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  • Meet Our Team
  • A former educator, Damon has served in the non-profit arena for over fifteen years, with the last ten being in executive leadership roles. As a youth, Damon grew up in his local Boys & Girls Club playing basketball, and has a passion for the Club’s mission. Damon thrives on collaborative work, creating a sense of family, and working collectively to find innovative approaches to address community needs. An advocate for individuals of all abilities, Damon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Damon and his wife, Samantha, reside in Monroe with their four children.

  • Adrian has a degree in education from Wright State University. He is also a PD specialist for the CDA credential program. He has over 15 years of experience working with youth of all ages. Adrian previously was the Director of Training and Professional Development for the research and referral agencies serving both Central and Southwest Ohio. He has a love for the Michigan Wolverines football team and Duke Blue Devil basketball team. Adrian and his wife, Heather, reside in West Chester with their twin daughters Alex and Ellie.

  • With an extensive background in non-profit organizations, focusing on finance and business management, Kim brings a passion for serving others that reflects in her dependability and attention to detail. Kim is very hands on and enjoys getting to not only connect with members but with families and the community as a whole. She is a proud mother of three humans, two dogs, and one cat. Her office is easily identified by a collection of Mickey Mouse memorabilia and a well-stocked candy bowl.

  • Yiren graduated from the University of Kentucky with an honorary Degree in Master of Clinical Social Work, a Bachelor Degree in Sociology and two minors. Yiren believes that healthy and positive intervention at one’s early stage of life is crucial to being successful in one’s adult life. Person-centered and relationship-based care are Yiren's driving forces contributing to how she serves youth to reach their full capability of becoming an empowered, eager-to-learn, and accountable citizen within the community.

  • Emma started with the Boys and Girls Club as a Youth Development Professional and fell in love with the mission of our organization. Emma is extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve our members and help guide them. Emma believes children are the key to our future, waiting to unlock doors of limitless opportunities that lie ahead of them, and that it is our job to guide them towards those doors. Her personal goal is to help guide youth into early adulthood and maintain a safe and positive environment here at the Club. Emma has two rescue dogs named Bones and Gracie, and enjoys volunteering at the Warren County Humane Society in her free time.

  • Sam began his journey as a Youth Development Professional and has always been dedicated to building, strengthening, and uplifting youth. Sam understands that his job stretches beyond the building and into the community as he motivates the youth to uphold their values in environments outside of just BGC. His demonstration of love comes by way of the hardships experienced in his past to which he has now transformed into nurturing teaching moments for the children. He strongly believes in transactional relationships knowing that as he works to inspire youth, their impact is of equal importance to him as well.

  • Maci is a fourth year undergraduate at Miami University studying Social Work, Marketing, and Communications. Maci recognizes the importance of building relationships with each member and strives to help them find their voice and individuality. Maci appreciates getting to engage with staff, volunteers, and members in different activities and programs. Additionally, Maci looks forward to the continued opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the Club and promote further success!

  • Patti Alderson, Founder
    Patti Alderson, Founder

    A long-time resident of West Chester/Liberty, Patti has been instrumental in developing the philanthropic arm of the community. Patti led the effort to open the original Club in 2014, and with the support of Lakota Schools and many generous people who saw the need for a larger facility, Patti was able to raise the funds and open the doors to the current Club facility on January 4, 2018. She loves being at the Club and says just being with the kids makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info

CEO Damon Knoche dknoche@bgcwcl.org
Club Operations Director Adrian Roberson aroberson@bgcwcl.org
Director of Business Services Kim Tepe ktepe@bgcwcl.org
Director of Academics Yiren Xiao yxiao@bgcwcl.org
Program Coordinator, Elementary Emma McGehee emcgehee@bgcwcl.org
Program Coordinator, Teens Sam Ghartey sghartey@bgcwcl.org
Communications Coordinator Maci Minarcik mminarcik@bgcwcl.org

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