Our Leadership.
Noelle Beck
Founder
Noelle loves frothy coffee, jeeps with no doors, bike riding adventures, and has full intentions of wearing converse until she’s 80.
noelle@firstglance.org
330.848.9685 ext. 112
Jessica Swiger
Executive Director
Jessica loves a good cup of coffee, playing pranks on co-workers, and singing the happy birthday song.
jessica@firstglance.org
330.848.9685 ext. 117
Kasey Parmelee
Business Director
Kasey loves crunching numbers but also prides himself on the amount of fresh sawdust in his woodshop.
330.848.9685 ext. 152
Our Team.
Xavier Adekunle
Rec Night and Hip Hop Coordinator
Xavier is a student at Grace College Akron getting his biblical studies degree. He loves jammin out on his ukulele and can drop you a beat on the spot with his grammy worthy beatboxing skills. He’s a professional fist bumper and likes making new friends!
Stacy Boyd
The Connect Coordinator
Stacy loves Jesus, family, long hugs, coffee and all the stationary things!
Virginia Boyd
Launch Program Assistant
Virginia is a Grace College Akron student going for her Biblical Studies Degree. She loves spending time with her friends and family. But also loves to shop.
Kris Boyt
Office Coordinator
Kris has been to all 48 mainland states and 4 countries, loves caffeine, pondering serious and silly mysteries, watching rocket launches, having deep conversations, and learning about other places and cultures.
Taylor Buchanan
Launch Program Coordinator
Taylor loves coffee, a good biography, and quality time with her family.
Jolana Dawson
Program Manager
Jolana enjoys spending time with her family especially her 5 children, daughter in love and grandbaby. She loves meeting and building relationships with people (especially those that are seemingly the underdog) having new experiences, good seafood and her motorcycle.
Grace Joyce
Launch Program Assistant
Grace is attending The University of Akron as a Child and Family Development Major. She loves hanging out with friends and riding her Onewheel.
Danielle Marshall
Launch Education Coordinator
Danielle loves yoga, collecting new cookbooks, and wishes she could spend everyday outside, near the water.
Taylor Rahe
Grant Writer
Taylor loves reading, coffee, being out in nature, camping, urban gardening, and exploring the enneagram (she’s a 9!). She’s the wife to Ben and mom to three little ones, and has been involved with First Glance for 10 years. Taylor is always learning how to be a better neighbor and enjoys having a yard full of kids playing.
Maddie Smith
Tiny Glancers Coordinator
Maddie has a passion for delving into books and crafting compelling stories. She also enjoys lighting up the room with her karaoke performances.
Ariana Smith
Marketing Coordinator
Ari enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and golden retriever. Fun fact: she met her husband while volunteering at First Glance. Ari loves travel, the beach, and everything Disney. In her free time, she enjoys working on puzzles while listening to audiobooks.
Our Board.
Officers:
President : Michelle Highsmith
Vice President: Tami Valvo
Treasurer: John Powell
Secretary: Courtney Yanda
Members:
Noelle Beck
Todd Brahler
Mapi Byler
Casey Hughes
Nate Petry
Shawn Whetsel