Rex Parsons — a lifelong resident of Batavia Township and a dedicated township trustee. Rex’s heart for service runs deep. He’s been involved with the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Clermont County Reds Rookie Success Planning Committee, the Kiwanis Club of East Fork Region, and is a former member of the Batavia Rotary Club.

We met Rex just over a year ago by chance, and from day one, he’s been one of our biggest cheerleaders. His love for his community is evident in everything he does, and we’re beyond grateful to have him as part of the Letters 2 Literacy family.

Leah Mendenhall — lifelong Batavia resident, small business owner, and fierce advocate for children and families in our community. Leah and her husband are the founders and owners of Anchor Fitness, a local gym that’s known not only for group training, but for cultivating confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging. Under Leah’s leadership, Anchor has become a true pillar of wellness and support in Clermont County.

As a mother of three, Leah knows just how powerful early literacy can be. Her daughter, Pepper, found her love for reading through Letters 2 Literacy — and now reads above grade level! This personal experience fuels Leah’s passion and deep commitment to making sure every child has access to the same life-changing support.

In 2025, Leah was named Business Woman of the Year by the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce — a well-deserved recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit, heart for service, and unwavering dedication to lifting up others.

Larkyn brings both heart and hustle to the Letters 2 Literacy board. A registered nurse since 2012, she’s spent most of her career caring for others in the fast-paced environment of the ER. She’s also the proud owner of Biggby Coffee in Batavia, fueling our community one cup at a time!

In addition to running a small business, Larkyn serves as Vice President of the Marketing Cooperative for Biggby’s Greater Cincinnati locations, using her expertise to support local owners and grow the brand.

She’s been married for 5 years and is a proud mom of three busy kids—so she knows firsthand how important early literacy support can be. We’re so lucky to have her passion, insight, and community-centered heart on our board!

Paula Mueller — lifelong Batavia resident, CPA, and proud Mom (and Mom Mom)! Paula graduated from Miami University in 1984 with a BS in Accounting and started her career in public accounting at Kamphaus, Henning and Hood CPAs. In 1988, she joined her dad at Dualite, Inc., where she continues to serve as VP/Secretary.

Paula brings decades of financial expertise to Letters 2 Literacy, helping guide our organization through budgeting, tax compliance, and financial planning. In addition to her role with L2L, she’s also the Finance Director at Batavia Faith United Methodist Church and Treasurer of her HOA in Shepherds Meadows.

But Paula’s true passion? Family. She’s Mom to Cassie (one of our founders!), Christi, and Abby, and “Mom Mom” to Everett, Emmett, Alfie, Scottie, and Charli. She fills in for nieces and nephews whenever needed and dreams of retirement so she can spend more time traveling, enjoying concerts and comedy shows with her husband Scott, and soaking up every precious family moment.

Her roots in this community run deep, and we’re so lucky to have her financial wisdom — and heart — guiding our mission.

Sam Cribbet brings serious financial expertise—and a big heart—to the Letters 2 Literacy board. As the Chief Financial Officer of ArtsWave, she helps steward both a $17 million operating budget and a $125 million endowment, all in support of Cincinnati’s thriving arts scene.

With a degree in Accounting from Xavier University, Sam started her career at Grant Thornton, one of the top 10 accounting firms in the country. It was there she first connected with ArtsWave as an auditor, eventually joining their team in 2012. She rose through the ranks, becoming CFO in 2024.

Beyond the spreadsheets, Sam is deeply committed to service. She volunteers through her church and has contributed her time and talents to multiple boards and committees, including the Wyoming Fine Arts Center and United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Financial Review Committee. She considers it a privilege to serve on the Letters 2 Literacy board—especially because she’s seen firsthand how the work is changing lives.

When she’s not crunching numbers or advocating for kids, Sam’s at home with her husband and three boys—juggling sports, fishing trips, and a level of Roblox knowledge she never asked for. As a true millennial, she’s added sourdough baking to her skillset and is just this close to convincing her husband to get a mini cow.