Heritage Sylvania runs on the hard work and generosity of our staff and volunteers.
Whether they help out at events occasionally or have dedicated decades of service, we appreciate each and every one of them. We’re fortunate to have a fantastic group of history enthusiasts, educators, and supporters. Meet our wonderful team members below!
The Staff
Samantha Ayres
Executive Director
Samantha was hired as the Heritage Sylvania Director in October of 2023. Her job is to ensure everything runs smoothly - or "keeps the train on the tracks". She manages day-to-day operations from finances, marketing, and property management, to coordinating memberships and donations. She works closely with the board to implement policies and develop what's next for Heritage Sylvania.
Samantha comes from the Commercial Furniture industry and has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Interior Design with a minor in Business from Bowling Green State University, as well as an Associates of Arts Degree from Owens Community College. A Sylvania native, she grew up just down the street from the Historical Village, frequently visiting the museum and village through school trips and with her mother, a founding member of the Historical Society. Samantha attended Sylvania Schools and graduated from Northview High School.
When she's not on the Heritage Sylvania campus, Samantha can often be found at home working on something crafty, reading, practicing piano, dreaming of new interior design ideas for her house, or spending time with friends and family.
Tristen Turkopp
Programs & Events Manager
Tristen joined the Heritage Sylvania team as part-time help in the Spring of 2021. He was original brought on as a museum docent but eventually expanded into the school programs. When the position became available, Tristen became the first Assistant Director of Heritage Sylvania. Today, Tristen manages our School Programs and Events. From scheduling field trips and training our volunteers, to planning and promoting events, Tristen keeps Heritage Sylvania active and alive with activity.
Tristen is currently attending the University of Toledo and majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Theatrical Design. However, he also has a passion for Event Planning and hopes to incorporate that into his education, as well. Tristen grew up in Sylvania and attended Sylvania Schools, graduating from Southview High School.
Emily Perion
Museum Guide
Details coming soon.
Carolyn Nehmer
Museum Guide
Carolyn joined Heritage Sylvania in March 2024. Initially a guide for our school programs, she quickly developed an interest in various other areas. When she's not educating students, you can often find her serving as a docent and tour guide at the Cooke-Kuhlman House or Lathrop House on weekends.
Originally from Northwest Ohio, Carolyn graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Although she has spent most of her professional life in the Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Logistics sectors, her true passion has always been history. A few years ago, she and her husband moved to Sylvania from Wauwatosa, WI, for her husband's job. She’s thrilled to be back in Northwest Ohio, close to her roots. Carolyn is also active in the Maumee Valley Historical Society and has volunteered at the Wolcott House for many years.
Historical Society/Archives
Gayleen Gindy
Historian & Author
Gayleen has been a cornerstone of the Sylvania Historical Society since it's founding in 1992 - even before they established their headquarters in the Heritage Center Museum (now the Cooke-Kuhlman House). She sat on the board for many years, through its transition into Heritage Sylvania. Now retired, Gayleen continues to dedicate her Tuesdays at the Cooke-Kuhlman House, answering historical questions and sharing her wealth of knowledge with the community.
Gayleen eats, breaths, and sleeps Sylvania History. Researching it's history for over 50 years, she has authored 13 books that document its rich past. She worked for both the City of Sylvania and Sylvania Township for 34 years, she has been writing bi-weekly articles for the Sylvania AdVantage for the last 10 years, she managed all the records for Association Cemetery for 12 years, and took on many other side jobs relating to Sylvania. Growing up next door to the Cooke-Kuhlman Museum and now living just down the street, Sylvania has always been a central part of her life.
When she's not volunteering her time at the Cooke-Kuhlman house, you'll find Gayleen doing what she loves most: diving into historical research and uncovering the stories that make Sylvania so special. When not researching she's often cleaning, refurbishing furniture pieces she found at estate sales, or spending time with her granddaughters.
Volunteers
Claire Achen
School Programs & Events
Claire has been a volunteer for Heritage Sylvania since 2016. Inspired by her sister, Sarah Groves - a long-time volunteer who worked closely with the Historical Village's first Director, Joy Armstrong - Claire decided to get involved and has been an vital team member ever since. From assisting with nearly every school program to tackling special projects at the museum, Claire's enthusiasm and willingness to help is invaluable.
A graduate of the University of Toledo, Claire earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education, along with additional training in special education. Her family moved to Sylvania in 1967 just as she was starting 9th grade. While she briefly lived in west Toledo, she and her husband built their forever home in Sylvania where she's lived since 1987.
When Claire isn't volunteering at Heritage Sylvania, she loves staying active, especially through swimming. She and her husband also enjoy traveling, often to visit their children and grandchildren - two grandchildren in Los Angeles and two grandchildren in Royal Oak, MI.
Cindy Rotondo
School Programs & Events
Details coming soon
Debbie Mens
School Programs & Events
Details coming soon
Paul Allan
Weekend Docent
Paul began volunteering at the Lathrop House in 2015, even before the merge into Heritage Sylvania. Initially brought on as a woodworker to help with special projects, his passion for history and craftsmanship quickly made him an indispensable part of the team. Since the merge, Paul has been a dedicated weekend docent, sharing the story of the Lathrop House with visitors on various Sundays throughout the year.
Paul's professional and volunteer experience is as impressive as it is diverse. He spent 30 years as a historic woodworker at the Ludwig Mill in Grand Rapids, OH, 26 years as a field engineer in the pain and coatings industry, and 21 years working in the railroad industry. On top of that, he's volunteered with the Toledo Metroparks for over 30 years, showcasing his commitment to preserving history.
A lifelong history buff, Paul loves exploring historic sites in his free time. He's also currently channeling his woodworking skills into building a street rod. During supper events like Frontier Fair (mark your calendars for July!), you'll find Paul hard at work in the Carpenter Shop, demonstrating his incredible skills and bringing history to life. Don't miss the change to see his handiwork in action.
Michele Alexander
Weekend Docent
Michele has been a valued volunteer since 2017. When friend Sallye Miyara - another treasured volunteer - invited her to join her as a weekend docent at the Lathrop House, Michele didn't hesitate. This dynamic duo can be found sharing their knowledge and passion for history at the Lathrop House one Sunday each month.
Michele earned her undergraduate degree at Miami University in Ohio and attended graduate school at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree with majors in Spanish, History and Art History. Over her impressive teaching career, Michele taught at Whitmer High School and then later at St. Francis de Sales High School where she taught AP Art History, AP Spanish IV, and Spanish I, II, and III. Beyond the classroom, she has served as a docent at the Toledo Museum of Art since 1978.
When Michele isn't volunteering at the Lathrop House, she's deeply involved with St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Maumee, OH. Her contributions over the years include teaching Sunday School to both adults and children, organizing Vacation Bible School, serving as the directress of Altar Guild for over 20 years, she has served on the Church Vestry three times - including both Junior and Senior Warden, and she serves on the Bereavement, Stewardship, and In-Reach committees.
In her space time, Michele enjoys traveling to visit her children and grandchildren in Chicago, Columbus, and Northern Michigan.
Plus, many more volunteers who will help from time to time.
We appreciate them all and can't achieve our mission without them.
You can't deny that we have an incredible team, but with what we have planned this year, it will take an army of helpers. We are always looking for volunteers to help. School programs is our top need, but if you have a special skill or hobby that you think could benefit the organization, please let us know! Visit our Volunteer with Us Page.