About Us
Gary Szelagowski - Chairman
Gary Szelagowski is the Founding Associate of Q3 Talent Solutions, LLC, under which he works to enable “retirement frivolities and charitable work”. In his corporate career, Gary worked in sales, IT and human resources. His journey included organizations such as Control Data and Cole National, Key, National City and PNC banks and the Federal Reserve and led to senior leadership roles. Along the way, Gary and his wife, Joann, raised three children, including PWB Founder and President, Sara. In walking along with her, Gary became familiar with the multi-faceted challenges of substance use disorder, and the sort of effort and support through which they can be overcome.
Sara Szelagowski - President
Sara Szelagowski is the Founder and Program Director of Project White Butterfly, an organization that grew from a desire to reach out to people using drugs after attending numerous funerals for friends who died as a result of drug overdoses. Sara has always been a compassionate and nurturing individual. From a young age, she enjoyed working with infants and young children which eventually led her to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Child Development from The University of Akron. After college, Sara spent several years as a professional nanny before the grip of addiction took hold of her life. After some rough years, she began her recovery journey on October 7th, 2015. Enjoying a new perspective on life, and using her pain and experience as motivation, Sara found passion in helping restore hope, encouraging, and supporting people as they make the transition from active addiction to a life in recovery. In 2020 Sara became a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter and in early 2021, in partnership with The Woodrow Project, Sara obtained SOR 2.0 funding and was able to make Project White Butterfly her full time work - truly a dream come true for her! Through her work with Project White Butterfly, Sara works to inspire hope, reduce stigma, and provide support as people transition to life in recovery from addiction.
Amy Kuntz - Secretary
Amy Kuntz is the Community Data Coordinator for the Huron County HEALing Communities Study and held this same position in Cuyahoga County from January 2020 until June of 2022. Prior to the HEALing Communities position, Amy held a leadership position as the director of a Drug-Free Communities grantee coalition in her hometown of North Royalton, Ohio., Because of her belief in the power of personal connection as basic human need, Amy studied interpersonal communication for her bachelor’s degree and uses her skills as a conversationalist to build connections while working with organizations and non-profits.
Amy has served as a co-chair of the North Royalton YMCA Advisory Board for 5 years, is secretary of Project White Butterfly (Substance Use Disorder outreach and recovery group), and has held multiple roles as a leader within the North Royalton City Schools, including 5 years as a PTA president and a middle school volleyball coach for 6 years. To continue to serve in a leadership roles in her community, Amy is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Health program at The Ohio State with an anticipated graduation date of 2023.
Amy resides in North Royalton with her husband and 2 children. She loves to play a good match of volleyball with friends and share her love of photography as part of her own small business. Amy believes in the mission of Project White Butterfly and in the power of meeting people where they are and providing resources (like data!) to help our communities move forward in helping their most vulnerable populations.
Gina Dalessandro - Board Member
From non-profits to national marketing companies, Gina Dalessandro has worked extensively in the digital printing, data solutions and advertising industries. When she’s not punching the clock, Gina dedicates much of her time to volunteering, mentoring and networking. Gina recently served on the boards of John Carroll University’s as chair of the Akron/Canton Alumni Chapter, Executive Leadership Committee for Hattie Larlham and Plexus Chamber of Commerce’s governance
and sponsorship committees. She has served as a COSE Ambassador for over seven years and is a member of the Cleveland Civic Leadership Institute. Previously, she served as Past Vice Chair of the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, Vice Chair of Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, Advisory Board member for Women in Networking and is a past chairperson of the Cleveland Community Leadership Board for the American Diabetes Association where she has been involved for over 15 years. Previously, she served as president of Toastmasters International's Valley View chapter and achieved her Competent Communicator certificate.
Though her resume in the industry is extensive, it’s Gina’s passion for making connections and building relationships that are the keys to her success - which perfectly aligns with Project White Butterfly's goal to cultivate a supportive community and build connections for people impacted by substance use.
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Steve Harris - Board Member
Steve Harris is Founder and President of Glue And Oil Business Solutions and a Partner in InterviewPath. Prior to these ventures, Steve held leadership positions at The Timken Company, National City Corporation (PNC Bank), The People Advantage, and JMI Reports. Steve has non-profit experience with multiple organizations, including 10 years on the board at Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland. After launching two children into adulthood, Steve and his wife reside in Broadview Heights. Steve's passion for Project White Butterfly is driven by key aspects of its mission - closing the gap between need and access to resources, and the power of hope.
