KNR Proudly Announces the Winner of 2024 Distracted Driving Scholarship: Elissa Wood
Posted in: Scholarship
KNR Legal Blog
As KNR proudly marks its 20th anniversary, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. Over the past two decades, our success has thrived because of the incredible individuals in our community who go above and beyond to make a difference.
In celebration of this milestone, we have honored a remarkable group of community leaders throughout the year—individuals whose dedication and passion have transformed the lives of many.
Since 2016, Judge Oldfield has been at the helm of the Turning Point Program, also known as Felony Drug Court. Through her visionary leadership, the program has helped individuals battling substance use disorders find accountability, treatment, and a path toward long-term recovery. Judge Oldfield believes that lasting change comes from addressing the root causes of addiction, and her courtroom reflects that philosophy. Her introduction of Tank, the first therapy dog at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, further humanized the legal process, creating a calmer, more supportive environment for participants, witnesses, and families. Judge Oldfield’s work continues to redefine how the justice system can serve as a catalyst for healing and hope.
For more than 13 years, Jacqui Ricchiuti has led Keep Akron Beautiful with a steadfast commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and fostering community pride. As CEO, she has championed environmental stewardship, education, and civic engagement by empowering residents of all ages to care for the place they call home. Through volunteer initiatives, student education programs, and citywide beautification efforts, Jacqui has helped transform Akron into a cleaner, greener, and more connected community. Her leadership has cultivated a culture of volunteerism where individuals recognize that small actions can create lasting, visible change.
As President and CEO of I’m In! Ministry, Deacon Louis Primozic has dedicated more than a decade to helping individuals and families in the Cleveland area rebuild their lives with dignity. The organization restores donated furniture and provides it to those facing significant hardships, including job loss, house fires, domestic violence, and housing instability. Under Deacon Louis’s leadership, I’m In! Ministry goes beyond meeting physical needs—it restores a sense of home, stability, and hope. His compassionate approach ensures that every person served feels respected, supported, and valued during life’s most difficult transitions.
As Executive Director, Tonya Jonda leads with a deep commitment to animal welfare and community education. Through her leadership, the organization has rescued and adopted out thousands of homeless and abandoned animals each year, giving them a second chance at life in safe, loving homes. Tonya’s work not only saves animals but also enriches families by fostering meaningful connections between people and pets. Her dedication ensures that compassion, responsibility, and advocacy remain at the heart of everything One of a Kind Pets does.
Luke Suzelis’s journey from intern to Supervising Case Manager at the International Institute of Akron reflects his unwavering dedication to serving immigrants and refugees. In his role, Luke helps individuals and families navigate the challenges of resettlement, including housing, employment, and access to essential resources. His tireless work ensures that programs evolve to meet the changing needs of those seeking support, creating pathways to stability and self-sufficiency. Luke’s efforts strengthen the lives of newcomers and also the broader Akron community they now call home.
As Vice President of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Katie Carver Reed brings compassion, expertise, and strategic vision to the fight against food insecurity. With a deep understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families, she works to cultivate strong partnerships that expand access to nutritious food and essential household items. Katie’s leadership ensures that neighbors facing hardship are met with dignity and care, while the Foodbank continues to serve as a reliable lifeline across the region.
Betsie Norris turned her personal experience as an adoptee into a powerful mission to create change. Her firsthand understanding of adoption’s lifelong impact fuels her commitment to ethical practices, education, and compassionate support for adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families. Through her leadership, Adoption Network Cleveland has become a trusted resource, offering guidance and connection throughout every stage of the adoption journey. Betsie’s work continues to elevate conversations around adoption with empathy and integrity.
As the Program Manager at Laura’s Home, a part of the City Mission of Cleveland, Tina Christian is deeply committed to supporting women and children during times of crisis. Her work provides trauma-informed care, stability, and hope to those facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other life-altering challenges. Tina’s leadership helps create a nurturing environment where families can begin to heal, rebuild, and move toward self-sufficiency. Her dedication plays a vital role in transforming lives at a critical moment.
Joanmarie Button’s rise from Operations Coordinator to Program Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio reflects her deep commitment to serving families during medical crises. In her leadership role, she ensures that families have a safe, welcoming place to stay while their loved ones receive critical care. Joanmarie’s work provides comfort, stability, and peace of mind during some of the most challenging moments a family can face, reinforcing the importance of compassion and community support.
Judge Amy Corrigall Jones founded the Summit County Valor Court to address the unique needs of veterans navigating the justice system. Through this innovative program, she provides structure, accountability, and support to veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Valor Court recognizes the complex challenges veterans may face, including mental health and substance use issues, and offers a path forward rooted in respect and understanding. Judge Corrigall Jones’s work honors service by helping veterans reclaim stability, purpose, and hope.
In her role with Project RISE at Akron Public Schools, Jennifer Montisano has made a lasting impact on the lives of hundreds of students experiencing homelessness. As a District Homeless Liaison and McKinney-Vento Specialist, she works to remove barriers to education by connecting families with essential resources and support services. Jennifer’s dedication ensures that vulnerable children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, even in the face of instability. Her advocacy helps create brighter futures for Akron’s most at-risk students.
At KNR, we believe in the power of kindness. Every act, no matter how small, contributes to a ripple effect that strengthens our community fabric. By recognizing and celebrating these remarkable individuals who give back, we hope to inspire even more acts of generosity, reminding everyone that together, we can build a stronger, more connected community.
As we move forward, let’s keep the spirit of giving alive in our hearts and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Thank you for being part of our journey over the past 20 years!