FrontLiner Profiles: Nicole Knepper

Nicole Knepper, Associate Director of Community Health Services.

“I work here because I have become passionate about assisting individuals in the community who are often overlooked. Everyone deserves to be cared about and supported. I like being that support and celebrating client successes.”

Nicole Knepper is the Associate Director of Community Health Services and has worked at FrontLine since 2013.

How long have you worked at FrontLine?

 12 years in June

How did you first learn about FrontLine Service?  

My uncle, Dave Titus, is a former employee he took me to the Women’s Shelter thinking I would not feel comfortable in that environment. I stayed. Staff bet on how long I would make it. I believe the max time was 6 months- here I am 12 years later 😊!

What is your current role? What are your basic job responsibilities?  

Associate Director of Community Health Services- I oversee the following programs: Returning Home Ohio, Returning Home Cuyahoga, Community Transition Program, Women’s Forensic Team, PATH, AOD Outreach.

What is a typical day like for you?  

My day includes reporting to grant funders, coordinating client services, supervision of the managers, and other various tasks to keep the programs going. Case managers meet with clients to set their goals and work towards those goals at the clients' pace. These goals typically include housing, income, remaining compliant with the criminal justice system, and mental health/substance use services.

Why do you work here? Why do you care about this work?  

I work here because I have become passionate about assisting individuals in the community who are often overlooked. Everyone deserves to be cared about and supported. I like being that support and celebrating client successes.

What do people often misunderstand about your work or the people you work with?  

There is a great deal of stigma attached to those who are formerly incarcerated. People often misunderstand the many ways people encounter the legal system. These are people who deserve chances to be a part of the community. Our clients are some of the kindest people I’ve encountered in my lifetime. I enjoy hearing their stories, and I’m inspired by them.

What is your favorite part of your job?  

My favorite part of my job is celebrating small wins. I am grateful to see the progress clients make overtime defying the odds and barriers that they have experienced. I have seen great achievements from clients when they and others did not think they could reach that goal. I like to think that even if we don’t see that growth immediately, we plant the seeds for future growth.

What is the hardest part of your job?  

The hardest part of my job is to watch clients try very hard and not succeed through no fault of their own. There is often a great stigma surrounding formerly incarcerated persons and persons with mental health symptoms. Clients are often pre-judged without someone meeting them whether that be an employer or potential landlord.

What do you do to practice resiliency?

Resiliency is crucial to continuing this work. I have support from my colleagues when situations get difficult. I practice trauma informed care and understand that people may respond based on these experiences. I don’t take things personally.

What is a hobby, interest, or routine you have that is not related to work?

Outside of work I go to cardio-kickboxing once a week with a group of individuals. I am a soccer/football/basketball mom as well. I use aromatherapy and a salt lamp at work to center myself.

What is one thing you would want the community to understand about the work you do?

I want the community to understand that you are not the charges/diagnosis you receive. People are people. They deserve to be considered and a part of the community.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself or the work you do?

I am proud to be a member of the amazing team we have here. I draw strength from my team and their passion. I am grateful to work in a place where we care about people and their wellbeing as well as advocate for the rights ALL people deserve.

What would you say to someone who is interested in working at FrontLine?

I would say this work isn’t always pretty, but it is needed and meaningful work which has a significant impact on the clients we serve.

FrontLiner Profiles reflect the views of the person interviewed.
They do not necessarily reflect the view of FrontLine Service.