Creating a world where no grieving person journeys alone.

Visit Us

253 N. State Street, Suite 200
Westerville, Ohio 43081

Contact Us

colhope@cornerstoneofhope.org
(614) 824-4285

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Your gift is sincerely appreciated
and is 100% tax deductible.

In 2011, Cornerstone of Hope opened an office in Columbus to serve Central Ohio. Cornerstone of Hope Columbus offers individual counseling, support groups, summer camps, and memorial events.

Our spaces are uniquely designed to facilitate creative therapies, and we have dedicated spaces for different age groups. Our ultimate goal was to create a comfortable, home-like environment that welcomed all individuals and families entering our doors.

Who We Are

Meet the dynamic team of professionals who serve our office in Columbus, Ohio.

Our Clinicians

Melissa Ayotte, MA, ATR-BC

Art Therapist & Support Group Facilitator

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
- Psalm 34:18-19

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as a Group Facilitator in 2023. I am a registered and board-certified art therapist. I have experience working in a variety of settings, supporting children and adults in healing & growing through art expression. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Art Therapy from Saint Mary of the Woods College. I live with my husband and two goofy labs, Jake and Molly.

Michelle Buckley, MSW, LSW

School Group Facilitator

"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
– Philippians 4:5-7

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as a School Group Facilitator in 2022. Previously, I worked in the foster care system and as a Hospice Social Worker. I completed my Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University in 2005. Family is very important to me. I love spending time with my spouse and two sons, as well as my huge extended family. I also enjoy sports, especially futbol (soccer), board games and reading.

Annie Dalby, LISW-S

Clinician

“Lord, help me to live this day quietly, easily; To lean on Thy great strength trustfully, restfully.”
- St. Francis of Assisi

I joined Cornerstone of Hope in 2021. I’ve practiced social work for over thirty years and have served as a spiritual director since 2009. I have a master’s degree in clinical social work from OSU and a Certificate of Completion from Wellstreams Ecumenical Training Program of Spiritual Formation and Development. My family and I live in Columbus with our dog and two cats. God’s spirit comes alive for me in nature and I try to be outdoors whenever possible!

Emma Garee, LSW

Support group coordinator & Clinician

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope team in Fall of 2023. I have previous work experience in case management, group intervention, and collaborative teamwork. I graduated from Wright State University in Spring of 2023 and received my LSW shortly after. I am currently finishing my graduate studies at The Ohio State University. I am very passionate about helping individuals cope with major life stressors and walking beside them in their healing journeys.

Keshawn Harper

Support Group Facilitator

I joined Cornerstone of Hope in 2022 as a support group facilitator. Additionally, I work as a High School Social Worker where I work with adolescents to manage grief, anxiety, stress, depression, and other crises. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University where I am now an Adjunct Lecturer. When I’m not working, I enjoy working out and improv comedy.

Our interns are an integral part of our staff at Cornerstone, attending staff trainings, providing feedback in meetings, and most importantly, supporting Client care through individual sessions and facilitators for school and support groups. Learn more about our interns here.

Our Leadership

Mark Tripodi

CEO & FOUNDER

"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

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. 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.

Pete Bliss

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

- Psalm 34:18

I joined the Cornerstone team in 2020. As Community Outreach Coordinator, my role is to educate the Cleveland community about COH services, network with relevant community service providers, and represent COH at meetings, events and activities. I have served in the crisis intervention field for 30 years and am a survivor of multiple suicide losses. Companioning those who have experienced traumatic loss and training responders is my passion.

Hannah Mascio, LPCC-S, NCC

Clinical Director

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

Hello, I'm Hannah Mascio, LPCC-S, NCC, serving as the Clinical Director at Cornerstone of Hope. I hold a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. My mission is to provide compassionate support to individuals navigating the intricate path of grief. With my extensive background, I am committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment within our counseling center. I believe in offering empathetic care to those seeking solace and healing during challenging times. My dedication to mental health and well-being makes me proud to be a part of this team, contributing to the journey of healing for our clients.

Amber Wiesner

Chief Operating Officer

“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

- Isaiah 41:10

In May 2023, I joined Cornerstone of Hope as HR Director and Project Manager after working as an Executive Director and running a consulting business focused on healthcare and non-profits. My primary goal is to support healthcare workers in delivering exceptional care. My career is driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact, providing peace, hope, love, and guidance to others. Outside of work, I'm a mother of two, actively coaching their sports and being their biggest cheerleader in all their pursuits.

Our Staff

Amanda Abdon

Mid-Ohio Trauamtic Loss Response Team Field Responder

“You’re not a victim for sharing your story. You are a survivor setting the would on fire with your truth. And you never know who needs your light, your warmth and raging courage”

Hello, I joined Cornerstone of Hope at the end of September 2024. I have been honored for the past eleven years to have the privilege serving victims of all crimes in Morrow County. I was an advocate for the Victim Witness Program through the Morrow County Prosecutors Office. I always had a passion to help others in need. I am beyond thrilled to join the Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Team. I enjoy spending time with my children and taking last minute trips.

