018.

» Jane Bethel, Treasurer. Jane is a retired CPA with more than 40 years of experience in government and nonprofit organizations. She has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Akron. She worked at a public accounting firm, has served as a school treasurer, and most recently was deputy director of finance for Stark County Job and Family Services. She has served on several nonprofit boards and joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Mandy Cenker. Mandy is the Outreach Program Director for the College of Education, Health and Human Services' Office of Professional Development and Outreach. She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Kent State University in 2016. She received her master's degree in special education from Malone University and bachelor's degree in secondary education from Kent State. Mandy joined the Power of the Pen board in 2023 as a non-fiduciary member.

» Taryn Douglas. Taryn is an attorney with Black McCuskey in Canton with a practice focused on business, labor and employment, and real estate, and has been licensed to practice law in Ohio since 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Ohio State University and a Juris Doctor from the Ohio Northern University College of Law. Taryn credits her experience in Power of the Pen in 7th and 8th grades with helping her to develop writing skills that are crucial in the legal profession. Taryn currently serves on several boards in her community, including the Executive Committee of the Stark County Bar Association and the Stark County Human Resources Association. Taryn joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Mike Fejes. Mike holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University. He has taught at Hudson Middle School for 25 years, serving as Power of the Pen coach for 20 years. As a volunteer for Power of the Pen, Mike has contributed to special projects, served as State Tournament manager, and hosted tournaments at Hudson Middle School. He holds National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Early Adolescence, as well as Ohio Master Teacher Certification. Mike joined the Power of the Pen board in 2020.

» Audrey Houseman. A former Power of the Pen program participant, Audrey now serves as Vice President of Clients + Campaigns for TRIAD, a full service marketing and advertising firm. She is a member of Leadership Akron's Signature Class 41 and a past recipient of Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 for the Future Award and the American Advertising Federation - Akron’s Client Service Award. She holds B.A.s in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Miami University. Audrey joined the Power of the Pen board in 2024. 

» Kathy Jambor. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, Kathy is currently Marketing Project Manager at Foundation Software. She carries a lifelong passion for writing with roots in Power of the Pen, where she placed sixth in a district tournament as a 7th grader. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University. Kathy joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Brittany Mackey. Brittany leads the Talent Management team within Human Resources at DRB where she focuses on employee and leadership development, performance management, and talent acquisition. Brittany holds both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an M.B.A. from Ashland University. She also has Emotional Intelligence and Coaching Certifications from Case Western Reserve University, and is passionate about learning and empowering others to be the best version of themselves. Brittany joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Patricia Wagner. Patricia is a retired human resources director with experience in both financial services and nonprofit/government organizations serving children and families. Patricia has a B.A. with Honors in English from Indiana University, and an M. Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas. She volunteers with Power of the Pen because of the positive impact she has seen it make on young people close to her. She has recently remarried and relocated across the Pennsylvania border, but remains an active volunteer in Northeast Ohio nonprofits, including Power of the Pen and the International Soap Box Derby. Patricia joined the Power of the Pen board in 2022.

» Cheryl Yates-Bledsoe, Regional Director. Cheryl is currently a 6th grade teacher and Gifted Intervention Specialist at Lake Local School District in Hartville where she coaches a Power of the Pen Team. Cheryl holds a Senior Professional License - Grades 4012 Integrated Language Arts and K-12 Gifted Intervention Specialist. Cheryl is a graduate of Malone University and earned a Doctor of Education from the American College of Education. Cheryl joined the Power of the Pen board in 2023 as a non-fiduciary member.

» Jillian Yoder. Jillian is in her 14th year in higher education and currently serves as an Associate Director for the Knowlton Center for Career Exploration at Denison University. She is a proud alumnus of the Power of the Pen program and is delighted to support Ohio students in developing a love of writing. Jillian holds a B.A. in psychology from Ashland University and an M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. Jillian joined the Power of the Pen board in 2024.