Board of Directors

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  Cherie Sexton, APRN, CPNP, PMHS is a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with a specialty certificate in Pediatric Mental Health at Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo Oregon City Schools Primary Care Center, a primary care health center in Oregon, Ohio. She also serves as district pediatric nurse practitioner for Oregon City Schools and is part of the clinical faculty at The Ohio State University (OSU). 

Cherie earned her undergraduate degree from OSU and received her master’s degree from The University of Toledo. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of advanced nursing students and was recently named Preceptor of the Year for her time and dedication to The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program, after previously being named Preceptor of the Year for the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program. 

She is currently a member of the Board of Directors and holds the position of President for Waymaker Haven for Children Crisis Center which provides a home for children at no cost while parents are homeless, experiencing a personal crisis or being removed from care due to neglect, abuse or other circumstances. Cherie chose to be involved with this organization as she recognized the need to provide for children in these circumstances and is faced with the challenge to help children in her own private practice. 

She is passionate in her desire to see that children in the Toledo metropolitan and surrounding area are provided with every available physical, mental, educational and social resource to ensure a happy and healthy future. 

  Jonathon James is the CEO and Founder of Empowered for Excellence, a premier behavioral health facility committed to delivering compassionate, client-centered mental health services. With a deep-rooted passion for psychological wellness and strong leadership acumen, Jonathon has become a respected figure in the behavioral health field.
 

He holds a master’s degree in Psychology from Findlay College, has studied at Columbia University, and pursued business education at Oral Roberts University—an academic foundation that uniquely positions him to bridge clinical care with effective organizational leadership.
 

In addition to his work at Empowered for Excellence, Jonathon serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Waymaker Haven for Children, a crisis center devoted to supporting children in vulnerable situations. He became involved with Waymaker Haven after recognizing a critical need: many of his clients faced barriers to inpatient treatment due to lack of care options for their children. His advocacy ensures that parents can receive the treatment they need without fear of losing custody.
 

Jonathon’s career is guided by a mission to create accessible, family-centered care that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

  My name is Amber Clapsaddle and I serve on the Board as Secretary for Waymaker Haven for Children.

I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with my Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies. I moved to Toledo in August 2015 with my husband Tony and three children.

I have worked with families in a variety of roles including childcare, teaching and advocacy. I worked for almost ten years at Head Start agencies in both Cincinnati and Toledo. I volunteered and was employed with the Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission, assisting homeless mothers and children with daily activities. I currently work at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. I have been with the agency for 7 years as a Case Manager for children ages 3-22. 

I am honored to be able to serve on this Board. I see a great need for respite for families very often. This is especially true for those who might be lacking family support and need immediate care for themselves. I believe this agency will be a great asset to the community and look forward to supporting families in this new role!