Brieann Baker

Office coordinator

I joined Cornerstone of Hope in April 2024. I attended the Ohio State University in Mansfield with a major in Sociology. After spending 20 years in retail I decided to take my passion for helping people and join the Cornerstone family. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my kids at the pool, lake, park, and zoo.

Alicia Cowles

Mid-Ohio Trauamtic Loss Response Team Field Responder

“I tell my students, 'When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grab-bag candy game.”
- Toni Morrison

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Response team at the end of June 2024. As a survivor of traumatic loss, I feel called to help others as they navigate their grief. I am an Aging Specialist with a background in advocacy for older Ohioans and individuals with a disability across the life span. I hold a Master's degree in Gerontology and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I am passionate about promoting excellence in all services, empowering individuals to make decisions regarding their health, and educating all mental and physical health providers about Trauma Informed Care practices. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews, writing poetry, reading, and snuggling my rescue pup, Abigail.

Kristen Cook

Client Services Coordinator

“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

I joined Cornerstone of Hope as the Clinical Receptionist in 2019 and recently transitioned into my current role as Client Services Coordinator. Throughout my career, I have worked for a variety of small and large organizations as administrative support, and I hold an Associate of Applied Business Human Resources Management degree. My interests include reading, baking, and spending time with my family.

Jessica Cudlin

COMMUNITy ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Rachel Langenderfer MSW, LSW

Youth Bereavement Coordinator

“Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.”

– Matthew 11:28-29

I joined the Cornerstone of Hope as Youth Bereavement Coordinator in October 2024. I completed my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2018. I have experience working in crisis intervention with children and families and end-of-life care. I am passionate about empowering and instilling hope with people that I encounter and walking alongside those on their paths to healing. In my free time, I like to care for myself by connecting with my family and friends, being physically active and maintaining a consistent prayer life.

Molly O’Driscoll, LPCC, GC-C

Clinical Supervisor

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I joined Cornerstone of Hope in 2018, and I currently serve as a clinician, traumatic loss support group facilitator, and oversee Grief Matters, our monthly workshop series. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development (Clinical Mental Health) and a Grief Counseling Certification. I am also trained in EMDR Therapy. Through my roles here and prior work in funeral home and hospice settings, I’m humbled to walk with others along their grief journeys.

Sarah Pappas

Youth Bereavement Coordinator

“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

- Maya Angelou

I began facilitating support groups at Cornerstone of Hope in 2020 after a career shift from the field of Education. After earning my MA in Educational Psychology, the opportunity arose for me to assist with Youth Bereavement and combine two things I love, school communities and support groups! With a personal background in early parent loss, I feel especially honored to be promoting the grief-sensitive, supportive communities that children and teens who have experienced a loss deserve. Outside of work, I love filling my time with family and friends.

Angela Polter

Operations Assistant

"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

I have been employed at Cornerstone of Hope since 2019, when our family relocated here from Northwest Ohio. I have a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. My husband and I live in Independence with our three children and three dogs. On the weekends, you can find me exploring the outdoors, camping, on the sidelines of my kid’s sporting events, or coaching youth cheerleading.

Kim Turner, LISW-S

Coordinator, Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Response Team

He has told you, O man, what is good;a nd what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

– Micah 6:8

In February 2022, I joined Cornerstone of Hope as a Mid-Ohio Traumatic Loss Response Team Coordinator after working as a program manager for an adult counseling agency. My primary goal is coordinating postvention efforts throughout the Mid-Ohio region. This role involves significant collaboration with regional stakeholders, including local law enforcement, coroner's offices, and mental health boards, a task I approach with enthusiasm and dedication. My career is driven by a passion to make a meaningful impact by providing safe guidance and effective support to others, while actively reducing barriers for care. I enjoy playing the Ukulele and spending time with family, friends, and my two poodles in my spare time.

Board of Directors

Mike Abramo

Plante Moran

Becky Bandelaria

Huntington National Bank

Jerry Bennett

Kurtz Bros., Inc.

Duane Borcherding

New York Life Insurance Company

Allan Dinsmore

Messer Construction Co.

Bryan Duff

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Barbara Fohl

OneFifteen

Emilie Kurtz

Auditor of State - Ohio

Stacy McVan

Edward Jones

Matt Meyer

TransCounty Title Agency

Leanne Ebert Murphy

Comprehensive Pharmacy Services

Shannan Ritchie

Hattie Larlham

Michelle Slawinski

Summit Multisport

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Cornerstone of Hope is a 501(c)3.
All donations are tax-deductible.