Meet the Staff
Admin
Karen McGugin
Executive Director
Karen McGugin, a graduate of Lucas High School and Capital University, began her career as a Child Abuse Investigator with Franklin County Children Services in Columbus, Ohio, before transitioning to Ongoing Family Case Management with Fairfield County Children Services.
Recognizing the critical need for safe, loving homes and quality foster care, she founded Advantage Family Outreach & Foster Care in 1997. Starting with just 2 employees and 1 foster home, the agency has grown to over 60 employees, 85 therapeutic foster homes, in-house counseling services, an Independent Living Program and four teenage group homes. Karen is deeply committed to giving children a voice, a safe childhood and protecting those in need.
Karen enjoys traveling, family, and 77-degree days with a cool breeze. She is licensed by the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board, and her credentials can be verified at elicense.ohio.gov.
Shannon Santagata
Operations and Logistics
Shannon has been a valued team member at Advantage since 2014. She has truly found her niche within the company, excelling in her work with new families throughout the licensing process, coordinating transportation for the children in our care, and implementing and managing placements for our therapeutic foster homes. Her role requires constant communication with the families, and her passion shines through as she helps them gain valuable experience and continue making a difference in the lives of children in need.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Shannon moved to Ohio in 2002, eager to explore new opportunities beyond her small hometown. She fell in love with Columbus from the moment she arrived and has since established deep roots in the Worthington area, where she is raising her twin sons.
Stephanie
Stephanie is a native of the Mansfield area and graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Stephanie holds a licensure in the state of Ohio as a Licensed Social Worker.
Stephanie started her career in Mental Health and AOD counseling before finding her passion working in child welfare in 2018. She started as a case worker where her passion grew with helping children in the foster care system and foster care families. Stephanie is working towards becoming a child welfare assessor for the state of Ohio. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
Stephanie is licensed by the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Her license can be verified on this website: https://elicense.ohio.gov.
Kelly M.
Licensing Specialist
Kelly is an experienced and dedicated Licensing Specialist in the foster care field, having worked in this role since 2013. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in foster care, as well as a strong understanding of licensing requirements and processes. Kelly is particularly skilled in maintaining foster parent files, ensuring they remain compliant with both agency and state requirements. Her attention to detail and thorough knowledge of regulations makes her a reliable and valuable team member.
Kelly holds a degree from Wittenberg University, where she developed a solid academic foundation that supports her professional growth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, nurturing her passion for gardening, and exploring new destinations through travel. Her well-rounded interests reflect her balanced approach to life, which translates into her work ethic and dedication to both personal and professional pursuits.
Kelly’s experience, education, and interests combine to make her an asset to her team and a positive force in the foster care system.
Behavioral Health
Vivian
Vivian is a native of the Mansfield area and graduated from Madison Comprehensive High School and The Ohio State University. She remains invested in her home town and is excited to walk beside other Buckeyes in their quest to find balance in their lives. Vivian holds a licensure in the state of Ohio as a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor.
With her education and training she provides diagnosis and treatment to a wide range of disorders using individual, couples, family and group interventions. Vivian’s focus on her community has also led her to share her knowledge with students as an instructor in the Social Work Department at The Ohio State University.
Working together to find solutions is the foundation of Vivian’s clinical strengths. She focuses on working with others to address emotional and behavioral issues while using different strategies and therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy and Exposure Therapy. Vivian believes that therapy can be the catalyst for finding balance in one’s life. Vivian has spent many years working with individuals and families who are struggling with addictions, and providing a safe place for them to begin their recovery. In addition, she has a special interest in working with veterans and their families. Vivian’s passion to love people can also be found in her non profit agency called, People Helping People of North Central Ohio, INC. This program provides a daily meal to those in need in our community 365 days a year. Vivian also can be found spending her free time on the lake with her family as she loves sunsets and fishing.
Vivian is licensed by the Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Her license can be verified on this website: https://elicense.ohio.gov.
