Our Trusted Guides
“There is no being of any race who,
if he finds the proper guide, cannot
attain virtue.”
– Marcus Tullius Cicero
Board of directors
Joshua Courtney, DO | Board President
Dr. Courtney is a serial Entrepreneur and Physician. He is the Founder and CEO of TrueLearn, LLC and has grown the organization into the leading education platform for physicians and healthcare providers in the United States. Dr. Courtney is passionate about leveraging innovative technologies to help people learn faster, smarter, and with greater retention.
He rigorously advocates for young physicians in all aspects of their professional careers in medicine and speaks to thousands of medical students throughout the nation on topics related to medical education, evidence-based learning, and achieving desired career outcomes. Dr. Courtney is equally passionate about advocating for persons striving to improve their lives through recovery.
Rob Graessle, DO
Dr. Graessle serves as the founder and CEO of Basecamp Recovery Center (www.basecampmed.com). He served as an emergency medicine physician at Grant Medical Center. Working in an inner city trauma center for 10 years, he has seen first hand the devastation drugs and alcohol have created for patients and families.
Feeling that more had to be done to avert the opioid crisis, Basecamp Recovery was born. One of the hardest hit areas in the state of Ohio is the Franklinton and Hilltop neighborhoods where he grew up. With strong ties to the area, Dr. Graessle knows and understands this patient population well. His primary goal is to give back to the community and assist in repairing damage left in the wake of the current opiate crisis.
Amelia Jeffers
Amelia Jeffers is an entrepreneur and luxury lifestyle professional with over 25 years of experience in business ownership. Under her leadership, Amelia’s companies have grossed more than $120M in sales and received national and international recognition in the fields of fine art, antiques, rare collectibles, luxury real estate, and bespoke publishing.
Amelia’s involvement in the central Ohio philanthropic community, including Fund The Climb, has been driven by her childhood experiences with poverty, addiction, and the generosity of others in Appalachian West Virginia. Amelia lives in Columbus where she has raised her four children and three ornery poodles, and enjoys meditation, hiking and sailing.
Eric VanZwieten
In 2018 Eric founded The Entrepreneurial Foundation for the Greater Good which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to get involved with humanitarian projects around the world. That same year he also started a marketing company that develops intelligent marketing systems.
The next phase of his life is dedicated to developing humanitarian projects around the world focusing on health, education, nutrition and clean water.
Gary D. Lewis Jr.
Gary D. Lewis Jr., is the Chief of Police in Bexley, Ohio and was sworn-in as the city’s first African-American Police Chief in September 2022.
Previously, Lewis served as the Assistant Vice President of Operations and Chief of Police at the University of Louisville. Lewis also served as the Chief of Police at Cleveland State University from 2015-2018 and prior to that, he spent 22 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol as a Lieutenant Commander where he retired from in 2013. Lewis also served as the Division’s Public Information Officer (PIO) for a number of years and handled on-scene crisis management, critical incidents, and statewide communications.
From 2013 to 2015 Lewis served as the Senior Director of Media and Public Relations at The Ohio State University where he acted as spokesperson for all University-related matters.
Lewis holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management from Franklin University, and an F.B.I. National Academy #212 session graduate.
Denisa Hiles
Denisa Hiles is a licensed realtor with Remax Town Center. She came to the United States with her mother and sister from the Czech Republic in 1998, where her mom told her this is where opportunities are endless and dreams can come true. Denisa attended business academy in Europe, and as a realtor here in the United States, she works with buyers, sellers, investors, relocation companies, etc., with the needs of her clients being of paramount importance.
Denisa has experienced firsthand the detrimental impact addiction has on the family unit. As a wife, mother, and community member, Denisa strongly supports those working to improve their health and their lives. She is fluent in Czech, Slovak and Polish.
Beth Pardi
Beth Pardi is a fifth grade teacher with Gahanna Jefferson Public Schools and has 31 years of teaching experience. Beth has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education, and her National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Education.
Beth lives in Upper Arlington, Ohio with her husband and three daughters.
Beth has experienced the impact of substance use disorders on children and families through her work as an educator. She also has personally experienced first-hand the devastation that addiction has on loved ones and family members.
Beth has a passion to improve the quality of the lives she touches both personally and professionally. Based on her experiences, she is determined to help make positive changes in the lives of others.
Anthony Akrouche
Anthony Akrouche is a sales representative in a league of his own, having sold over $17 million dollars’ worth of automobiles to satisfied customers in 2022 alone. His energy, knowledge and personality allow him to shine well above his competition. In addition to sales, Anthony excels at attention to detail, and he has a memory for the things that matter to people that others likely don’t even perceive.
Anthony has a passion for helping others both professionally and personally. He brings that passion to Fund The Climb Foundation and the people it serves to help them improve their lives and reintegrate into the community as healthy and productive members.
Staff
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