"Empowering young mothers has become my life’s mission, rooted in my own experience as a mother at just 16. Like many young parents, I faced daily struggles to make ends meet, often feeling isolated and uncertain of how to move forward. But through determination, resilience, and the support I found along the way, I’ve come to embrace my journey and the lessons it’s taught me. Today, I’m a proud mother of two adult children and a grandmother to a pre-teen, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I do.

In addition to my family, I work for a Medicare Advantage company here in Ohio, where I’m able to blend my passion for helping others with my professional experience. I’ve found fulfillment in public speaking, sharing my story, and empowering others to rise above their circumstances. In my free time, I love listening to books and podcasts, and I’ve recently started my own podcast to further connect with and inspire those facing similar challenges. My goal is to create a space where young mothers, and anyone facing adversity, can find hope, strength, and practical guidance to build a better future for themselves and their families."

Teej is a motivator, implementer, and absolute powerhouse in the world of sales and leadership. For over 20 years she has practiced an action-oriented approach as a coach, trainer, and speaker. She specializes in her strategic approach to remove impacting obstacles in the way of her clients’ lives and careers. She captures the attention of her audience’s through her contagious energy and enthusiasm. Her ability to authentically support and connect with her clients has proven to empower teams and leaders to rise above challenges with tenacity and resilience.

Teej has earned the prestigious SWC Coach of the Year award and is certified in Team Engagement at Cornell University. Her global career and international familiarity include a variety of client success stories. From financial services, private banking, and wealth management to non-profits and entrepreneurs.

“At 23, I wasn’t necessarily a young mother, but I certainly felt young. I was caught in a toxic relationship and making choices that didn’t align with my destiny. It was the love and guidance of a great God and incredible parents that brought me back on track—but without them, I might still be struggling in a muck of toxicity. Today, I am a married mother of four, a business owner, and a student pursuing my degree. The guidance I received was the catalyst that saved my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. That’s why The EMBER Project is so vital. Not everyone has an understanding of our loving God or is in possession/proximity of great parents—but we owe it to those who weren’t as fortunate to be a source of love, guidance, and empowerment.”

Nichole George Cannon is a dedicated and compassionate mental health counselor specializing in trauma, depression and anxiety in adults and adolescents. She has helped individuals navigate the complexities of loss, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in science in education in clinical counseling from Youngstown State University, Nichole is a licensed and trained in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma- Informed Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Her approach is client-centered, fostering a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth. Beyond clinical practice, Nichole is an advocate for mental health awareness serving the community. She is passionate about women’s holistic health and well-being, offering support, community outreach, and education to reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being. She is also passionate about the E.M.B.E.R. Project offering support to empower young women with children to live the life they dream.

“My name is Gena Cerasuolo and I feel honored to be a part of the E.M.B.E.R project. I spent most of my career working in public education. During my tenure, I witnessed the various effects of early mothers. While some young mothers had family support many were left struggling to figure out how to navigate this new phase of life. Many felt unsupported with nowhere to turn and because they felt alone they tended to gravitate to any situation where they felt accepted. Sometimes they struggled to keep their grades up due to exhaustion. They struggled with lower paying jobs and having to provide. The stress definitely took a toll on them. Even those that had supportive families had hardships. It was sometimes a strain on the entire family unit leaving the new mother feeling like a burden and lowering her self esteem.  While school counselors do their very best to offer comfort and support they are typically dealing with a multitude of students and large case loads. The E.M.B.E.R project truly touched my heart as I felt it was a way to give these young women a mentor, confidant, and a safe place to turn to talk.  The organization also intends to help guide them on career choices and resources that may be available in their area. This will empower them to feel stronger, supported, and most of all hopeful.  Since leaving education I work in the medicare/medicaid space. I have heard so many stories of seniors worried about a grandchild or trying to help a child or grandchild navigate being a single parent.  I have also watched women thrive and it amazes me at what a bit of support and encouragement can do. My goal is to help the E.M.B.E.R project with events, education, and outreach so that together we can all grow and make this life transition for mothers a place of encouragement and hope.”