Meet The Board

Colleen Caruso has been leading children’s outreach through Linden Life Fellowship for over a decade. With 25 years of experience in ministry and a BFA in Art Therapy, she is passionate about helping kids thrive in literacy and walking with Jesus, especially in underserved communities. Alongside her husband Craig, she finds joy in raising their four children and serving others with the love of Jesus. “We love because He first loved us” (John 4:19) models the posture she desires to have in serving more closely in step with her Creator who loves each one of these kids even more than she does.

Marquita Curry is a servant-leader and the Program Director of L4, a Christ-centered literacy program dedicated to equipping underserved youth and families in Columbus, Ohio. With over a decade of experience in education, community engagement, and program development, she combines her passion for faith, learning, and service to create spaces where children grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Marquita believes every child has God-given potential, and her mission is to nurture that potential through literacy, love, and unwavering hope.  

With over 20 years of experience partnering with local non-profits and schools for video production services, Craig has always enjoyed telling and supporting stories about people helping people. For the past 10 years, those stories have come from friends living in or connected to South Linden and the L4 program. His training and past experience as a church youth leader, OSU MBA graduate, and small business owner are all helpful, but having heroes like his wife and Jesus provide most of the passion for serving on the L4 board.

Yohana is an experienced and dedicated leader with a passion for youth development. He holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Duquesne University and has an extensive professional background in athletics, business, and education.

Yohana believes he has been called to use his time, talent, treasures and testimony to bless and serve others. He chooses to serve as a part of the L4 program because he believes that empowering youth through literacy not only enhances their academic success, but also fosters lifelong learning and personal growth, ultimately shaping a brighter future for our community.

Travecia Franklin is a seasoned educator with 9 years of educational experience and a deep passion for women's basketball and athletics. Serving is important to her because it reflects her faith, values, and commitment to community transformation. Travecia believes true leadership is rooted in service and she is honored to be part of the L4 community as a Board Member. 

With over 18 years of experience as an educator in Columbus City Schools, including seven years serving the Linden-McKinley community, Steve brings a deep commitment to youth development and education. He is now the owner and operator of three childcare centers—two located in Canal Winchester and one in Whitehall—where he continues to support the growth and well-being of children and families. A proud father of four boys, Steve is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation. He serves on the board of L4 because he strongly believes in its mission to empower and uplift the communities it serves.

Jerica Kent is a buckeye alumna with a Bachelor of Arts and background in strategic communication. She's seen firsthand the impact that L4 can have on children and their families. Serving on this board is an opportunity share in the mission of the organization. 

John Rule holds a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Physics from Kent State University and has 38 years of experience in software design and management at CAS. For over 50 years, he has been deeply involved in the South Linden community, building strong relationships and making a lasting impact. John is passionate about sharing his faith, skills, and life lessons—both successes and failures—to help others grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically. He finds joy in supporting people as they develop essential life skills and reach their potential.