OUR WHAT AND WHY
A Community-Driven Initiative Supporting Children’s Sleep Needs
In October, 2026, we will begin providing twin size beds and bedding to families in the Cleveland, Ohio area, ensuring children between the ages of 3 and 18 enjoy a sleeping environment that nurtures their growth and well-being.
Building a Place to Dream aims to eliminate inadequate sleep conditions for children. By creating secure and comfortable sleep environments, we empower families and foster a sense of hope and stability for the future.
OUR JOURNEY
From Humble Beginnings to Community Impact
Founded in 2026, Building a Place to Dream began as a grassroots effort to address the urgent need for safe sleeping arrangements for children. This year, we anticipate delivering 300 beds to children in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. This number will grow each year!
Dedicated Volunteers Committed to Our Mission
OUR BOARD
DONNA TINDERA–Founder & President
Donna’s deep love for children and passion for volunteering fueled her to establish Building a Place to Dream. Heartbroken by the reality that thousands of Cleveland children sleep on the floor every night, she knew she had to take action. Donna pairs her Master of Education and 25 years of educational experience with decades of volunteer service and board leadership to run the nonprofit. Today, she continues to give back to her community by volunteering with various organizations—a lifelong commitment inspired by her own family of three children and seven grandchildren.
LAUREL ENGLEHART–Secretary
Laurel has an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and 30+ years of corporate management experience working primarily for Fortune 500 and Global Fortune 500 companies in product management, marketing, and global business development. She has a passion for helping others, encouraging young people to explore the world around them, and community involvement including serving on nonprofit boards and as a Girl Scout leader.
JOHN GUENTHER–Treasurer
John serves as the Associate Pastor of Operations & Finance at Grace CMA Church, overseeing resources across the Middleburg Heights and Olmsted Falls campuses. Since joining the leadership team in 2002, he has stewarded a $7M budget and supports a staff of 85. John holds a Business degree (Bible minor) from Cedarville University. He has held Ohio licenses in real estate as well as medical and comprehensive insurance. Passionate about community, he also serves on the boards of two other local nonprofits. John and his wife, Donna, celebrate 44 years of marriage, two married daughters, and five grandchildren.
KAREN KOLOZVARY
With 38 years in education and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, Karen has taught everything from preschool to college and regular education to special education. Since retiring, she devotes her time to church leadership and working part-time at a local garden center where she finds peace. Her life is anchored by her husband, two sons and their wives, and five grandchildren. Their busy lives keep her busy as well.
WYATT SMITH
As a 2026 graduate of Lakewood High School with a love for the outdoors, Wyatt finds great joy when he is out on the water fishing or exploring nature. That same appreciation for discipline and the community guides his next big step: joining the U.S. Army this coming fall. Wyatt is excited to channel his energy and unique young adult perspective into his role on the board, helping ensure every child has a place to dream.
RICHARD STARR
Councilman Starr is a lifelong Cleveland resident, community advocate, and public servant representing Ward 5 on the Cleveland City Council. Guided by integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community, Richard works hard every day to build safer neighborhoods, expand opportunities, and create meaningful progress for the residents of the City of Cleveland. His leadership reflects a belief that communities deserve more than promises—they deserve results.
MICHELLE LAGRUTH
Michelle is a 34 year retired educator with her master’s. She is a longtime parishioner at St. Mary’s Church, Berea. Among her many volunteer roles, she co-founded Olmsted Falls Relay for Life, served as president of Burke School of Irish Dance, and is very active in the Irish community. She also serves as a Boy Scouts of America merit badge counselor. Michelle enjoys spending time with her extended family, three children, and grandchildren and enjoying Lake Erie.
MALIA RIVERA-SPEER
Malia is a higher education advancement professional with expertise in annual giving, donor engagement, alumni relations, and strategic philanthropy. In her role at Baldwin Wallace University, she develops stewardship initiatives and donor engagement strategies that strengthen philanthropic support, foster lasting relationships, and advance institutional priorities. Her professional experience spans higher education, nonprofit, and arts administration, with roles at Akron Community Foundation, The Cleveland Orchestra, and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Malia holds a Bachelor of Music in Woodwind Performance and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from The University of Akron. She brings to board service a collaborative leadership approach, strategic perspective, and a deep commitment to community engagement, leveraging relationship-building to help organizations achieve meaningful and sustainable impact.
OUR CORE TEAM
BOB ENGLEHART–Co-founder & Director of Operations
JIM LICHNIAK–Build Lead
CONNIE LICHNIAK–Linen Manager
SUE EHRETT
RACHEL GALLUCCI–Social Media
JEFF GALLUCCI–Build Lead
MELISSA LANDIS–Volunteer Coordinator
JOE LAGRUTH–Build Lead