BOARD MEMBERS
Click on each Board Member to learn more about them and why they choose to serve the Cultivate community.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
EVAN
SCHARFELD
Chairperson
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
I founded Cultivate in 2017 with a dream to make yoga accessible to everyone. Since then, I have witnessed this community grow and expand in the most brilliant ways. While I continue to promote the mission and steward the organization, I have seen Cultivate take on a life of its own - one in which students and teachers co-create boundless opportunities for service to ourselves and one another.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
Cultivate has become its own life force and is continuing to evolve as the needs and desires of our collective community shifts. I believe we can sit firmly in our mission of YOGA for ALL while providing low-barrier opportunity for everyone to find and maintain their yoga with us.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I am in a unique position as the founder of Cultivate to have nurtured the organization from young nonprofit startup to a mature community that lives our mission everyday at our studios in Avon and Lakewood. My operational and logistical experience across all facets of the organization help me to guide decisions and actions rooted in our mission and based on our trajectory thus far.
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
I believe that the personal practice of yoga and existing in supportive and loving community function on the same plane of needs. Introspection and connection are the yin and yang of a healthy and balanced individual. This Cultivate community has been instrumental to my personal mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I continue to build strength and resilience because of the love that surrounds me.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
I absolutely ADORE being outside, exploring nature with the people I love.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
COLLEEN
ALBER
Co-Chairperson
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
I take great pride in my tenure on Cultivate's Advisory Board since 2017— a time predating our physical studios! I am deeply honored to have been chosen to be a part of this exceptional team. It feels serendipitous, being in the right place at the right time, and I am grateful for the opportunity and impact on my life. Being witness to and actively participating in Cultivate's journey has been a truly remarkable gift, and I eagerly anticipate the exciting paths we will explore together in the future.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
I envision Cultivate expanding its reach by offering yoga, meditation, and kirtan (all the things!) to new communities and underrepresented demographics. I see us bringing yoga to diverse locations and populations, showcasing its accessibility to all. Furthermore, I see our members contributing to the greater Cleveland community by giving back to the less fortunate, extending our impact beyond yoga practice alone.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I bring a distinct sense of loyalty, trustworthiness, and steadfast support. My greatest desire is to witness the Cultivate community thrive— encompassing our teachers, students, and spaces. While I may not be the visionary, I play a crucial role in turning ideas into reality, consistently showing up and taking action. I aim to foster a strong sense of community within Cultivate—welcoming new members, recruiting warriors, and planning activities.
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
Being part of the Cultivate community has brought meaningful relationships and immense purpose to my life. Whether we're volunteering, paddle-boarding, or singing our sweet little hearts out in song—sharing moments with like-minded individuals who make me better and embrace 'love for all living beings' has provided satisfaction and fulfillment I didn't realize I was missing.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
Time spent laughing with those I love most!
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
LAUREN
STEPHENSON
Secretary
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
I found Cultivate through some fellow yogis that were in my yoga teacher training in 2022. I started going to classes with them and immediately knew Cultivate was different. The ambiance of the studios, the buzzing energy and the community bond pulled me in. I am happy to now call Cultivate my hOMe studio and to be part of such a special yoga community.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
Cultivate is so much more than yoga classes. It is a safe space and a family. I see Cultivate continuing to expand offerings to promote wellbeing in our current community and finding opportunities to bring that internal peace to underrepresented groups. I truly believe Cultivate’s mission to protect the accessibility of yoga will strengthen our community. The cultivate community is already engaged in volunteer opportunities outside the yoga studio and I’m excited to see that gain more traction and continue on as we grow.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I have a Bachelors degree in Finance, an MBA and am an IT Project Manager. I serve on a Network Empowering Women board at my company and have worked with other non profits to help fundraise, event plan and streamline communications. I am an empathetic being and am passionate about service to others and the community. My deep rooted belief in Cultivate amongst all of those, is my top driving force to serve in every way possible.
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
I have truly met the most incredible humans through Cultivate and that is what life is about. Finding your community. Being able to breathe and move with others knowing we all come in for different reasons but are linked together by the Cultivate thread. The newly formed Kirtan group has become my new favorite Cultivate gathering to sing, laugh and smile together as one.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
I am blessed with the most amazing and diverse group of humans in my life. Spending time with them, listening to music and experiencing life together with my soon to be husband, Ryan and dog Ginny, all make each breath in the day a gift.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
CONNIE
BOOTHE
Treasurer
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
I joined the Cultivate community as COVID restrictions were lifting in 2021. I had just moved back to the area after 30+ years away. I started yoga about 20 years ago, obtained my YTT in Dayton in 2019 and was an avid yogi. I was looking for a yoga studio nearby and fell in love with Cultivate. Those early days of being one of one or two students in class have certainly changed!
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
Yoga has been such a wonderful addition to my life and has contributed to so much personal growth. I love the mission of Cultivate and want to help others find peace and acceptance through breath, movement, connection and acceptance.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I have worked for large and small companies and been self-employed. I am also on a small nonprofit board. My intent is to leverage that experience to ensure Cultivate continues as a sustainable community asset for all.
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
Belonging. Self-reflection. Mobility. Continuous learning. Peace.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
Relationships. I treasure my incredible network of friends and the wonderful relationships with my adult children.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
STEVE
BARNHART
At-Large Boardmember
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
My yoga journey began many years ago. My experience with yoga as a community, however, only began in January 2023 with the opening of the Lakewood Cultivate studio. I knew Jen Goetchius from CrossFit and she had been telling me all about Cultivate and that she was planning to start a YTT program. I had been YTT-curious for a couple years, so I figured I would give the new studio a try as I mulled over the decision to go through the training to become a teacher. One class with Evan in that little studio, full of amazing energy and love, and I was hooked! I feel that energy every time I walk in to one of the studios. There is always a friendly greeting and a smile!
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
Cultivate serves our community in so many wonderful ways already, in and out of the studios. I hope to help broaden the reach by supporting the talented folks in the community who are providing for others. We strive to continue to offer yoga and meditation wherever it is needed, volunteer hours with other organizations, food and clothing drives for the underserved, as well as other activities. As a board member, I have a shared responsibility to the community to build and maintain a sustainable nonprofit model so Cultivate’s mission can thrive for years to come.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
I am a compassionate and empathetic person with a passion to help, which I feel fits in well with Cultivate. I also have experience in event organizing and fundraising. For the past three years, I have served on the board for the LGBTQ Employee Resource Group at my workplace. Combining my personal attributes with my practical experience gives me a unique viewpoint as a board member.
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
Being part of this community has filled me with such joy! I have built a lasting bond with the other members of my Cultivate YTT class. We lived an amazing shared experience and grew together. There was plenty of laughter and occasional tears and I feel a flood of all of the emotions every time I see one of those very special people.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
I love being able to recognize and enjoy small meaningful moments in life, whether it be a spontaneous date night with my husband, a cuddle with our dog, or the smell of spring while on a morning walk.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com