Michelle Thompson
Clinical Social Worker
My name is Michelle, and I am a Licensed Social Worker currently working toward my LISW. I earned my BSW from MVNU and completed my master’s degree at IWU. I have a deep passion for dogs, especially senior and medically fragile ones, and I love working with kids. My family is my foundation, keeping me grounded and motivated. Recently, I returned to Advantage Foster Care and Outreach as a clinical social worker, and I am excited for this new chapter, growing with the Advantage family—funny enough, I once told someone I’d retire from here!
Kaylee Bashline
Administrative Assistant
I am a proud graduate of Ontario High School with extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages. I am deeply passionate about helping others and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those I serve. Family is very important to me, and I cherish spending quality time with my loved ones. I am also a devoted mother to my son, Jayvion. My compassion, dedication, and people-centered approach guide everything I do, and I look forward to the opportunity to bring my skills and commitment to the team at Advantage.
Sarah Rivers
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Hello, my name is Sarah Rivers. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, licensed since 2020. I earned my undergraduate degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and my master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, with the field of study being social work.
I have a wide range of experience within the mental health field and work from a trauma-informed approach with clients of all ages, including individuals, couples, families, and groups. I am trained and certified in Psychedelic Therapy & Integration (PTI) through Fluence and have additional training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic Therapy.
I am deeply passionate about the field of mental health and remain committed to staying informed about emerging research and therapeutic approaches that can benefit clients. My goal is to support healing, promote conflict resolution, and foster healthy, meaningful interpersonal relationships.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, friends, and my fur babies. I love traveling, trying new foods, learning new skills, or simply relaxing at home while watching NCIS.
Group Home Managers
Kim Yetzer
Assistant Director
Kim Yetzer is a dedicated Group Home Assistant director at 161, a role that she has thrived in since October of 2022. Kim graduated from Shelby High School and studied Human Services, at North Central State College.
Before joining Advantage, Kim volunteered through Richland County Red Cross and was employed at Richland County Job & Family Services for 9 years. She worked as a caseworker helping families secure benefits and making referrals to agencies that could further help families in need. During this employment, she developed a passion for helping others in times of need and wanted to turn her attention towards the youth that she was unable to reach in her current position.
Kim prides herself on providing a kind, calm and reassuring presence that provides a sense of strength and confidence with the adolescents in her care at the Group Home. She is deeply committed to children having a safe and loving home where they can be themselves and be accepted for who they are. Kim believes that providing a stable environment is a key factor for adolescents to successfully transition into adulthood.
When Kim isn’t at House 161, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching her
children play sports, and having her dog take her for daily walks.
Jolene Mitchell
Program Director
Jolene Mitchell is the dedicated Group Home Manager at 147, a role she takes great pride in. She joined the Advantage team in June of 2024 and has cherished the experiences she has shared with both residents and staff. Before joining Advantage, Jolene worked for five years with Children Services as an investigator, specializing in critical cases. During her time there, she collaborated on hundreds of cases with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office. Her deep passion for child welfare drives her commitment to helping set children up for successful futures as they transition into adulthood.
In October 2023, Jolene graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Her interest in law enforcement and the legal system has always been a guiding force in her career. Outside of work, she is an avid sports enthusiast who loves attending football and baseball games. She also enjoys concerts and live music, which provide her with moments of relaxation and joy.
Above all, Jolene treasures her role as a mother to her 8-year-old daughter, P. She considers being a mom her greatest gift and delights in watching her daughter grow and participate in sports like softball, basketball, and soccer. Their lives are filled with activity and excitement, including their annual weeklong vacations to explore new places, shop, and unwind. The household fun is amplified by Diesel, their two-year-old Goldendoodle, who is P’s inseparable best friend.
Jolene is grateful to be a part of the Advantage team and eagerly anticipates many more years of success and meaningful contributions in her role.
Heather Hoffman
Group Home Manager
Heather brings over 12 years of experience working with delinquent and at-risk youth. She is very passionate about helping young people find better paths and build brighter futures. Throughout her career, she’s developed strong communication skills, patience, and a deep understanding of the challenges many youth face, which has allowed her to experience work in multiple leadership roles.
