Mark Tripodi

CEO & Founder

ABOUT ME

My wife, Christi, and I are the founders of Cornerstone of Hope. We experienced the sudden death of our three year old son, Bobby, in May of 2000. Our lives have been forever changed since that very day. Soon after, we felt God’s call to offer support to families who have experienced the death of a loved one. Cornerstone of Hope was founded in 2003. Since our inception we have served over 40,000 individuals of all ages through our core services: counseling, support groups, youth camps, retreats and education/training for professionals and lay leaders who serve the bereaved. 
I am passionate about introducing Cornerstone of Hope to families in need, to volunteers who want to make an impact and to companies and individuals who feel called to generously support this crucial mission.

FUN FACT

Cornerstone has a beautiful Treehouse. In 2014, we were blessed to gain national exposure during an episode of Animal Planet’s hit television series “Treehouse Masters”. Locally, the treehouse is known as Lisa’s Butterfly Treehouse in memory of Lisa Kurtz Luciano whose estate gift help construct this sacred space in the trees. You can watch this episode on Amazon Prime or iTunes, Season 2 Episode 4, The Wild Butterfly Escape.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" —John 11:25–26

Julia Ellifritt, LISW-S

Education Director

ABOUT ME

Hello, I am Cornerstone of Hope’s Education Director, where I oversee the development of our educational programs.  I have been at Cornerstone of Hope for over 16 years. I have served as a Clinician as well as the Director of Programs and Community Outreach.  My whole career has been devoted to working with the grieving. Over the years, I have provided bereavement training to thousands of professionals at funeral homes, hospitals, and other organizations, as well as developed the continuing educational programs that happen here at Cornerstone. I have also built a network of local community professionals and organizations in order to reach and serve more people. I have two grown children who were adopted internationally.

FUN FACT

I have travelled internationally 17 times, to mostly Africa and Asia, caring for the poor and powerless.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Pure religion that God the Father accepts as pure is this: to love orphans and widows, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
- James 1:27 

Debbie Galland

Development Director

ABOUT ME

Hello!  I am the Cornerstone of Hope’s Development Director.  In this role, I identify and steward prospective donors, cultivate major donors, and manage the organization’s budget and fundraising income programs.  I also serve as a community outreach liaison on behalf of Cornerstone of Hope to raise greater awareness of our mission and to connect those in need of our programs and services with our Clinical Team and Education Director.

FUN FACT

I enjoy traveling and have hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible.” – Luke 1:37

Maryann Mackey

Director of Human Resources & Executive Assistant

ABOUT ME

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as an Executive Assistant in 2019. Previously, I worked for AT&T in a variety of roles, most recently as Director, Regulatory Affairs, managing numerous public policy and business initiatives and ensuring corporate compliance with state statutes and regulatory agency mandates. My husband and I have two adult children, both of whom live in New York.

FUN FACT

I am a fitness enthusiast who loves to hike, bike and exercise.  I also enjoy various culinary and crafting pursuits.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

Hannah Mascio, LPCC-S

Clinical Director

ABOUT ME

Returning to COH recently as a full-time staff, I am bringing my experience in working with children and adolescents as a former school-based counselor, as well as my respect for and commitment to helping anyone needing support through their grief. I first came to Cornerstone of Hope as an intern in 2018 while attending John Carroll University as a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. That year was so fulfilling as I felt I was where I could best serve others, putting my passion for counseling and empathy for others to the best use. I am graced to be able to continue serving others at the place where my heart has always been, Cornerstone of Hope.

FUN FACT

I enjoy anything where I can use my creativity, so I dabble in art, especially painting, changing my interior decorating with every season, and journaling.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.” – Job 11:18

Danielle Henderson, LPCC

Clinician

ABOUT ME

As Cornerstone of Hope’s Intake Coordinator, I hope to offer you warm, empathetic, and efficient support in connecting you with our grief services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a history of therapeutic work in community and college settings. I am graduate of Boston College, and have earned Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Theology & Ministry. Prior to my work as a counselor, I served in various ministry roles including spending a year in Guayaquil, Ecuador working at a domestic violence shelter.

FUN FACT

I’m an Ohioan at heart, but in recent years have also spent time studying in Boston and accompanying others in Ecuador. Some of my favorite things include a warm cup of coffee on a cold day, meaningful conversations with family and friends, and exploring new places to eat, hike, and explore in the Cleveland area.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” – Pedro Arrupe, S.J.

Kaylen Jones, LPC, ATR-P

Clinician and Art Therapist

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team in January 2023 as a grief counselor and art therapist. My master's is in counseling and art therapy. Through my internships in a school-based, foster home, senior living center, private practice, and medical hospital settings, I have seen the healing power of art therapy for a variety of ages. Even the clients who claim to be "bad" or dislike art found the surprising benefits of art therapy.

