Meet Our Team
Elaine Turley
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Elaine became Transplant House’s Executive Director on June 1, 2015. She is passionate about this mission because of her family's personal experience during and after her father's liver transplant at Cleveland Clinic in 1992. She has 8 years of work experience at Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, where she was Director of Volunteers and helped with oversight of House operations. She more recently worked for Breakthrough Schools in Cleveland, where she was initially part of the development department. She then focused on alumni tracking and support and did program development aimed at helping families with all aspects of student transition to high school, including the creation of a mentoring program for 8th grade students.
Marcie Barker
Director of Events and Organizational Development
Marcie joined the staff in the summer of 2021, bringing many years of hospitality experience to her post. A native Clevelander, she graduated from Hawken School, has a BA in Art History from Middlebury College in VT, and a Laureate Certificate from culinary school in Paris, France. Her career began in iconic restaurant kitchens in New York City, where she met her husband, also a chef. Marcie’s work life evolved to the Front of House in leadership roles, most recently at such diverse entities as the Cleveland Convention Center hosting thousands, to The Chef’s Garden, internationally renowned for epic events and micro vegetables. Marcie looks forward to contributing to the team behind the scenes in organizational stewardship, sustainable practices, and the culture of abundant welcome that is at the heart of THoC.
Amy Eugene
Operations Manager
Amy joined the team in January 2019, bringing a number of years of experience in operations. Prior to joining THoC, She served as the Senior Director of Operations at Federated Church (UCC) of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Prior to Federated, she served for 16 years as part of the administration at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. She is an avid birdwatcher and volunteers at the Nature Center of Shaker Lakes. Each day, Amy is reminded of Transplant House’s deeply powerful mission through the guests that she meets and hears their stories, and through the dynamic staff that respond with care.
Lauren Mahajan Brocone
Development Manager
Lauren joined the team in September 2018, bringing personal experience as a caregiver and an excitement to share Transplant House’s powerful mission and raise awareness . Her previous professional experience includes over four years at Beck Center for the Arts, most recently as the Annual Fund Manager, and two years at Chagrin Arts as the Operations and Marketing Manager. She has a B.A. in Speech Communications from Miami University in Oxford, OH and an M.A. in Global Marketing Communications and Advertising from Emerson College in Boston, MA. She enjoys getting to know supporters, volunteers and guests and hearing about their experiences and interests.
Annette Humberson, LISW-S, CCTSW
Social Work Manager
Annette joined the staff in March 2020, bringing 25 years of experience as a Medical Social Worker. For the past 15 years, she’s been a Transplant Social Worker at the Cleveland Clinic until the giving mission and heart of Transplant House inspired her to join our staff. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Ohio University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Youngstown State University, and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Annette works at the Transplant House part time and also works part time as a private therapy counselor. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, and dog, Skylar. Her husband and two young sons that are active in sports and keep them very busy! She also loves camping, traveling, reading, scrapbooking, and watching and playing sports.
Cara Guidaitis
Assistant Operations Manager
Cara joined the staff in 2023 and is excited to be a part of the magical THoC community. Prior to joining the team, she served as a Mediator for the Cleveland Mediation Center and before that worked with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Cleveland community. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Youngstown State University and graduates this spring with her master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University. Cara is eager to assist guests in their day-to-day needs in the House and is always open to chat with guests about anything while she is on campus!
Aaron Babcock
Development Assistant
Aaron joined the staff in October 2021, bringing 8 years of experience as a writer, editor, and educator. His previous roles include teaching literature and writing at Ohio University and leading creative writing workshops for teenagers with a nonprofit located in the Cleveland area. Aaron has a B.A. in English and History from Denison University, a M.A. in English from John Carroll University, and a PhD in English from Ohio University. He looks forward to the opportunity to hear and share the courageous stories of the Transplant House's guests.
Shanice Gitau
Operations Assistant
Shanice is a senior at Case Western Reserve University where she majors in International Studies with minors in Spanish and Chinese. She is originally from Nairobi, Kenya but grew up in the Dallas, Texas area. Despite hating cold weather, Cleveland has a warm place in Shanice's heart and she loves discovering new cafes and restaurants around the city. When Shanice is not salsa dancing, she enjoys traveling, reading fiction, and painting portraits.
Susan Obojski
Operations Assistant
Susan joined the staff in September of 2022 and she is thrilled to be a part of the Transplant House team. She looks forward to meeting our guests, hearing their stories, and being of support to them. Susan has worked for a medical insurance company for the past 37 years. She is a single mom of one. Susan attends King's Church in Lakewood where she is part of the congregation's community groups. Susan loves to be with people and walk alongside them on this journey we call life. Recently, she and her daughter went on a mission trip to Guatemala and fostered two sets of puppies.