Heather is extremely family oriented, outside of work, she enjoys shopping, spending time with her family, mentoring and experiencing new things in life. Heather’s personal and professional experiences have shaped who she is, making her extremely compassionate, resilient, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Maranda McCracken
Independent Living Specialist
Maranda McCracken has been a dedicated team member at Advantage Foster Care for over a year. She began her journey on 2nd shift but later transitioned to the 1st shift ILS position when the opportunity arose. Maranda finds great fulfillment in working with the children in care, ensuring their daily needs are met, and supporting their growth and success. Her background includes valuable experience in a residential setting and two years of early childhood education at the career center during high school, reflecting her lifelong passion for working with children of all ages.
Maranda greatly values the teamwork at Advantage, enjoying the collaboration with her coworkers and house manager. She looks forward to continuing her professional growth within the company.
Outside of her work life, Maranda is a proud mother to two children, Dustin and Xander, and two stepchildren, Thomas and Zoey. She is supported by her wonderful partner of many years.
Her free time is often spent at her kids’ sporting events or relaxing at home, watching movies or crime shows with the family’s four dachshunds. Maranda also enjoys cooking and baking, adding to the warmth of her busy and fulfilling home life.
Ashley Dunlap
Manager
Ashley is the Manager at 523. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Human Services from North Central State College, and aspires to finish her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Ashley has worked in the field of social work for 5 years. She has experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and co-occurring disorders. She has worked with many populations, but found a passion for working with children.
Ashley has always had a passion for helping others. She came to AFOFC in January 2025, looking to make an impact in advocating, guiding, and supporting youth within our care.
Ashley enjoys her free time with her family, reading, hiking, listening to crime podcasts, and playing with her pets.
Caseworkers
Nicole Leming
Licensed Social Worker | Home Assessor
Nicole holds a licensure in the state of Ohio as a Licensed Social Worker and Home Assessor, with a strong commitment to supporting families and ensuring child safety. A graduate of the University of Akron, Nicole has always had a passion working in child welfare. She has experience working with “at risk” children in local school systems in Wayne County, in addition to providing family supportive services for individuals with developmental disabilities. With a deep passion for advocating on behalf of children, Nicole is dedicated to being a compassionate and effective voice in challenging situations, helping families navigate complex challenges while striving to create a safe and stable environment for every child. In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Laura Boehm
Caseworker
Laura is a dedicated Foster Care Caseworker with a passion for supporting and advocating for children and families in need. With a bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University in Criminal Justice, with a focus on Forensic Psychology, Laura brings a solid foundation in both psychology and law to her work.
Before transitioning into the field of foster care, Laura spent 13 years in the public school system, where she developed a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the challenges many children face. Her experience in education, combined with a strong background in psychology, allows her to approach each case with empathy, insight and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of children.
Outside of work, Laura is deeply involved in her local community of Lexington. She has served on various youth sports boards over the past 13 years and currently sits on the board of a local not-for-profit swim club, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating positive opportunities for children. In her free time, Laura enjoys making lasting memories with her family and values the importance of quality time spent together.
Laura is passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families, and she continues to be a dedicated advocate for those who need support the most.
Jenna Alt
Caseworker
Jenna was born and raised as a Shelby Whippet and graduated from Shelby High School. She went on to attend Heidelberg University in Tiffin and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology. With her passion for working with children, Jenna is hopeful of having a positive impact on their lives.
She began her journey working as a behavioral technician in a school setting, helping and teaching children who have autism and disabilities. From there, she gained experience in the child welfare field working as a caseworker for Richland County Children Services ensuring children’s safety. With experiencing the world of child welfare, Jenna wanted to continue making a difference in a child’s life which then led her to a caseworker position with Advantage, focusing more on the foster care side of things.
In her spare time she loves baking and cooking, working in the garden and being outside, and always enjoys time spent with family and friends. She has a big heart for animals in general, and loves spending time with her pets.
