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Our Staff
Here we include a list of names of some of the key people who run our organization. We might also include
a picture and brief description of their background and interests.
Thelma Shepherd - ACSW,LISW
Executive Director
Mrs. Shepherd, married
and mother of two, is a native of New Jersey. She came to Cleveland Ohio in 1975 to attend Case Western Reserve were
she received her Master’s of Social Science Administration. Her professional training is in Health and Mental
Health, having worked in these fields as both a clinician and administrator. She came to the East Cleveland Neighborhood
Center as the Executive Director in 1997 leaving her position of Manager of Social Work for the Center of Community Health/Metro
Health System after serving with Metro Health for fifteen years. Her love for community work and development motivated
her to accept the position. She says this love was cultivated during her matriculation at her undergraduate alma mater
Livingstone College, a historical black college. Equipped with a value system of giving back to community and others
for the investment they made in her; this is her mantra, “invest in social capital today, (particularly our youth) determines
the kind of hopeful prospects we may have for tomorrow”.
Another area of interest for Mrs. Shepherd has been minority health were she has received recognition
for her creativity in community outreach. She received recognition from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health for Project
KAP; a community based culturally specific wellness program. Project KAP was recognized as a “best service delivery
model”. Through her grant writing she has received funding for various youth and family services. Examples
are as follows; teen pregnancy prevention, juvenile delinquency prevention/diversion, truancy reduction, parenting,
alternative to school suspension, after-school and summer camp programming, alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention for
youth, HIV/AIDS prevention, foster care, tutorial services, respite services, etc. Other recognitions
she has received is for her leadership, sense of humor and scholarly achievement. She has served as a lecturer and academic
instructor. The goals she has for the East
Cleveland Neighborhood Center are many but her priority is that of a facility of its own, and sustainability. Her priorities in life
begin with her relationship with her Creator. She says “to the extent she makes application of what she knows
to be right, all other things fall into place. She likes life’s simple pleasures, people with a sense of humor, good
association and lasting friendships.
Nikita Beck - Office Manager
Ms. Beck the
mother of four and grandmother of two was a graduate from Glenville High School. While an attendee at Glenville
she majored in Business courses and was an avid sports fanatic. While attending Jr. and High School she
was a participant in Track and Field (hurdles, 440 and 880 relay), Power Volley Ball and Basketball
Ms. Beck was employed with the MetroHealth System for approximately 16 years, (10 being in the Social Service Department)
and the remaining years in other departments within the hospital system. Afterwards, she came to
the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center at the request of Mrs. Thelma Shepherd whom she had been employed with at the MetroHealth
System. Ms. Beck, as a child, has always held an interest in the Clerical/Medical fields. Words
of wisdom given to her by her mother were, “Whatever you do in life be good at it, make me proud”.
With that in mind, there’s a thin line between success and failure.
Michele
Wrisper - Tapestry
Program (Parent Advocate)
 Michele Wrisper
was born and raised in Cleveland,Ohio. A mother of three, and a Cleveland Heights High School Graduate. Michele
was a member of the girls track team at Heights (220,440 and 880 relays) and placed 4th in the State Finals in Columbus,Ohio.
Michele
attended a local college for a year in Dental Hygienist and later decided to pursue other goals. She volunteered with The
Salvation Army and was later employed as a Dietary Aid for 7 years. As other opportunities arrived Michele had the pleasure
of working at The Cleveland Clinic Lakewood Hospital. Later making her dreams come true Michele accepted a position at
the ECNC to share her real life experiences of raising her Autistic son from an infant to an adult.
Michele believes working with Children with Disabilities takes a lot of patience, kindness,
understanding, firmness, and a caring and compassionate heart which she credits to her son for helping her to developed those
qualities over the years of raising him into a fine young man.
Michele likes reading the Bible and helping her children to pursue
spiritual goals. She enjoys watching Disney movies with her children, Decorating, Planting beautiful green plants all
over the house and most of all sitting down in the evening to enjoy having dinner with her children and talking
with them.
"CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM GOD"
James Hunter - Environmental Engineer
James Hunter came to ECNC with the intent to make a difference in drawing people to our center. Since childhood,
he has developed a love of electronic and mechanical things. He has taken a number of academic courses both in and out of
school.
To pass time, James enjoys talking and being with with people be it family, friends or new acquaintences.
He finds billiards relaxing and love to encourage the students at our Center to get their education.
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