Our Team
Michele received a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology and a Master’s of Art in Counseling and Human Development, both from Walsh University. Michele has worked as a Professional Licensed Clinical Counselor-Supervisor (LPCC-S) in the community for over 25 years. She currently provides supervision to counselor trainees before they are independently licensed. She began her career as one of the original members of the Alliance Care Team as a school/community-based therapist working with at-risk students at Alliance Middle School for 10 years. She then worked as a therapist and supervisor in the Akron Public School System at North High School for 10 years. In 2017, she began working in private practice at North Canton Therapy Works. She then went on to open her own private practice, Maas Mental Health and Wellness, in January of 2023, where she continues to provide counseling to individuals, couples and families. In addition to that, she has been an adjunct professor at Malone University teaching psychology courses and currently provides professional development to school systems and hospitals. Michele has been on several boards in the past and finds joy in giving to others, showing compassion and supporting those in need. She is currently part of the Aultman Women’s Board. Michele enjoys traveling with her husband and spending family time with their son, daughter and their son-in-law. Michele loves anything outdoors from hiking to boating and always feels relaxed in nature.
Contact: michele@anotheractofkindness.org
Michele Maas
President
Rae Smedley spent a long time living in Stark County, but is now a resident of Beachwood, Ohio. She is a life-long educator, having worked as a teacher and administrator for Alliance City Schools and as a literacy coach for Maple Heights City Schools. She loves volunteer work and is excited to be part of the board for Another Act of Kindness. She loves spending time with friends, traveling and learning new things. She loves gardening and she and her husband Brad (with their three dogs) enjoy camping in their Airstream. She is currently a Redcoat at the Playhouse Square in Cleveland. Rae is the chairperson for the Scholarship committee and the Kindness Project Grant Program for local schools.
Contact: rae@anotheractofkindess.org
Rae Smedley
Vice President
Joe Richards
Treasurer
Joe holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University in Kent, OH. as well as an active CPA license. Joe is a CMA and has served on the Board of Directors of the Akron Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants for the past 11 years as well as the Ohio Regional Council of the Institute of Management Accountants for the past 5 years. He serves as treasurer and chair of the grant writing committee for Another Act of Kindness. He plays guitar and sings as part of Faith United Methodist (North Canton) Modern Worship team and monthly at Faith Kitchen during the grocery give away. As Comptroller at Stark State College, Joe is responsible for all accounting functions of the College including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and all federal, state and local grants. Joe has over 38 years of experience in accounting. Joe is father to two adult children and has been married to his wife, Martha, for 34 years.
Denise decided to join AAK board after learning about the organization through a fundraiser she attended. After seeing AAK in action, she knew she wanted to be a part of a charitable organization which focuses on giving back to others who serve. Her experience has been nothing but rewarding thanks to the wonderful team! Denise has worked as an administrative assistant in the healthcare and education fields over the past 25+ years. She fills her schedule with as much family and friend time as possible. Her family consists of her husband Mike, their three grown children and their respective partners, and six grandchildren. Denise's interests include baking, cooking, walking, boating, traveling with their friend group and watching her grandkids play sports. Denise is a part of the scholarship and kindness project grant committees.
Contact: omnyoh@gmail.com
Denise Hecht
Corresponding Secretary
Leanne moved from Minnesota to North Canton in December 2019. She met Michele her first day in Ohio at the gym. Michele’s kindness and friendship brought their lives together. Leanne is a breast cancer survivor and has experienced love and kindness from her family, friends and community during her year of treatments in Minnesota. Being part of Another Act of Kindness brings joy to her to give back to her new community. She and her husband Bill enjoy biking, hiking, cooking, traveling and exploring Ohio. They have two sons; one is married and lives in Omaha and the other is a student at the University of Minnesota. Leanne is the chair of Code Lavender committee.
Leanne Lehn
Recording Secretary
Jonathan is a veteran of US Army Aviation, and he attended Kent State University. Jonathan is employed as the Fleet and Commercial Sales Manager for a local car dealership. Jonathan has also owned a marketing and print media business for 20 years. He is very involved in his church where he sings on the praise team and is a part of the mission team. He participates in a community-based men’s bible study. He has been involved in the community as a part of the Jackson Local Schools Foundation, and he has served on the board of the Jackson High School Band. He is an avid golfer, and he loves relaxing on a boat or at a beach. He enjoys family time and loves to throw something on the grill for his family and friends.
Contact: jonathan@anotheractofkindness.org
Jonathan Maas
Board Member
Jean Barbato
Board Member
Jean holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from Walsh University in North Canton, OH. She serves as treasurer and chair of the grant writing committee for Another Act of Kindness, is a board member for Weaver Industries in Summit County, and a member of the Stark Connector Group for the Greater Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Community Harvest program. As Senior Manager of Manufacturing and Polymer Sector Partnerships at ConxusNEO, the workforce initiative of the Greater Akron Chamber, Jean oversees sector partnerships, workforce initiatives for the Polymer Industry Cluster, and state and federal workforce grants. Her role involves collaborating with education and training partners, workforce boards, and community-based organizations to provide underrepresented and underserved individuals in the Greater Akron region with training and access to quality job opportunities. Jean has over 15 years of experience in higher education, specializing in recruitment, advising, retention for non-traditional adult completion programs, and workforce grant management. Additionally, with 35 years as a small business owner, she understands the challenges of employee training and retention and their critical importance to organizational success. Jean is also a proud mother of four and grandmother of four. A passionate animal rescuer, she works alongside her daughter to care for a lively household of six dogs, one cat, two geriatric guinea pigs, a tortoise, and two turtles—many of which are medical rescues through her work with a medical animal rescue organization Pawsitive Hope.
Contact: treasurer@anotheractofkindess.org
Judy Kansa
Board Member
Judy was raised in Stark County, Canal Fulton to be exact. She moved away to live in AZ, CA and MI. When she moved back to Ohio in 1995, she was re-united with her family and became a permanent resident of Start County once again.
She has studied Marketing and has enjoyed a 26 year long career in Sales at a local software development company in Green, OH. She enjoys helping her customers grow and develop their businesses.
She also served as a volunteer at other local events helping children develop skills and achieve their dreams.
Judy and her husband enjoy gardening, cooking, camping and taking care of their rescued dogs. Her biggest passion is spending time with family.
Another Act of Kindness came into her life a little over a year ago and she has been an active member of the organization ever since. It is such a privilege for her to be a part of this great group of folks who want nothing more than to help people thrive in life. Kindness pays!!
Standing Committee Members
Meet the Team
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Jonathan Maas
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR
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Megan Maas
WEBSITE DESIGN/PR/PROGRAM COMMITTEE
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Ben Maas
MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA/PR CHAIR
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Sandy Swigert
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIAISON CO-CHAIR/SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT WRITING COMMITTEE
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Denise Hecht
Website Management