About Lincoln Community Center
Our values explicitly state the beliefs, principles, and values that Lincoln Community Center wishes to model for the children, adults, staff, community, and Board of Directors. The descriptors represent the living history of LCC.
Our Facility
Our historic building blends the amenities we’ve always offered to Troy, like a pool, playground, basketball courts, and classrooms, with modern spaces to accommodate today’s members. In 2021, the Center opened a 21,803 sq.ft. expansion. The addition includes a high school regulation gym, lobby/reception area, program and activities rooms, weight room with locker rooms, storage space, staff offices, conference room, and a concession area.
Core Values
Safe Haven
Educating, informing, and uplifting the Troy Community for over 150 years, the Lincoln Community Center’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are committed to providing a safe haven for youth and adults alike who wish to participate in the many programs the Center has to offer. LCC will maintain a safe, non-threatening, and friendly environment for all.
Mentoring
LCC staff and volunteers often provide formal and informal mentoring support. By modeling compassion and understanding and by teaching personal growth, self-esteem, social responsibility, and goal-setting strategies, youth and adults are given the opportunity in which to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Diversity
Lincoln Community Center’s vision and mission offer educational, recreational, and mentoring opportunities for all ethnicities and age groups in the Troy community.
Affordability
LCC’s Board of Directors acknowledges a responsibility to ensure that the programs and activities at the Center are available to anyone regardless of income or ability to pay fees.
Community Collaboration
Lincoln Community Center is a vital piece of the Troy community – contributing to the quality of life of its citizens. Duties will include collaboration with area schools, the City of Troy, non-profit organizations, the business community, and other interested citizens and groups to ensure the center’s future success.
Our Staff
Shane Carter
Executive Director
Shane Carter has served as Executive Director of the Lincoln Community Center since 2011. Shane’s energy and zest for creating a community where everyone can thrive is a perfect fit as he gives back to those who can benefit from his experiences. He currently resides in Troy with his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Stella. Shane was a standout student-athlete at both Troy High School and the University of Wisconsin, where he accepted a football scholarship to play for the Badgers. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in only three and a half years. Along with playing football, Shane has always had a passion for coaching. Shane was previously head football coach at Northwestern High School in Springfield and has coached many other teams over the years. Shane has earned many awards, including Omega Psi Phi 2012 Citizen of The Year and was named the A. Robert Davies MD Memorial Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 2014. This award is traditionally given to recognize the achievements of young men under the age of 40 who live in the Troy area and have distinguished themselves through civic, work, and community contributions (Shane was 26 at the time). Shane was also recognized by the Dayton International Peace Museum in the 1st Annual Peace Heroes Walk in 2015. He is a graduate of Leadership Troy and remains involved with other groups such as the Troy Museum of History, Troy Rotary Club, Mayor's Concert Committee, and Troy High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Marcus Couch
Operational Manager
Born and raised in Dayton and Troy, Marcus Couch is a familiar face at the LCC. A Troy High School graduate from the class of 2005, Marcus has been involved at LCC since his fifth-grade year and has now transitioned into a role within the administrative staff. Known for his leadership and coaching skills, Marcus serves as the head freshman football coach at Troy High School. He has also lent his expertise to coaching positions with Troy Junior basketball and football at Northwestern High School. Marcus finds fulfillment in working with youth at the LCC to instill a positive outlook on society. At home, he resides with his wife Danielle and his children, Cameron, Faith, and Annalise.
Kim Rupert
Education Program Supervisor/Sustainability Liason
Kim Rupert grew up in Troy, Ohio. She and her husband Dan have two adult daughters and three adopted boys still living at home. She went to Miami East High School, and got her Bachelor of Science in Education with an English minor at Wright State University. She completed her Master’s Degree in Administration at The University of Dayton. She has taught in private and public schools, been an adjunct professor, and has worked the last 15 years in non-profit administration. She has also served as a children’s advocate through Miami County CASA, various local and state agencies, and worked on foster care and kinship advocacy and reform. Dan and Kim enjoy international travel together, being with their family in the back yard, and camping with the boys.
Julio Herrera
Sports Trainer/Safety Officer
Julio Herrera, a native of Cali, Colombia, made the journey to the United States twelve years ago. For the past thirteen years, he has shared his life with his wife Lydia Harger and their son Samuel David. Julio's background as a university athlete with a sports scholarship in track and field has fueled his passion for coaching. After graduating with a degree in sports sciences in 2003, Julio has a wealth of experience coaching track and field at universities and schools in his home country. Having transitioned to the U.S., Julio has dedicated his skills to two school districts in the Dayton area before settling in for an enriching eleven-year tenure at the Lincoln Center. Throughout his time there, Julio has had the pleasure of connecting with many remarkable individuals. Julio's love for all types of food reflects his appreciation for the diverse culinary experiences life has to offer.
