Kris Horlacher RN BSN
Executive Director
AboUT Us
Our Story
Shoes 4 the Shoeless, Inc. is a non-profit that provides new, correctly fitting gym shoes and socks to children in Southwest Ohio in desperate need. Through a uniquely efficient and effective system, we help children eliminate one of poverty’s most visible stigmas.
In our footprint, we estimate that at least 72,000 children live in need of new socks and shoes. Wearing ill-fitting and worn shoes often condemns children to physical, social, and emotional problems that last a lifetime. S4TS began in 2010 and has helped well over 200,000 children.
Our Mission
To provide new, properly fitting gym shoes and socks to children in need.
Our Vision
To bring relief.
Why We Do This
The world has continued to change since S4TS began in 2010. One constant has been the deep need for caring individuals to reach the unmet need of shoes and socks for disadvantaged children within our community.
Shoes and socks are the most visible stigma for a child in poverty.
We strive to eliminate this issue. S4TS continues evolving to meet this growing need. Helping more children each year is possible due to generous community members who donate countless hours and funds.
Our Team
How We Do This
To deliver thousands of shoes each year, it takes incredible planning and coordination. Below are the members of our Staff Team, our Board of Directors that sets our strategic plan and vision for S4TS, and our Greater Cincinnati Advisory Council, which helps with expansion efforts to a new area.
Staff Team
Kris Horlacher RN BSN
Executive DirectorKris Horlacher began S4TS during the winter of 2010 in response to one of the biggest overlooked and ignored health care needs among children in poverty: one pair of shoes and socks that fit and are fit to wear.
Holding Nursing degrees from Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing and Wright State University, Kris has a wide range of health care experience in critical care, emergency and trauma nursing, disaster relief, and public health nursing.
Under her leadership, S4TS has evolved from a grassroots mission into a highly organized, efficient, and effective organization that consistently meets the needs of impoverished children across southwest Ohio and is sought after nationwide.
S4TS has received countless awards and recognitions locally, statewide, and nationwide, including commendations from the Ohio State Senate and the Ohio Governor’s office.Kris has twice been personally recognized by the Ohio State Senate for her leadership, vision, and success in meeting an overlooked need for children.
As the Founder and Executive Director of S4TS, Kris is responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic vision. She ensures clarity and focus throughout the organization, establishes cultural standards, and implements a sustainable operating structure. Her leadership is key to optimizing resources and assembling a high-performing team.
John Forde
Cincinnati DirectorJohn Forde joined S4TS in 2023 as the Greater Cincinnati Area Director. Having lived in Cincinnati his whole life, he is acutely aware of the dire need for properly fitting footwear for children afflicted by poverty.
John is a multi-talented and accomplished leader with experience in sales, education, finance, and entrepreneurship. He has even worked in management for Foot Locker.
Prior to S4TS, John worked as a para-educator in Cincinnati Public Schools. As well as holding positions within the Cincinnati Rec Center system in the summer months. His wife is wonderful and is a teacher in the Fairfield City School District. They are proud parents to a sweet little boy.
Born and raised in Cincinnati. John is a product of Cincinnati Public Schools. He has first-hand knowledge of the need for shoes among the students. He has seen it with his own eyes, but most importantly he has seen their suffering with his heart.
Nabeel Mulla
Program Support - Greater Miami ValleyNabeel has called the Dayton area home since 2005. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida.
He has experience in the fields of delivery as well as entrepreneurship, supply chain, and website management.
Before joining the staff at S4TS, he served as a dedicated volunteer there, where he saw firsthand the impact a pair of shoes and some socks can have in a child’s life, as well as the impact serving these children can have on a volunteer’s life. He is passionate about serving the community and bringing comfort and joy to local children in need.
When not at work, he enjoys jogging and spending time with his wife and two teenage children.
Madeson Sebastian
Program Support - Greater CincinnatiMadeson brings over 15 years of experience as an administrative and support specialist. She brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a heart for service to her role.
A proud Cincinnati resident, wife, and mother of two, Madeson is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her community.
Her work with S4TS is driven by a deep awareness of the needs of local children and a genuine desire to bring relief, joy, and dignity to every child served.
Michelle Bennett
Operations DirectorMichelle is a Dayton native.
Holding an accounting degree from Wright State, her role has evolved to a staff position overseeing our inventory management and banking operations.
She began as a volunteer for S4TS in 2013 and fell in love with our mission.
Daniel Downs
Operational SupportDanny comes to us after spending over 7 years at Kroger, primarily working as an assistant and department head manager. He brings several skills, including inventory management, warehouse ordering, and immense amounts of communication abilities. He has spent most of his life in Kettering, where he developed a strong connection to his community and a passion for helping others, from volunteering at animal shelters to just lending a helping hand to a neighbor.
He graduated from Kettering Fairmont High School in 2021 after attending Kettering City Schools throughout his schooling, and completed the Marketing Career Tech Program, where he gained valuable skills in communication, strategy, and human relations.
From a young age, he has been driven by a genuine desire to support and uplift those around him, something that continues to shape both his personal and professional approach today.
He is excited to be a part of the S4TS team to further help his community, those around him, and any others who need it.
Vernon Williams
Resource DeveloperVernon Williams brings a wealth of experience in writing, marketing, and community development to his role as Resource Developer for Shoes 4 The Shoeless.