FUN FACT

My background in various art forms is vast: woodworking, welding, plaster work, ceramic, stain glass, drawing, sewing, embroidery, baking, gardening, etc. If it's creative and some type of art form, I have tried it, or will try it!

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

Amy Quinlan

Support Group and School Group Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I have been an advocate for Cornerstone of Hope for years! I volunteered as a camp counselor for Camp Erin for several years and most recently have been working as an individual grief counselor PRN.  I am now excited to be working full time as the Support Group and School Group Coordinator. For the past 25 years I have dedicated my career to bereavement in hospice settings. It has been an honor to have provided grief support to thousands of individuals over the years. Every story I hear is sacred to me. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling, both from BGSU, where I met my husband!

FUN FACT

I’ve been married to my husband, John, for 24 years and we have three children. I have a passion for photography! I love to travel and my favorite place is Bermuda!

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“All shall be well … for there is a force of love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let us go.” - Julian of Norwich

Brianne Tolley, LISW-S

Trauma Informed Clinician

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team to help serve as one of our clinicians; prior to joining Cornerstone of Hope, I worked in Hospice for several years.

FUN FACT

I interned at Cornerstone of Hope 12 years ago. I enjoy hiking, gardening, and knitting.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

"But I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”
– Psalm 13:5-6

Suzanne Urgo, LPC

Clinician 

ABOUT ME

Cornerstone of Hope is a place that has been near and dear to my heart since someone first told me about it in 2009. I started off as a volunteer at Cornerstone when I was in college, helping out with occasional events from time to time. I then interned at Cornerstone in 2013 while getting my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. I went on to be a school-based therapist, providing support at schools throughout Northeast Ohio while working for another wonderful agency. I am now back at Cornerstone of Hope! I believe that we all deserve compassion as we navigate through our journeys.

FUN FACT

I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, going to concerts as much as possible, doing anything artistic, going to plays and seeing stand-up comedy shows, as well as reading (I also used to work at a library!). 

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

Jesus said "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
– John 16:33

Pete Bliss

Community Outreach Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone team in November 2020. As the new Community Outreach contact point, my role is to educate the Cleveland community about COH services, network with relevant community service providers and stakeholders, and represent COH at meetings, events and activities. I also serve as a group facilitator and trainer here. Professionally, I have been in the crisis intervention field for 30 years, and personally, I am a survivor of multiple suicide losses. Companioning those who have experienced traumatic loss and training responders is my passion.

FUN FACT

Cleveland has been my lifelong home, and I currently reside in Old Brooklyn with my lovely wife, Ramona. We have five grown children, four grandchildren and a dog named Molly.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” -Psalm 34:18

Carole Brunelle

Camp Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team in March 2023 as the Camp Coordinator. I have a B.A. from the University of Akron with a Child Life specialty. Over the past 40 years, I’ve worked with children and youth in multiple settings and organizations. I moved to the Cleveland area in 2002 to help my husband plant a church, where I expanded my experience to include women and families. Through all this, camp has been near and dear to my heart as I’ve served in, launched, and led various summer, sleep-away, and day camps. Through my own family’s grief journeys, I have come to understand how important the work is that Cornerstone of Hope does. I’m grateful to be part of that work in combining my love of the outdoors with serving kids and their families.

FUN FACT

I’ve been married to my husband, David, for 35 years. We have eight children, three sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. David and I are on a quest to hike all 63 of the National Parks.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” - Revelation 21:4

Kristen Cook

Client Services Coordinator

ABOUT ME

Hello!  I am Kristen, and I am often the first person you see when you come to Cornerstone of Hope. As someone who has been touched by loss and grief throughout most of my life, I feel that I am able to bring a level of comfort and stability as I welcome clients into our building while also providing important office support to my fellow administrative colleagues. I have professional certificates in both Business Administration and Guest Services in Hospitality. I have been married to my husband Sean for 19 years and we really enjoy traveling together and trying new restaurants.

FUN FACT

I am a voracious reader, enjoy writing, baking, and shopping.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.” – Psalm 143:8

Molly Dugan

Graphic Designer

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team as the graphic designer in 2021. In high school, I had the opportunity to intern with Cornerstone in the Marketing Department, where I fell in love with design. I got to work on designs for numerous projects, including the Gala, summer camps, Taste of Hope, and with clinicians on support group materials. After attending Kent State University and attaining my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication Design, I am back!

FUN FACT

In my free time, I enjoy doing anything artsy – sewing, DIY projects, painting, etc.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.” – Matthew 6:34

Judi Horvath

Accounting

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone team in June of 2016. My roles include all things financial – from accounts payable and accounts receivable to budgeting and accounting reports. I am also part of the team that uses and upkeeps our donor database. There are many other hats we all wear as part of this Cornerstone family to provide the community with a wide array of programs and services. I am a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in management and the arts and I was able to use my love of music as an elementary parochial school music teacher for 15 years. My three brothers and I have a family steel fabricating business for which I also provide payroll and benefits administration as well as bookkeeping duties. I am married with two grown children and love to travel. I am honored to be a part of the Cornerstone family!

