Howdy! I’m Hannah Potes, an Operations Assistant at Transplant House of Cleveland. I joined the Transplant House team in July of 2023. I come from Fredericktown, OH, a very small town in rural central Ohio. I grew up with my parents, my two brothers Isaac and Jason, and plenty of pets. 

I attended Kent State University and obtained two bachelor’s degrees in 4 years, a B.A. in Spanish and a B.S. in Photojournalism. Also, I am just one big exam away from an associate’s degree in mortuary science from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. During my 5 years as a newspaper photographer, I lived in 5 states: Kentucky, Michigan, California, North Carolina and Montana. My longest stint was 3 years at the Billings Gazette in Billings, Montana. I returned to Cleveland in 2017 and worked a few odd jobs before starting my short career in corrections. I worked as a corrections officer at a men’s state institution for 3 years before transitioning to my most humble work experience: overnight janitor! I worked as a janitor for a while before transitioning into funeral service as a crematory operator and apprentice embalmer/funeral director. I spent almost 2 years doing my best to help grieving families in funeral service before taking up my new role at THOC! 

All of the zany career choices I’ve made have been motivated by one goal: to help others. No matter what I’m doing, what matters most is that I can help others through my work. Even if it’s in an “unconventional” way! 

When I’m not working, my favorite thing to do is bake. You’ll often find some of my homemade treats up for grabs in the THOC office! I love baking bread especially, but I’m also learning how to master the basics from scratch. I particularly love recreating some of Julia Child’s dessert recipes! I also enjoy playing video games, reading, roller skating, hiking, swimming, spending time with friends and taking care of my cat, Bunkie, and guinea pig, Harold. 

I’m honored to be a part of the Transplant House team. I’m happy to be of service in any way our guests need. If you ever see me on campus, don’t hesitate to stop and say hello!