Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated individuals who share a passion for empowering and uplifting our community. With diverse backgrounds in mental health, social work, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, they provide guidance and strategic direction to ensure Peacox Peer Center continues to serve with excellence and impact.
Jeanetta Hathorn currently serves as a State Accounting Financial Analyst 3 at the Office of Budget and Management (OBM) for the State of Ohio. She serves as the agency’s union steward representative acting as liaison between management and staff. Ms. Hathorn volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Franklin County Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), participates in ministry outreach, and works with the Mark Mission to implement educational programs that strengthen and enhance the community’s overall health and wellness. Jeanetta has earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management, Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Child Welfare from The Ohio State University
Dr. Donna Poppendieck is the founder of Health and Wellness Online LLC. She founded the organization after a 17-year career in substance use recovery and prevention working with kids, youth, and adults at Maryhaven’s main campus. She also taught mental health at universities for 15 years. Dr. P started Health and Wellness Online to offer over 16 professional boards with mental health and nursing continuing education courses. Dr. P holds 5 master’s degrees, ranging from mental health to health and wellness coaching, and two doctoral degrees. She loves to serve people and hopes to educate every interested person in natural mental health through her second division in Health and Wellness Online, Natural Mental Health for All.
John Ellis is an Addictions Counselor, Peer Supporter and Social Services Professional at Vision Support Network. John retired from the Columbus Urban League as an innovative seasoned social services professional with more than 20 years’ successful experience with recognized strengths in case management, problem-solving and trouble-shooting, and organizing/implementing proactive procedures and systems. John coordinated and managed Second Opportunity for Success; an initiative developed to deter at-risk youth ages 10-17 from the juvenile justice system. He also developed and coordinated, The Josiah Mentoring Program for boys ages 9-17 at New Birth Christian Ministries, for the past 18 years. In that time frame Josiah mentoring has impacted the lives of over 2000 young men.
Shniese Horton has 30 years of experience at Maryhaven, a dual-diagnosis treatment agency in central Ohio. In her role, she has provided individual, group, and family supportive services. Ms. Horton has worked in various areas such as AYA (a program for African American women) and MAAT (an African American program for men). She has received various awards from the Ohio Senate for outstanding work in the community. Shniese is a recovering person with 34 years of sobriety. She is a proud mother, grandmother, and community activist currently furthering her education at Columbus State Community College. Ms. Horton is a believer in lifelong learning with a goal to continue serving the community.
Maria Bucco-Warren is a child protective specialist at Buckeye Ranch. Mrs. Warren has almost 15 years of experience working with children and families in Franklin County. Maria is passionate about helping people achieve their fullest potential and volunteering in her community. In her spare time, she loves crafts, music, and cooking!