FUN FACT

My first language was Hungarian, as my parents were immigrants from Hungary after the revolution of 1956.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“If we could spread love as quickly as we spread hate and negativity, what an amazing world we would live in.”

Jennifer Knechtel

Event & Program Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined the Cornerstone team in March of 2021 as the Event and Program Coordinator. Within this role, I oversee the planning of Cornerstone of Hope’s fundraising events, third-party fundraising and client-oriented programs. I am a graduate of Penn State and have been blessed with the opportunity to work within nonprofits throughout my career, with a focus on special events and development, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Cornerstone team in fulfilling its mission. My husband Dan and I have two children, Mason and Riley, and two chocolate labs, Olive and Reese.

FUN FACT

My family and I are very involved in our church, where I teach and serve on our children’s ministry team.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phil. 4:13

Eileen Koborie, MA

Marketing Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as the Marketing Coordinator in September, 2021. I have over twenty years of combined experience in Marketing Communications, Public Relations and Development. Originally from New York, I’ve worked in a variety of communications roles for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, large corporations and small businesses — on both coasts — but have been an Ohioan since 2000. I’ve also worked with local and national Christian ministries in both professional and volunteer capacities including The Worthy Walk, FamilyLife, ACLJ, and Samaritan’s Purse. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication/Media from SUNY Fredonia, and a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Kent State University. I live in Tallmadge, Ohio with my husband, two children, and dog Sally.

FUN FACT

I love singing and was a vocal performance minor in college. In fact, my husband and I met there performing in a B-52’s cover band.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:2

Elizabeth Lynch

Clinical Receptionist

ABOUT ME

Hi! I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team as the Clinical Receptionist in April 2023.  I developed a compassion for grieving people after dealing with multiple losses in my life. I am excited about the opportunity to support Cornerstone of Hope’s mission  of supporting our clients as they navigate their grief.

FUN FACT

I really enjoy traveling and trying new foods. I love hanging out with my dog, Remi and taking him to get ice cream.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Sue Mackovjak

Volunteer Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as Volunteer Coordinator in June 2022. I am inspired by the sizes of the volunteers’ hearts that I have already met. I hope to grow the core of volunteers to the point that everyone in the community and beyond knows the impact Cornerstone of Hope makes in peoples’ lives. I have a Business degree from Kent State University and my High School Mathematics teaching degree from Cleveland State University.  Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching Algebra, other mathematics courses, and Religion to many talented and intelligent students.

FUN FACT

I am married to my Holy Name High School sweetheart and together we have four amazing daughters and one awesome son-in-law (so far). 

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

"Never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” – St. Pope John Paul II

Juliana Myers

Grant Coordinator

ABOUT ME

I joined Cornerstone of Hope’s team as the new Grant Coordinator in September 2022. My role here includes applying for grant funding on behalf of Cornerstone of Hope from community, corporate, and family foundations. I am a graduate of Kent State University with my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Public Health. Over the years, I worked in schools teaching children about personal body safety. I am grateful and excited to be working with many passionate individuals at Cornerstone of Hope, and strive towards creating a world where no grieving person journeys alone. 

FUN FACT

I have a miniature schnauzer named Murphy, who was given to me as a surprise from my fiancé Brad. We love taking chilly walks and hiking in the Cuyahoga/Geauga parks. We also enjoy watching movies, especially during the snowy, winter nights!

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. It may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” – Maya Angelou

Angela Polter

Operations Assistant

ABOUT ME

I am Cornerstone of Hope’s Accounting and Data Entry Coordinator.  In this role, I maintain our electronic databases, reconcile invoices, perform data entry, and ensure proper handling of financial data. I am a graduate of Bowling Green State University.  Prior to Cornerstone, I worked as a Consumer Loan Coordinator and a Volunteer Coordinator.  My husband and I have 3 children.

FUN FACT

Me and my family love the outdoors and make frequent trips to Cedar Point.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

"For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Katherine Zucca, J.D.

Program Coordinator

ABOUT ME

As Grant Coordinator, I apply for grant funding on behalf of Cornerstone of Hope from community, corporate, and family foundations. Within this role, I work closely with the Clinical Team to coordinate program initiatives, gather data, and analyze metrics. I enjoy the opportunity to connect Cornerstone of Hope’s critical bereavement work with the philanthropic goals of the grant funders and tell the story of our clients’ positive outcomes. Before joining Cornerstone of Hope, I worked as a government lawyer.

FUN FACT

I am an avid distance runner and have competed in several marathons, including the Boston Marathon.

HOW I MOVE FORWARD IN HOPE

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”