WHERE WE ARE
UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY!
Mahoning Valley's LGBTQIA+ Center
MEET OUR TEAM
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Founder/President
Pride in the Valley Diector
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Tim Bortner
Vice President
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Daniel Tirabassi
Tim Bortner is currently a local business owner and in 2016 he graduated from Youngstown State University. While at YSU he focused on many areas, one of which was Graphic Design. He worked closely with YSUnity LGBTQIA+; Youngstown State University’s most visible and vocal GSA, for over 6 years holding different officer positions including President. Tim works very closely with the LGBTQIA+ population throughout the Mahoning Valley and is well known for his activism. Since graduating, he has kept strong relationships and networked with local LGBTQIA+ friendly businesses, and allies over the years. Tim helped to form BCC Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center because he saw a lack of services and resources for the LGBTQIA+ population in the tri-county and outlying areas. When he's not overseeing Full Spectrum's operations, he is busy at work running his very own traveling carnival company. Which travels in Ohio, Pennsylvanian and West Virginia between the months of May and November. While festivals and graphic design are careers for Tim, helping the LGBTQIA+ community is his passion.
Bio Coming Soon.
CLIENT CARE DEPARTMENT
Dr. Gjergj Haxhiu, PHD, MDY
Dr. Haxhiu (George) is currently Adjunct Professor at Baldwin Wallace University, an accomplished intervention specialist, Kiwanian, a family advocate, a public speaker, and a proud father. He has dedicated his life to working with special needs students and young people that have experienced trauma, these students inspire him daily, and their courage has made him a better educator & individual. George is super excited to be with the Full Spectrum Community Outreach.
Client Care Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Jessica Repucci, LICDC
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Peer Support Group Leader
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Davina Shriver
Jessica holds a BA, BS, LICDC, and is finishing graduate school for her MS degree in Clinical Mental Health. She currently works locally in Youngstown in community mental health, working with children and adolescents. Jessica intends to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on forensic psych. She is a proud mom to a transgender son and two young children. She has experience with schizophrenia, mental health treatment court, incarcerated and forensic clients, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She has also worked with those struggling with substance abuse. She is a very passionate advocate for marginalized populations of all kinds and believes empathy is the key to improving society.
Davina currently works in the IT department of Community Counseling Center of Mercer County. Previously she was a Master's Level Family Therapist at CCC. Before that she served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hubbard Ohio. After a life time of questioning, she is a recent member of the LGBTQIA+ community, only having discovered herself and come out as transgender in 2019. She earned her BA in Classical Civilizations from Florida State University in 1979, her Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1983 and her MA in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Seminary in 2001. She is married with two adult daughters.
EVENTS DEPARTMENT
Director of Events
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Natalie Smith
Bio Coming Soon.
Pride in the Valley Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Lindsey Anderson
Marketing Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Frank Amato
Lindsey is currently a corrections officer and was previously a colorist and matrix educator for 15 years. In her time in corrections where shes managed the mental health unit the plight of the inmate LGBT+ population not having any representation really pulled her in the direction of educating others and spreading unity and understanding. Working day in and day out with inmates who feel as though they don't have anyone has given her a unique perspective. Having someone who gets their situations, problems and day to day struggles within facilities has made Lindsey that much more passionate about giving those who don’t have support a voice. In her down time she flips furniture, goes to the gym, does urban exploring with her 2 dogs, does mixed media art of all types, collects oddities, does taxidermy and is an avid horror film fan. She is very excited to bring her wide array of experiences and skills to the Pride In The Valley 2023 experience.
Frank is currently a local business owner who grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. He has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and food industry.
Fundraiser Coordinator
TBA
We are looking for a volunteer Fundraiser Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
Housing Department
ARE YOU IN NEED OF
HOUSING SUPPORT?
TBA
CALL US AT: 234.254.8924
Director of Housing
We are looking for a volunteer Housing Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
Housing Coordinator
TBA
Housing Coordinator
TBA
We are looking for a volunteer Housing Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
We are looking for a volunteer Housing Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Director of Community Engagement
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Shelley Turner
Bio Coming Soon.
Community Coordinator
TBA
Outreach Coordinator
TBA
We are looking for a volunteer Community Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
We are looking for a volunteer Outreach Coordinator. If you are interested in this role please contact us here!
Our staff is comprised solely of unpaid volunteers, donating their time, energy, and expertise to the LGBTQIA+ community of the Mahoning Valley.
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following positions: Director of Client Care, Finance Director, Pride in the Valley Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator, and Fundraising Coordinator.
We are also always in need of helping hands at our events!
Please fill out an application HERE if you are interested in joining our team!