Executive Director - Cincinnati Urban Promise
Abraham Brandyberry
A seasoned administrator, communicator, and educator, Abe has a life-long commitment to work with members of vulnerable communities to create strong and thriving youth and families. Prior to co-founding CUP, Abe worked in customer service and logistics for a major corporation. Abe is deeply invested in the Westwood and Fairmount neighborhoods and is acting board member for Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Abe graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and Religion and received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
Head of School - Director of Programming
Joni Brandyberry
Joni brings a wealth of experience to her role as CUP’s Program Director, including more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth. She previously worked at St Joseph’s Orphanage’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and continues to use her professional experience in supporting youth to meet their challenges and achieve their potential. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
School Principal
Melia Proffitt
Melia Proffitt taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Melia has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
Melia holds a current Ohio Principals Licensure.
Executive Director - Cincinnati Urban Promise
Abraham Brandyberry
A seasoned administrator, communicator, and educator, Abe has a life-long commitment to work with members of vulnerable communities to create strong and thriving youth and families. Prior to co-founding CUP, Abe worked in customer service and logistics for a major corporation. Abe is deeply invested in the Westwood and Fairmount neighborhoods and is acting board member for Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Abe graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and Religion and received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
Head of School - Director of Programming
Joni Brandyberry
Joni brings a wealth of experience to her role as CUP’s Program Director, including more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth. She previously worked at St Joseph’s Orphanage’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and continues to use her professional experience in supporting youth to meet their challenges and achieve their potential. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
School Principal
Melia Proffitt
Melia Proffitt taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Melia has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
Melia holds a current Ohio Principals Licensure.
Executive Director - Cincinnati Urban Promise
Abraham Brandyberry
A seasoned administrator, communicator, and educator, Abe has a life-long commitment to work with members of vulnerable communities to create strong and thriving youth and families. Prior to co-founding CUP, Abe worked in customer service and logistics for a major corporation. Abe is deeply invested in the Westwood and Fairmount neighborhoods and is acting board member for Westwood Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation. Abe graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministries and Religion and received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University.
Head of School - Director of Programming
Joni Brandyberry
Joni brings a wealth of experience to her role as CUP’s Program Director, including more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth. She previously worked at St Joseph’s Orphanage’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and continues to use her professional experience in supporting youth to meet their challenges and achieve their potential. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
School Principal
Melia Proffitt
Melia Proffitt taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Melia has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
Melia holds a current Ohio Principals Licensure.
Academy Operations Coordinator
Amanda Stegman
Amanda Stegman brings over 14 years of experience in early childhood education, having worked with children from infancy through pre-K. As supervisor of our infant, toddler, and preschool teams, she oversees daily operations, supports staff, and serves as a key point of contact for families.
Amanda holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and certifications in First Aid and CPR. She is known for her strong knowledge of state regulations, her firm yet nurturing approach with children, and her dedication to creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment. As a parent of three, including a child with autism, Amanda brings both professional and personal insight to her work.
Out of School Time Coordinator
Victoria Hinton
Joni brings a wealth of experience to her role as CUP’s Program Director, including more than two decades of active involvement in education and youth. She previously worked at St Joseph’s Orphanage’s Crisis Stabilization Unit and continues to use her professional experience in supporting youth to meet their challenges and achieve their potential. Joni graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Ministry. She has earned a Master of Arts Degree in Urban Studies with a concentration on Youth Development from Eastern University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Wesley Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Community Development from Northern Seminary.
Assistant Out of School Coordinator
Shikia Newell
Melia Proffitt taught for 15 years with Covington Independent Public Schools and has experience teaching multiple grade levels. Melia has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as well as a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, and an Educational Specialist Degree/Principalship from the University of the Cumberlands.
Melia holds a current Ohio Principals Licensure.