Jen Nova
Garden/Volunteer Coordinator
Hailing from Troy, Jen Nova was raised in a family with a deep love for hockey. A scholar athlete and former captain of the Lady Trojans soccer team, Jen pursued her passion for the arts by attending photography school in the bustling city of Chicago.At Columbia College Chicago, she honed her skills in photography, graduating with a keen eye for capturing nature's beauty. After a decade in Chicago, Jen returned to her roots to be closer to family, a bond she holds dear. It was upon her return that she embarked on a career in horticulture, becoming the Senior Photographer at a research farm for over twelve years. This role allowed her to channel her passion for nature and gardening, traveling far and wide to photograph unique edibles and ornamentals while gaining extensive gardening knowledge. Jen's commitment to sharing her love of plants extended to the LCC, where she regularly donated spare plants from the farm's harvest to the LCC garden. Now, she brings her wealth of experience and passion for horticulture directly to the heart of the LCC in her day-to-day role.
Jen Thompson
Business Manager
Jen Thompson is the recently appointed Business Manager at LCC, bringing with her a wealth of experience from a variety of roles. A native of the Miami Valley, she graduated from Milton-Union School in 2001, before heading to Ohio Northern where she enjoyed a four-year stint as a middle hitter on the Polar Bear volleyball team. More recently, Jen served as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Labette County Schools in Altamont, KS, and was on the Fort Hays State volleyball coaching squad. She’s an active member of the Prep2Prep Foundation Board, previously having served as Prep2Prep’s General Manager for eight years. Additionally, Jen spent two years as the Database Marketing Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers. When not working, she resides in West Milton with her husband, Chas, and their three sons, Cub, Oz, and Wynn.
Sandy Kinder
Lead Teacher
Sandy Kinder's upbringing was marked by frequent moves, as her father's role as a Pastor led the family to different locations. It was during her time in Troy, specifically in middle and high school, that she felt most rooted and at home. Sandy pursued her education at BGSU, majoring in Education, and later married her high school sweetheart, Andy, a Troy native. Their family expanded to include six children: Hannah, Isaac, Myla, Silas, Jamin, and Etta. For the past two decades, Sandy has dedicated herself to raising and homeschooling her children, finding great fulfillment and blessings in the journey.
Zorel Lopez
Lead Teacher
Zorel Lopez resides in Troy, Ohio, with her husband Felix Lopez. Originally from Guatemala, Zorel holds a bachelor's degree in Judicial and Social Sciences and is a Lawyer and Notary. Together with her husband, she began teaching English to underprivileged children in Guatemala before moving to Troy, where she now works as a Spanish tutor. With their families residing in Guatemala and Florida, Zorel and Felix have created a close-knit community of friends in Troy. Introduced to the Lincoln Center by a friend named Maggie Sink, Zorel appreciates the organization's values and mission and is proud to be a part of the community.
Liz Widener
Lead Teacher
Elizabeth Widener, a lifelong resident of Troy, is a dedicated member of the community. She resides in Troy with her spouse, Kevin. of thirty-three years, and their two sons, Vince (30) and Victor (28), in the same neighborhood. Elizabeth attended Cookson, Troy Junior High, and Troy High School before pursuing Early Childhood Development at the Upper Valley JVS and Edison Community College. As a child, Elizabeth frequented Lincoln Community Center with her friends for birthday parties and later utilized the pool for health reasons. Now, she serves as the K-2 afterschool teacher at Lincoln Community Center, a role that she adores and finds fulfilling. Elizabeth's connection to LCC runs deep, making her a true Trojan at heart.
Abby Cromwell
After-School Support Staff
Kayla Stockslager
After-School Support Staff
Sophie Tyree
After-School Support Staff
Robin Lucas
Night Staff/Driver
Cathy Willis
Front Desk Reception
Cathy Willis, originally from Greenville, Ohio, went on to graduate from Greenville High School before making Troy her home for the past 39 years.Her educational journey led her to Edison State, where she obtained her license in property and casualty insurance, a field in which she has dedicated over 30 years of her professional career. Married to Ken Willis for an impressive 45 years, Cathy is a proud mother to one daughter, Britt, who resides in Philadelphia with her husband Michael and their two grandsons, Aaron and Will. Cathy's connection to the Lincoln Center runs deep. After volunteering at various programs, including the Back to School Bash, she transitioned into a role as a front desk assistant in 2021, working three days a week. For Cathy, the Lincoln Community Center isn't just a place of employment - it's a cherished institution with a rich history in the community. With a genuine passion for extending kindness, respect, knowledge, patience, and a friendly smile to all who walk through its doors, Cathy is committed to upholding the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that the Lincoln Center embodies.
Denny Wannemacher
IT Support
Denny was born and raised in Delphos, Ohio. He graduated from John Carroll University with a bachelor’s in history and English. He also attended the University of Cincinnati for accounting and business administration, as well as Edison State Community College for computer classes. He has computer certifications in A+, Network+, and Microsoft Office. Denny has been repairing and building computers for 25 years.
Jimmy Criner
Night Staff/Driver
Shirley Jameson
Night Staff
Dre Hudson
Weekend Site Supervisor
Ryan Shriver
Weekend Site Supervisor
Tate Foster
Custodian
Marcus Karrick
Maintenance
Desiree Sanga
Custodian
Board of Directors
Matt Levorchick, President
Matt Frey, Vice President
Vacant, Secretary
Ted Zimmerman, Treasurer
Karen Boone, Interim Secretary
Bart Denlinger, Member
Nevin Fessler, Member
Sue Knight, Member
Jeremy Hughes, Member
Ben Ayers, Member
