Staff
Rebecca Callahan
Executive Director
Rebecca Callahan has served as the Executive Director for Community AIDS Network/ Akron Pride Initiative since 2013. She oversees all of the agency’s programs by ensuring that CANAPI is continuously improving its services while guiding the agency in the development of new programming.
With over 24 years of experience employed in nonprofit organizations, Rebecca works collaboratively with local and state agencies to strengthen and achieve CANAPI’s mission. Rebecca serves as the Board President of AxessPointe Community Health Centers; on the Akron Pride Festival Steering Committee; and on the Restore Court Advisory Board as an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth subject to human and sex trafficking.
Rebecca can be reached at: rcallahan@canapi.org
Brandon A. Stephens
housing program manager
Brandon joined CANAPI in September 2020. In May 2016, Brandon graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminology & Justice Studies. For four and a half years prior to joining CANAPI, he worked as a case manager in community corrections in a drug court program with people recovering from substance abuse.
During his time in community corrections and as a student at Kent State University, Brandon advocated for a better understanding of the LGBTQ community through awareness training and local activism. At Kent State University, he spent three years as President of the PRIDE! Kent student organization and is excited to bring his passion and experience to the Director of Operations position at CANAPI.
Brandon can be reached at: bstephens@canapi.org
Megan Barrett
executive assistant
Megan started at CANAPI in January 2022. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently earning a Master of Public Health from Kent State University.
Previously working for a local homeless shelter as its case manager and program manager, Megan believes that housing is a human right. She takes this advocacy centered approach as she provides support with CANAPI’s day to day operations, plans and coordinates special projects and events, and fosters collaboration with other agencies.
Megan can be reached at: mbarrett@canapi.org
Keegan Byrnes
Outreach Specialist
Keegan became part of the team at CANAPI in May of 2021. He manages the social media, community outreach and HIV testing. Wearing many hats, Keegan has spent time working at a drug and alcohol treatment center as a Residential Supervisor, advocating for the recovery community, and working in Long Term Care facilities as an STNA among other adventures over the years.
Keegan is proud to bring charismatic energy, empathy and understanding as he endeavors to educate and enrich the community as the Outreach Specialist for CANAPI.
Keegan can be reached at: kbyrnes@canapi.org
Jacob Dudley
Outreach and Prevention Manager
Jacob began at CANAPI in July 2022, serving as the Outreach and Prevention Manager. In this role, he oversees CANAPI’s LGBTQ+ youth outreach programs and HIV prevention program as well as homelessness prevention for people living with HIV.
A long-time advocate, Jacob graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Conflict Management, developing skills in advocacy and community organizing. During his time at Kent State, Jacob was a member of PRIDE! Kent for three years, serving as President in his final year where he worked with many community partners to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, work he continues with CANAPI.
Jacob can be reached at: jdudley@canapi.org
Brooke Kendall
Housing support specialist
Brooke joined CANAPI in December 2022 by way of Dayton, OH as the Housing and Support Specialist and dedicates her time to overseeing CANAPI’s Micah Project, Helping Hands, and Shelter + Care Programs. In this role, Brooke is proud to build relationships with individuals within the community, advocate for universal housing that starts at home, and celebrate the successes of her clients as they meet their goals.
During her time at Wright State University, Brooke majored in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, as well as Psychology with a minor in Criminology. Previously serving as the VP of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Brooke’s background in philanthropy and activism led her to build relationships with local organizations in Midwest Ohio such as GLSEN, SURJ, NOW, Artemis Domestic Violence Shelter and the YWCA.
Brooke is thrilled to bring her compassionate and energetic nature to CANAPI, and looks forward to connecting with the community.
Brooke can be reached at bkendall@canapi.org
Joseph Cantwell
Communication designer
Joseph joined CANAPI in January of 2023 as a part-time Communication Designer. He has worked in digital marketing and graphic design since 2019 across a variety of industries. Joseph received his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication, with a minor in Design, in May of 2020 from Kent State University.
In his role at CANAPI, he manages CANAPI’s digital presence including advertising and social media efforts. He also works on print/physical media communication strategies like print marketing. He believes that spreading awareness and resources are key to promoting empowerment in our community.
Joseph can be reached at jcantwell@canapi.org
Matt Herold
Housing Support specialist
Matt began at CANAPI in August of 2023 filling the position of Housing Support Specialist. In this position Matt provides case management for the Lavendar Landing programs and works on STRMU program. Before taking this position, Matt taught yoga for 10 years and had his own yoga studio and was also an avid volunteer at CANAPI.
Matt is excited to expand his knowledge and ability to help those in need and utilize what he already knows through teaching yoga as therapy. Matt is looking forward to creating relationships with clients and doing everything he can to help.
Matt can be reached at mherold@canapi.org
Huda Mahmood
Maintenance specialist
Huda started at CANAPI in August of 2023. She has 6 years of maintenance experience. She previously worked at other Akron apartment complexes as maintenance and loves to fix homes and apartments.
She has her own business in the home improvement field, called “Jadeed Renovation.” She started her business in 2017 and is a self-taught handywoman. Her business handles all plumbing, carpentry, finishing and electrical needs. Her passion is fixing up homes and bringing a new fresh look to all her projects.
Huda is very happy to bring her maintenance expertise to CANAPI’s properties.
Huda can be reached at hmahmood@canapi.org