Shelly Jarrell
Caseworker
Shelly, a Mansfield native, grew up in a large family and took on significant responsibilities early in life. Before joining the Advantage team and pursuing her college education, she assumed the role of raising her sister’s two young sons, for whom she now has full custody.
Shelly earned her Associate’s Degree in Human Services from North Central State College and went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
With a lifelong passion for supporting youth and those facing challenges, Shelly worked diligently through college, taking on various factory jobs to achieve her goals. This dedication ultimately prepared her for a fulfilling career in the foster care community.
Her education and deep compassion for children enable Shelly to ensure their well-being, whether by securing appropriate mental health resources or arranging routine check-ups. For Shelly, this role is more than just a job—it’s an extension of her genuine care for others and her unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Alexis Nicholson
Caseworker
Alexis is originally from Bremen, until her family moved to Ashland. Alexis graduated from Ashland High School with an honors diploma and then moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan to study recreational therapy at Eastern Michigan University. During her first year, Alexis found her passion in psychology and changed her area of study. Alexis studied psychology and criminal justice at Eastern Michigan University for two years before returning to Ohio to help her father adjust to being back home, following a year deployment with the U.S. Army. Alexis continued her studies at Ashland University and ultimately graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. During her college career, Alexis worked as an STNA in skilled nursing facilities and in several prisons, working in the mental health departments.
Soon after graduation, Alexis started work at Richland County Children Services, as an intake caseworker, in May of 2021. While at RCCS, Alexis found her ultimate passion, protecting and advocating for children. She worked there until the birth of her son in October of 2021. Alexis then took on the amazing role of being a stay at home mother to her son, who has Cerebral Palsy.
Above all, Alexis treasures her role as a mother to her son and considers it her greatest gift, and accomplishment. She delights in watching him grow, discover the world, and overcome all obstacles thrown his way. Alexis has grown her passion of advocating for and protecting children, by advocating for medical treatments and services for her son, along with standing up to medical professionals for his best interest when needed. Alexis’ days are filled with love, laughter, and new adventures as a stay at home mother, while also homeschooling her son. Their home is additionally blessed with the snuggles from their two dogs, a Dalmatian named Penelope and a Boxer named Khaleesi.
Alexis began her work with AFOFC in February of 2023 as a foster home caseworker. Alexis delights in working one-on-one with the foster families and children placed in their homes. She finds great joy in getting to know every child on her caseload, helping them get connected with mental health services, receive regular medical care, and thrive in their new schools and community. Alexis is beyond grateful for the opportunity to further her passion in child welfare services, while also maintaining her role as a stay at home mother. Alexis looks forward to many more years with the AFOFC team and finds great pride working for a company that values their employees, foster parents, and most importantly, the children in their care.
Cynthia
Licensed Social Worker
Cynthia, a Licensed Social Worker, is a proud graduate of Spelman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Education. During her college years, she gained hands-on experience through her studies and internship as a court service worker at Atlanta University. Her passion for advocating for children began early, starting as a nursery assistant at her church.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has remained dedicated to child welfare. She has worked as a social worker supporting pregnant teenagers and investigating child abuse and neglect at the county level. At the state level, she contributed to child protective services by developing policies, overseeing public children’s services agencies, managing grants for family violence prevention programs, and serving as a licensing specialist.
Her leadership extended to chairing a committee focused on improving services for children of incarcerated parents and updating child abuse reporting materials for educators.
Following her retirement in 2018, Cynthia has continued her work in child advocacy as a home study assessor with Advantage Family Outreach and Foster Care. She describes her experience with Advantage as deeply rewarding, emphasizing that the organization’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children is what makes it truly exceptional.
Outside of her professional life, Cynthia enjoys playing cards, fishing, spending time with her son and granddaughter, and participating in church activities.
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn more about how Advantage Family Outreach & Foster Care can make a difference in a child’s life. Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent or seeking support for a child in need, our dedicated team is here to help.
Advantage Family Outreach & Foster Care
