Sarah Kovit Hanna, Esq.- Executive Director
Sarah Kovit Hanna is a corporate lawyer by day and autism advocate by night. As a single parent who navigated the convoluted system of diagnosis, therapy services, school supports, and needing reliable and experienced childcare, Sarah understands what autism families really need… the money to open the doors to diagnosis and inclusion and a safe place for autistic children to go while their caregivers take a much-needed break. Sarah founded The Positivity Spectrum in honor of her son Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2022 at the age of 4.5. Staying positive, educating her friends and family about autism, advocating for inclusion in her community, and creating opportunities for Jacob to participate with his neurotypical peers has formed the foundation of this organization.
Sarah graduated Manga Cum Laude from Ohio Wesleyan University with University and Departmental Honors in 2007 and received her Juris Doctorate from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2010. Admitted to practice law in both Ohio and the District of Columbia. Sarah is Senior Corporate Counsel at Assurant where she supports the company’s Connected Living business unit.
Justyce Caldwell
Justyce Caldwell is the first aide for The Positivity Spectrum. She started working for the YMCA in childcare with all age groups, discovering she loved helping the children who were dealing with behavioral issues. From there, she started her journey at Akron Public schools in the SUCCESS unit. In this unit, the students are diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She is now entering her second year of teacher for Akron Public Schools in the same unit. Justyce also works with Summit DD to provide respite care to families with neurodivergent children.
With being the first aide for The Positivity Spectrum, Justyce hopes to show that autism doesn’t stop a child from
being able to do the same thing as their neurotypical peers! She also wants to educate summer camp staff more about our children on the spectrum and the importance of understanding the needs of neurodivergent children, so everyone can work together to make sure each child is successful at attending summer camps!
Justyce has a 2 year old toddler and 5 year old nephew at home that also keeps her busy! In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, reading, and doing anything with the kids.
Judith E. Matsko, M.A.T.
Judy retired from the Strongsville City Schools as a Health and Physical Education teacher, faculty leader, and coach for volleyball and track. Currently, Judy serves as the Eparchial Development Officer for the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University, and a Master in the Art of Teaching, from Marygrove College in Michigan.
Judy has been engaged with Miami University as a member of the Advisory Council College of Education, Health and Society, National Alumni Board of Directors, Chair of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter Leadership Board, founding member of the Women’s Giving Circle where she served on the Grants Committee, established the “Judith E. Matsko ’76 Scholarship,” and is a member of the Calvin S. Brice Society. Judy currently serves on the Executive Council of AARP Ohio. Other Board of Trustee positions include The Cleveland Orchestra, YWCA of Greater Cleveland, President of the Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra, Intown Club of Cleveland, The Impact100 Cleveland, and Cornerstone of Hope. Judy served as the President of the Board, NEO Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, President of the Junior League of Cleveland, Board Chair of the Girls Scouts of North East Ohio, and the Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board of Directors. Judy serves as the Chair of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Winter Spree Event. For twenty years, Judy chaired the American Doll Fashion Show raising funds for children’s cancer research for University Hospitals.
Judy served as an At-Large Representative on the Governance Committee for the Association of Junior Leagues International. Previous board positions include Women in Touch with Akron’s Needs, The Alzheimer’s Association, The Gathering Place, and the NEO Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Her awards include:
Renee Stromski, Esq.
Renee Stromski is a passionate disability rights advocate. With a background in psychology and social work, Renee approaches her legal practice with empathy, creativity, and a deep commitment to ensuring students with disabilities receive the services and support they need to thrive. As a Special Education Attorney at Abdnour Weiker, LLP, she represents students across Ohio in matters ranging from IEP advocacy to systemic complaints, ensuring that schools are held accountable and that students with disabilities have meaningful access to learning and support. She is also certified to serve as a surrogate parent for students with disabilities through Ohio’s State Support Team Region 3.
Renee earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2016 and her Master of Social Work in 2018 from Nazareth University. During graduate school, she participated in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, which inspired her to attend law school to strengthen her voice as an advocate. Renee graduated magna cum laude from Cleveland State University College of Law in 2021 and was awarded the Dean’s “Learn Law. Live Justice.” award for her commitment to public service.
Outside of work, Renee and her certified therapy dog, Finley, volunteer at local libraries, community colleges, after-school programs for LGBTQ+ youth, and preschool programs for toddlers with disabilities, fostering connection, comfort, and inclusion for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.
Melissa Baker, MS CCC-SLP
Melissa Baker MS CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist with over twenty-five years of experience, mostly specialized in working with autistic students. For fourteen years she was the supervisor of the speech therapy department at Monarch Center for Autism in Shaker Heights. For the last nine years, she has been in private practice and is the co-owner of Bright Futures Therapeutic Services in Twinsburg. In her spare time she enjoys international traveling, spending time with her husband and adult daughter, and playing sports like volleyball and pickleball. Melissa is passionate about her neurodiversity-affirming work and is thrilled to join the board of The Positivity Spectrum to help families in the area access needed services and programs.
Shannon Kerns, MOT, OTR/L
Shannon is an occupational therapist (OT) who has been practicing for 12 years, primarily in the school-based setting. She has been working in the area of developmental disabilities prior to her OT career, with over 20 years of experience. As an occupational therapist, Shannon is passionate about supporting children of all abilities to be as functional and independent as possible. She is a strong advocate for meeting a child’s sensory needs in various environments and coming up with innovative and creative ideas to address these needs.
Shannon has taught pediatric doctorate courses for Cleveland State, including a sensory course. She opened her own business focused on inclusive nature groups for children with and without disabilities. She spoke at the 2024 Milestones National Conference on sensory processing to give parents and caregivers practical strategies they could use at home. She has close ties to the autistic community as an occupational therapist over the years, including working at an alternative school for children with autism, and as a parent to an autistic child.
Shannon is married with two daughters, two kittens, and two big dogs. In her free time, she likes to spend time in nature, explore new places, and spend quality time with her family and friends. As a parent of an autistic girl, she understands the struggles of the medical, educational, and community settings. She is devoted to making meaningful change in the autistic community and is excited for her new venture at The Positivity Spectrum. She is ready to “be the change” and
make the world a better place for the neurodiverse population!
Advisory Board Members:
Jamie Runevitch
Stephanie Stitt, LISW