Raland Hatchett - Board Member
With a distinguished career spanning over 20 years, Raland Hatchett is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Currently, he is focused on consultancy, helping non-profit organizations enhance their organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Raland specializes in interim leadership roles and succession planning, ensuring these organizations thrive during transitions and are well-prepared for future success.
Throughout his career, Raland has served as Executive Director for three non-profits, guiding them towards impactful and sustainable growth. In addition, he has taken on Interim Executive Director roles, adeptly steering organizations through periods of change and challenge. his expertise as a business advisor and consultant has further honed his strategic and operational acumen, enabling him to provide invaluable insights and direction to a variety of organizations.
Mr. Hatchett has an MBA in finance from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management and is a graduate of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2016. He is a graduate of Third Sector Company’s Interim Executives Academy (Class #8) in 2020. He is a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program in April 2019 (Cohort 19). He has received many honors and awards including those being awarded by the Leadership Akron Alumni Association New Community Leader in 2018 and the Weatherhead School of Management Alumni Advisory Council, Class of 2016.
Jasmine Kochheiser - Board Member
Jasmine received her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration in January 2023, and is on her way to receiving her Masters in the same area of study in May 2024. She obtained her Certified Peer Recovery Support Certification, and most recently her CDCA. Jasmine has experience working with individuals with substance use disorder and mental health issues, as well as incarcerated persons. She has worked with individuals in outpatient, residential, and correctional settings.
Working with numerous organizations within the community, Jasmine has established relationships and resources helpful in assisting individuals while navigating the many obstacles and challenges of life. Most important to her is assisting all individuals on their path, whatever that may look like, from addiction to recovery.
Being an individual that has dealt with the criminal justice system, as
well as being in recovery herself, Jasmine understands the struggles and
difficulties associated with addiction and reestablishing life with family,
friends, and within the community. She is an understanding, kind, caring,
and compassionate individual devoted to assisting individuals in obtaining and maintaining their recovery, while also reestablishing relationships with loved ones and within the community.
Peter Milota - Board Member
Peter Milota is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. He has a double major in Philosophy and Psychology from John Carroll University and an MSSA from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Milota brings clinical experience with over a decade working in the recovery field across Northeast Ohio. He is currently an outpatient counselor at Oakview Behavioral Health at Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, OH. He has also spent time at Lake Geauga Recovery Centers in Mentor, OH and Highland Springs in Highland Hills, OH. Mr. Milota also maintains a private practice in Berea, OH doing individual therapy for substance abuse and general mental health. Having struggled with substance abuse throughout early adulthood, he has created a life that revolves around recovery both professionally and in his personal life. Additionally, Mr. Milota is a certified yoga teacher, another passion that developed during his healing journey.
Bryan Sakal - Board Member
Bryan Sakal is a Branch Manager for Champion Personnel Systems where he assists individuals in obtaining meaningful employment, living by the motto "A Better job, A Better Life".
Being in sobriety for over seven years, Mr. Sakal has worked towards bringing meaningful opportunities in the workplace to individuals in early recovery to support and assist their transition back towards living a meaningful and productive life.
In his personal life Bryan is married with a 15-year-old son and is very active in both the North High School football boosters and local church youth group. His hobbies also include reading, exercise, and attending Cleveland area concerts and sporting events.
Antoinette Whitticar - Board Member
Antoinette Whitticar is a registered nurse at the Cleveland Clinic—Lutheran Hospital, and formerly the director of admissions at Stella Maris. Ms. Whitticar possesses 5+ years of professional experience within the field of substance use disorders. Ms. Whitticar began her journey in 2018 as a residential assistant at Stella Maris. She ambitiously worked her way into the role as the Women’s Supportive Housing Manager. Ms. Whitticar is a 2019 graduate of Lorain County Community College with an Associate Degree in Nursing with Honors as well as an additional degree in Art & General Sciences. Ms. Whitticar furthered her calling by becoming a nurse in Stella Maris’ detoxification unit while simultaneously working as the director of admissions. Ms. Whitticar chooses to spend her free time gardening, riding motorcycles, traveling, as well as pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ohio University. Ms. Whitticar was born with a passion to serve her community and her kind, caring touch will continue to impact those afflicted with substance use disorders.