Board of Directors
At just 13, Sam was the inspiration behind Rob’s Kids, Inc. Sam became ill after her Dad died by suicide and has been diagnosed with Depression and PTSD. She spent time in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital which is where she received the treatment that turned her life around. Sam discovered that there are children that are worse off than her. She was determined to get better so that she could help other kids like her. Sam along with her family made Rob’s Kids, Inc. a reality. The foundation not only provides the healing that this family so needed, it provides funding to professionals that can help kids get back up again.
Sam’s goal is to save lives. She tells her story so that others who suffer silently will know that they are not alone and there is help out there for them. Sam’s desire; “I want to help kids get back up again! They are not alone. I am here and I love them.”
On April 3, 2014 Sam won the prestigious award “Making A Difference” presented to her by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital – Patient Advocacy Council. Sam is a recent high school graduate of Conner High School in Hebron, Kentucky and graduated with honors for her participation in Robotics, Men and Women of Conner, Tri-M, Choir, Marching Band, Leadership League, and National Honor Society. Sam was the recipient of several scholarships including one for community involvement.
Science is Sam’s love and teaching kids to think on their own and understand the science behind everything is something she is passionate about. Her goal is to teach at college level but for starters she will be teaching at an intermediate level. At 23 now she is ready to take on the world.
Stephanie is co-founder of Rob’s Kids, Inc. She has served for years in leadership roles in local organizations, BNI – Business Networking International, WBN -Women’s Business Network & SBOA – Small Business Owners Association. Because of her involvement with these and other volunteer opportunities, she was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ for 2012 by Florence Rotary.
Her passion is driven by which the foundation was started. As a wife, mother and grandmother, Stephanie found an opportunity to help her family recover from an unexpected tragedy. After her son-in-law “Rob” died by suicide, her granddaughter Sam became ill and thought about taking her life too. Sam received care from mental health professionals and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Sam presented an idea to GMA – Stephanie, ”I want to help other kids like me and those who are so much worse off than me” Sam told her, and so the foundation was created. Stephanie stepped out of her comfort zone and with Sam Rob’s Kids was born.
Stephanie believes that the work that the foundation has been able to do has been one of the best therapies for Sam and the family. “God has provided the vision and the power to make it become a reality” says Stephanie.
From a tragedy to a reality, Rob’s Kids, Inc. was born.
“Our goal is to help other families facing this type of tragedy work through it. We know what it is like to lose a loved one to suicide and the long term effects. We are dedicated to the kids left behind and the prevention of youth suicide.”
Certified QPR Gatekeeper Instructor (Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention), Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Emma is our amazing power house. She is a co-founder of Rob’s Kids, Inc. and is the behind the scenes administrator. At 12 years old, when RK was formed, her organizational skills were well utilized and still are. Emma helps with all the events in every stage, from planning, distributing materials, working the events and thank you notes. Every organization needs a solid administration and Emma shows her passion for this foundation by sharing her skills with us.
After Sam became ill, Emma became the gatekeeper for Sam. The family depends on her in more ways than one… she is strong beyond her years. Emma sees the vision the entire team shares, to save lives.
An honor student, Emma excels in all levels of her education. Graduating high school as Valedictorian, Emma is currently attending Thomas More University. She has her place on the Dean’s list each semester and her major is psychology. She has learned firsthand the benefit of mental health care and is passionate about her career choice.
Tammi is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration (2015) and a B.A. in History and Music (1996). Her work experience varies from working in the publishing industry to many years in the banking industry. She currently holds a full time position with a regional bank.
Tammi is Mom to Sam and Emma (Rob’s kids) and also the behind the scenes support this organization’s needs. She secures financial support and event venues, while maintaining the stability at home. It has been a road paved with challenges that Tammi has been able to hurdle. Her consistent review of Sam and Emma emotionally, gave her the insight to seek help for Sam at just the right time. She is dedicated to this organizations success. She believes that your kids will talk to you, if you just take the time to listen.
This organization has provided the needed healing for Sam, it has helped all of us realize that we were not alone. ”It is a scary place to be when you are totally helpless and your child is sick. I want others to know that they don’t have to be alone! Don’t be afraid to step out of your own comfort zone to help your kids.”
Tammi and her family are lifelong residents of Northern Kentucky. They enjoy spending time outdoors and playing with their dogs Pepper and Emmitt.
Treasurer
Karen is a Summa Cumma Laude graduate of Marywood University where she received a B.S. degree in Accounting and Computer Information Systems. She has been in the accounting profession for more than 24 years. After working for other companies, in May of 2001, Karen opened her own business KJV & Associates, PLLC. She worked for 15 months out of her home building her business from the ground up; and then in August 2002, she moved her business to Florence, Kentucky.
Karen serves as treasurer of the English Language Learning Foundation, Houston Commons Condominium Association and volunteers as the accountant for several non-profits. Having served as treasurer and VP for the Small Business Owners Association of Northern Kentucky, Karen’s other professional affiliations include Women in Networking, The American Institute of CPAs, The Kentucky Society of CPAs, and The Ohio Society of CPAs.
Karen has known this family for years. She knew Stephanie before Rob died and has remained supportive and a friend to this family ever since. This chain of events and tragedy has touched Karen deeply. Because of past tragedies similar to this, Karen feels a personal connection to Sam and her struggles. Karen admires the determination of this young girl and her family.
Karen has volunteered countless hours to the development of the non-profit status for this foundation. She is dedicated to the success of Rob’s Kids.
Now Karen is semi-retired and still working with her favorite accounting clients and her favorite non-profits.
Secretary
Barbara spent more than 35 years in retail management for JCPENNEY. Recently retired, she has become more active with Rob’s Kids. She is actively involved with her community through Rotary International, Women’s Breakfast Network, American Cancer Society, Boone County Arboretum and Rob’s Kids, Inc.
Barbara actively seeks opportunities to build support for Rob’s Kids through our involvement with the community.
Barbara believes that if you supply the correct tools to people, they have the ability to grow and achieve their goals. She is dedicated to the development of youth. She implements many fund raising events to support local community non-profits.