Marisha’s first experience in mission work: inviting people at a soup kitchen to come home and live with her. Although not a scalable philanthropic strategy, Marisha has never lost the innocent, heartfelt drive to help others she felt as a young girl. Marisha has dedicated her life to helping children better enjoy their own life. As an at-home mother, Marisha’s volunteer work in the schools and communities galvanized her drive to help children in need, and in a way that allowed them dignity, and provided a feeling of love and belonging every child should experience. As the founder of Anne’s Smiles, Marisha connects the organization with school nurses, counselors, teachers, and social workers who are the conduit through which her organization fulfills its mission.

Having taught at multiple universities and worked with high schools throughout Appalachian Ohio, TJ Eveland has experienced the dire needs of our region’s children and the pride and confidence fulfillment of those needs brings to these deserving young men and women. TJ believes that in our world of excess and luxury, we all have a moral obligation to help those who cannot help themselves find shoes, clothes, food, shelter, and in the end – dignity as one of God’s children. Dr. Eveland researches and publishes on higher education’s role in preparing first-generation college students for success, leads a consulting firm helping drive equity in small business, and provides guidance on strategy and operations to Anne’s Smiles.

Through his journey from small humble beginnings in Northwest Ohio to a successful self-made business owner and entrepreneur, Mike has never lost focus on his true passions: the miraculous nature of God’s earth and helping those with whom we share it. Mike’s love for the outdoors and drive to “give back” have been the mainstay in his work at church, his leadership in the community and his unique ability to connect nature with spirituality. Mike enjoys working with youth on mission projects while helping those in need. He has made this an ongoing part of his life goals. As a board member with Anne’s Smiles, Mike will focus on fundraising, outreach and outdoor programming.

Having led a pediatric office in the community for many years, Tim has seen first-hand the need in our local children. Tim believes we can’t appreciate what we have until we help others first and lives these words each day. He has spent decades volunteering with youth groups and mission work, and in leadership roles with parent organizations, educational foundations, and boosters in the Teays Valley District. Tim’s ability to help youth through difficult times and ground them in their faith is inspiring. Tim leverages his deep network of caring and giving leaders in our community to lead fundraising efforts and raise awareness for Anne’s Smiles programs and outreach.