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 the Cultivate Yoga Advisory Board since 2017— a time predating our physical studios! I am deeply honored 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 from community outreach to three studios has been a truly remarkable gift. I eagerly await what’s next!
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
I envision Cultivate expanding its reach by offering yoga, meditation, breathwork and kirtan 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 humans 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
JON
MCKENZIE
Safety
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE CULTIVATE COMMUNITY?
My wife and I were referred to Cultivate by friends who had been coming for some time. At the time I was interested in yoga for the physical benefits but didn't really know that it was far more than just movement and flexibility. I have since practiced in studios around the country and each one reinforces the amazing sense of community that Cultivate has!
HOW DO YOU ENVISION CULTIVATE YOGA SERVING OUR COMMUNITY?
Cultivate has positioned itself to be a place for people of all backgrounds, circumstances, and experience to practice and grow together. The power of accessibility we bring is virtually unheard of. What I appreciate most is that this community finds ways to support our fellow Cleveland area humans both on and off the mat.
WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE CULTIVATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
My professional background is primarily in business with an emphasis on risk management, governance, and safety/security. I have leadership experience in several nonprofit and governmental endeavors, giving me an appreciation for the nuances between governing for-profit versus non-profit entities.
One of our greatest strengths is that Cultivate is intentionally not outwardly transactional. At the end of the day though, no organization can sustain itself if its expenses exceed its revenues so maintaining the balance that we've stuck is crucial.
I hope to bring a pragmatic focus to the Board to help us do all the little things exceptionally well so that we can spend our time dreaming big, ensuring that this community endures when we are gone.
Oh, and I've been told that I'm not half bad at putting down flooring and patching drywall. :)
WHAT HAS COMMUNITY HELPED TO CULTIVATE WITHIN YOU?
This community has given me the ability to slow down, shift my focus in the moment and see the yin and yang. My wife and I have been welcomed with open arms, with the community taking us as we are, and always leaving us feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves.
BESIDES YOGA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT CULTIVATES JOY IN YOUR LIFE?
Family, and in particular watching our girls grow into amazing young women.
photo by: www.davidschwartzphoto.com
STEVE
BARNHART
Treasurer
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