Tara Houdeshell, Executive Director
Tara worked in college access, admissions and advising for seven years at both Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and Muskingum University prior to joining the staff in 2014. Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality Management from Eastern Michigan University and a Master's degree in Information Strategy, Systems and Technology from Muskingum University. In addition to overseeing the management of the staff, Tara lends her technical expertise to many facets of the organization, serves in leadership roles in the planning and assessment of programming and participates in direct programming at the PEAK and high school levels.
Jen Holtsberry, Senior Director, College Prep & Success
Jen joined A Call to College in the summer of 2016. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Denison University in Economics and Sports Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Morehead State University. Prior to joining A Call to College, Jen spent 5 years with The Ohio State University at Newark in access and engagement, honors, and study abroad. Jen began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Ohio State Newark and A Call to College and also coached softball at Morehead State University.
Jessica Altman, Associate Director, Programming
Jess joined A Call to College in Summer 2024. She has a background in Human Resources and has worked in a variety of industries both local and global. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University Newark and an Associate's degree in Education from Community College of Philadelphia. Jess is excited to bring her knowledge to NCS students with a focus of providing individualized advising to juniors and seniors at NHS.
Jeanne Andersen, Associate Director, Programming
Jeanne joined A Call to College in the fall of 2022. Prior to that, she had been a Newark High School science teacher for 35 years. Jeanne graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and then earned a Master's degree at Ashland University. Jeanne enjoys working with young people and is excited about being a part of A Call to College.
Shannon Chiacchira, Associate Director, Programming
Shannon graduated from Florida State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education. She spent her early years working in the fields of human resources, training and communications. After leaving the workforce for several years to raise her two sons, Shannon began volunteering, substitute teaching and tutoring in the Newark City Schools where her children attend. Prior to joining the staff, she volunteered with the organization as an advisor and helped with the PEAK program. She assists with office operations, PEAK and high school programming.
Stephanie Chittum, Director, College Prep & Success
Stephanie joined A Call to College in August 2023. She has experience in college admissions from her work with Otterbein University and Central Ohio Technical College. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University. Stephanie enjoys encouraging students to explore post-secondary opportunities and is excited to be a member of the A Call to College family. Stephanie assists with PEAK and high school programming with a focus in campus visits.
Michael Mischler, Director College Prep & Success
Michael joined A Call to College in August 2026. He graduated from Miami University, majoring in Integrated Science Education. In the three years prior to joining ACTC, Michael taught Biology to tenth grade students at Lorain City Schools. His passions include building meaningful relationships in order to help people set and reach goals. Michael is excited to be a staff member at A Call to College working with PEAK, High School Programming, and Alumni Services.
Lee Otter, Accounting Officer
Lee joined A Call to College in August 2025. She graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting. She has spent her career in various accounting and financial planning positions with numerous companies, including, Arthur Andersen & Co., Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, and several small businesses. She is excited to work with A Call to College family and give back to the community.
Emily Powell, Director College Prep & Success
Emily joined A Call to College in August 2026. She graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Wildlife Conservation, and served as an AmeriCorps service member for the 2024-2025 service year. Emily worked with the Columbus college access organization I Know I Can before starting with A Call to College. Her focus will be working with PEAK, High School Programming, and ACT Programming, and she is so excited to work with NCS students!
Elizabeth Redrow, Director, College Prep & Success
Elizabeth joined A Call to College in the winter of 2025. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Kent State University, and a Master of Education from The Ohio State University in Newark. Elizabeth has worked with students of all ages in a variety of settings; including music lessons, outdoor education, preschool, elementary, and substitute teaching for Newark City Schools. Elizabeth assists with PEAK and high school programming.
Angelique Stankorb, Director, College Prep & Success
Angelique joined A Call to College in June 2017. Prior to joining the organization, she worked at Central Ohio Technical College as an access and retention specialist, advisor, events coordinator and adjunct faculty. One of her major COTC responsibilities was to plan, promote, coordinate and evaluate CollegeASPIRE -- hands on, faculty-led workshops that give under resourced community youth the opportunity to experience a college campus. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University.
Julie Uible, Associate Director, Programming
Julie is a 1983 Newark High School graduate who served as class president for three of her four years as a Wildcat. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Miami (OH) University, Julie taught English first at Princeton High School in Cincinnati and then in the Newark district. Julie’s passion for education led her to become a member of the Par Excellence and Granville Christian Academy school boards and to homeschool her children. Prior to joining the staff where she assists with PEAK and high school programming, Julie volunteered with the organization in several capacities.
Mandy Vadala, Associate Director, Programming
Mandy graduated from Newark High School in 1990 prior to
earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University in 1994.
She left a career in human resources to raise her three children. Mandy has
been an avid volunteer with Pickerington Local Schools, Newark City Schools and
the community for many years. Prior to joining the A Call to College staff in
2019, she was a volunteer advisor for two years. She assists with both PEAK and
high school programming.
Dave Warner, Director, College Prep & Success
Dave joined A Call to College in January of 2025. Prior to that, he had worked in the non-profit and church space as an entrepreneur and pastor for nearly 25 years. Dave graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree and from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Master of Arts in Leadership. Dave's passion is bringing impact to people's lives and helping them take next steps to fulfilling their dreams. His focus at ACTC is to fuel student's drive toward post-secondary education and empower graduates to finish their post-secondary goals.