Backstage Pass: Inside the Childhood League’s Leadership crew
Get ready to meet the powerhouse team behind the Childhood League Center's Leadership Team! Whether it's planning epic battles, hitting hard in pickleball, or making sure we all stay within budget, each member brings their own strengths. With an average tenure of nearly 3 years, the team blends unique talents, backgrounds, and experiences to support the center’s mission.
Nicole Falcone, Co-President
Nicole’s five-year journey with the League began through a coworker, and it has since become a second family to her. Though she’s wrapping up her final year, she’s excited to see the League continue to thrive. Married with a one-year-old fur baby, she’s built a life in Columbus around her career and the League.
Christine Edwards, Co-President
With four years of involvement, Christine found her way to the League through her mother-in-law and close friends who were already active members. She values the opportunity to connect with talented women working toward a common goal. Christine has found great fulfillment in her role, learning and growing alongside an inspiring group. She’s consistently amazed by what the League can accomplish together.
Becky Trapp, Vice President
Becky has been part of the League for three years, inspired by friends and family who were involved. A proud Penn State alum, she works part-time as a CNP at The James Cancer Hospital. Married with three children, Becky is grateful for the flexibility to balance work, family, and volunteerism. She looks forward to serving as President next year alongside her dear friend, Julie Harris.
Julie Harris, Vice President
Julie has been involved with the League for three years, joining through friends who inspired her to be part of something meaningful. She loves spending time at the center, witnessing the incredible impact on children and families, and cherishing the friendships she’s made along the way. As the executive director of a nonprofit, and a wife and mom of three, Julie stays busy, but her dedication to the League never wavers. Originally from Indiana, she made Columbus her home ten years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Amy Davis Ireton, New Member Co-Chair
Amy’s journey with the League began 2.5 years ago, inspired by childhood memories of babysitting for families involved in the League. A lifelong Upper Arlington resident, Amy briefly left Columbus to experience life in Chicago before returning 15 years ago. As a Realtor, she loves helping people make big life decisions, and her passion for community involvement makes her a perfect fit for the League. She believes in giving back and loves how the League allows her to do just that.
Elaine Williams, Finance Chair
Elaine joined the League after hearing about it from a friend and has loved every moment of it. She’s been married for ten years and has a blended family of six children. Working in commercial risk at Huntington Bank, she has a deep passion for helping children and is proud to support the League’s mission.
Juliana Bigler, Programs Chair
Juliana joined the League four years ago, inspired by her friend Emily Campbell. Growing up in Columbus with four sisters, she’s always had a strong sense of community. Currently training for her fourth half-marathon, she balances her time between work at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and volunteering. Her connection to the League feels full-circle, having attended a preschool program as a peer role model for students with disabilities.
Ashlie Kempton, Programs Chair
Ashlie has been with the League for five years, drawn in when her twins attended the League. She loves reconnecting with Center staff and teachers whenever she volunteers. A mom of four, three with special needs, Ashlie is also a School Psychologist, advocating for children professionally. Her family enjoys skiing, swimming, skating, boating, and traveling—but they also appreciate a cozy day in pajamas.
Elaina Geer, Communications Chair
Elaina has been part of the League for five years, joining after moving back to Columbus and wanting to build her network. She’s a User Experience Director at JPMorganChase and a mom to a three-year-old. Despite her busy life, she makes time for the League because it truly fills her cup.
Deirdre Donovan, Vice Communications
Deirdre has been with the League for three years, drawn in by a friend who invited her to Merry-Go-Round. She treasures the time spent with the children at the center and the hands-on volunteer opportunities. With a 13-year career at Abercrombie & Fitch overseeing buying for the Asia Pacific market, she frequently travels to Shanghai while juggling life as a mom to two busy toddlers.
Katie Buzzacco, Battle Columbus Chair
For the past four years, Katie has loved being part of the League, thanks to friends who encouraged her to join. A creative at heart, she’s a mother of three boys and An Artist and apparel print designer. She’s passionate about community involvement, staying active, and, of course, throwing a good party!
Read more about Katie’s Journey Here:
FINDING MY RHYTHM WITH THE CHILDHOOD LEAGUE: A JOURNEY FROM COVID TO COVER BANDS
Bess Eley, Sponsorship Chair
Bess’s involvement with the League began a year ago after her son attended the school. She is passionate about giving back to the school and community that supported her family, making her role as Sponsorship Chair especially meaningful.
You can read more about Bess’ story here:
OUR JOURNEY WITH THE CHILDHOOD LEAGUE CENTER
Lauren Potulski, Silent Auction Co-Chair
Lauren has been a dedicated League member for three years after learning about it through friends and seeking speech support for her child. She’s passionate about seeing the children at the center thrive and enjoys building relationships with other women who share her dedication to service. After a 15-year sales career, Lauren chose to stay home with her three children, focusing on volunteering and community involvement.
Read More about Lauren’s Childhood League Journey here:
WORDS UNLOCKED: HELPING LITTLE ONES SPEAK UP!
Emily Rust, Silent Auction Co-Chair
Emily has been with the League for 3.5 years, introduced by a family friend. She loves visiting the center and giving her time to such a great cause. Meeting other women who, despite their busy lives, dedicate time to giving back has been especially rewarding. A mother of three, Emily was a Physician Assistant for nearly 10 years before deciding to stay home with her children. With two children who have special needs, her passion for helping this population thrive runs deep. Acts of service and caring for others truly fill her cup.
Read more of Emily’s story here:
ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND SUPPORTING EARLY INTERVENTION
Leah Mangen, Trunk or Treat Chair
In her first year with the League, Leah has been inspired by the impact they have on the community and the strength of the women involved. A healthcare marketing professional and mom of three school-aged kids, Leah brings enthusiasm and dedication to her role.
Jessica Lathrop, Trunk or Treat Chair
Jessica has been a League member for three years, introduced by a friend. As a mom of three little ones and a Great Dane, she loves planning events that bring joy to children and families.
Sarrah Knoesel, Pickleball Chair
In her first year with the League, Sarrah has already embraced the camaraderie and sense of purpose it brings. A busy mom of three, she loves traveling with family and friends. As a small business owner for five years, Sarrah has honed her skills in time, money, and employee management, all of which she brings to her leadership role in the League.
Danielle Ultican, Pickleball Chair
Danielle joined the League a year ago, inspired by Becky Trapp. A former collegiate soccer player, she worked in medical sales before pausing her career to raise her three children. She loves staying active, being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family.
The Leadership Committee is a powerhouse of talented women, all united by a local mission to uplift the children and families at the Childhood League Center. Their dedication and enthusiasm continue to make the efforts possible!
Read More about The League and It’s History Here: