The team behind every new beginning
Our staff, board of directors, and volunteers share one belief: every life is worth transforming, and every story deserves a second chapter.
Every resident is a priority
We hire and train people who lead with compassion. To us, making each resident and youth a priority is not a slogan — it is how we work every single day. Founded by Terrance Coleman, our team is built on second chances and the belief that potential lives in every person.
Staff & Board of Directors
Meet a few of the people guiding our mission forward.
Terrance Coleman
A visionary leader, community advocate, and changemaker whose life's mission is to create opportunities for young people and families throughout Toledo. Terrance founded Vision for Life Center with a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves a chance to dream, grow, and succeed. Growing up, he understood firsthand what it felt like to face challenges without access to guidance and resources — and rather than allowing those experiences to define him, he used them as motivation to become the mentor and community servant he wished he had when he was younger. His commitment to Toledo is rooted in a desire to leave a lasting impact — one that will continue to benefit generations to come.
Dr. Heather M. Sloane Cleary
University of Toledo — School of Social Work
Dr. Heather M. Sloane Cleary is a licensed independent social worker, scholar, and educator whose career bridges clinical practice, community advocacy, and academic research. A MEDTAPP scholar and faculty member at the University of Toledo's School of Social Work, Dr. Cleary has devoted her career to addressing systemic barriers in healthcare and expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based care for underserved populations. She serves as a founding partner of the Community Care Clinic, bringing free, student-led clinical services to Toledo's most vulnerable residents. Her work is driven by a conviction that every person — regardless of circumstance — deserves dignity, access, and a path forward. Dr. Cleary brings that same belief to her role on the Vision For Life Center board, where her expertise in behavioral health, social policy, and community systems strengthens the center's mission of transformation and second chances.
Steven Kapela
Steve Kapela has been in long-term recovery since May 12, 2008. His journey includes overcoming challenges with gambling, alcohol, and drugs — and he built his entire career around helping others do the same. With 35 years of lived experience alongside his professional training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, Steve possesses a deep understanding and empathy for every client he serves. His message is simple: recovery is possible. It may be the hardest thing you ever do, but it comes with rewards you cannot imagine today.
Tomasa Bermejo
Tomasa Bermejo is the creative force behind Vision For Life Center's digital presence. As the designer, creator, and editor of the organization's website, she brings technical expertise and thoughtful design together to ensure every visitor feels welcomed, informed, and inspired. Her work as an I.T. Specialist and Analyst keeps the center's systems running smoothly, empowering staff and expanding the reach of the mission.
Our Team Is Growing
We are actively building a team of compassionate professionals, mentors, and advocates who share our belief that every life is worth transforming. Future staff and board member profiles will be added here.
Future team member
Position coming soon
Future team member
Position coming soon
Future team member
Position coming soon