A graduate of Miami University in Oxford with a degree in English, Vernon is an award-winning writer and filmmaker.
Born in Louisville, KY, and raised in Columbus, OH, Vernon has a strong background in marketing, grant writing, and development, having led efforts for the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, serving the Greater Cincinnati and Greater Miami Valley areas. In addition to his professional work, he has coached the University of Cincinnati Club Women’s Team for nine years, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to mentorship.Vernon has been an active supporter of Shoes 4 The Shoeless for the past two years, serving as both a dedicated volunteer and a member of the Cincinnati Advisory Board during the organization’s expansion into the city. Now, as Resource Developer, he is committed to strengthening partnerships and securing resources to further the mission of providing properly fitting shoes and socks to children in need.
Above all, Vernon is a devoted husband and proud father to one sweet baby boy, driven by his passion for service and making a lasting impact in the community.
Katie Cook
Administrative AssistantKatie Cook is the Administrative Assistant for Shoes 4 The Shoeless, where she brings a deep passion for service and community engagement.
Katie has been an active volunteer with the organization since 2010, taking joy in every opportunity to make a difference. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and her master’s degree from the University of Dayton.
With a rich career spanning over twenty-six years, Katie has taught middle school social studies in the Vandalia-Butler City School system and previously served as an eighth-grade teacher at Queen of Martyrs Catholic School in Dayton, Ohio. As a liaison between Shoes for the Shoeless and Vandalia-Butler City Schools, she has played a pivotal role in providing many children with new shoes, a contribution that has left a lasting impact on her students.
Katie, who comes from a proud family with Cincinnati roots in Norwood and Reading, is excited to officially join the Shoes 4 The Shoeless team, where she looks forward to continuing her mission of helping children in need.
Board of Directors
Dr. Brie Nelson
Board MemberDr. Brie Nelson is an experienced educator, professor, curriculum designer, and educational leader with a background in instructional technology, distance education, curriculum development, and educational administration. She currently serves as a Professor of Education at Capella University and as a Dissertation Chair and Committee Member at Missouri Baptist University, supporting master’s and doctoral students through teaching, research, course design, and dissertation development. Dr. Nelson’s work has included online and blended learning, charter school oversight, educational innovation, program development, and leadership training. Her research interests include trauma-based interventions, twice-exceptional learners, neurodivergence, and instructional approaches that support diverse learners. She holds an EdD in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Eric Halter
Board ChairEric Halter graduated from Wright State University in 1998 with a Bachelors of Science. Eventually obtaining a MBA at the University of Dayton, he currently works at Wright-Patterson Air
Force Base leading a 75-person team of R&D Scientists and Engineers. Prior to his employment at WPAFB, he was the Executive Director at First Baptist Church of Kettering. In that role he helped lead the strategic and operational planning for the 800+ member, multi-campus church.
Eric is married, has three children, and resides in the Centerville/Springboro area.
Brian Culpepper
TreasurerBrian Culpepper graduated from Wright State University in 1995 after earning a double Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Business Management. Brian continued at Wright State to complete his MBA in 2005. He is currently President of James Investment Research, Inc., where he serves on the Investment Committee and oversees the firm’s management.
Brian became involved with S4TS after his wife Kristie raved about how this organization is changing lives. Brian is currently serving a term as an At-Large Board Member through 2024. He aids Shoes in overseeing our short & long-term investments; Brian and Kristie live in Beavercreek with their two boys, Addison and Tucker, and daughter Annie Kate. Both are active members of First Baptist Church of Kettering, Ohio.
Travis Kinnison
SecretaryTravis Kinnison has been a Dayton metro resident majority of his life. He grew up north of town in Tipp City and currently lives in Xenia with his wife and four daughters. Travis is an active church member at Xenia Nazarene and serves Shoes 4 the Shoeless through the use of his graphic art and marketing talents. Travis is employed as the Creative Director at James Investment Research, Inc. He is currently serving a term as the Board Secretary through 2025.
Lamonte Hall
Board MemberLamonte Hall, Jr., is born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He holds a BA in Communications from Central State University, and a MBA from Western Governor’s University. Lamonte works for the City of Dayton where he currently serves as the Executive Director of the Human Relations Council. In prior roles with the City of Dayton, he served as a Recreation Facility Specialist, Program Coordinator, and Division Manager of the Dayton Convention Center. Lamonte is the co-founder of The Unit, a community service-based group that has provided free workouts to the community 2-3 times per week since 2009. Lamonte is excited to join the ST4S team and looks forward to helping further the mission and vision of this amazing organization.
Sally Royer
Board MemberSally Royer is a lifelong Dayton resident. Royer spent over 30 years working as a social worker providing case management to at risk children and their families. Spending the past 22 years as the district social worker for Miamisburg City Schools. Her passion for children and making sure their needs were met led her to creating many programs in that community including Community Connections, EMPOWER mothers group and their After School Program. In 2016 NASW Ohio Chapter awarded her The Region VII Social Worker of the Year. Sally and her husband Bob have 3 grown children. With her recent retirement she is very excited and honored to continue to serve children as a board member for this valuable organization.
Abigail Weitzel
Board MemberAbby Weitzel grew up in Coldwater, Ohio, but fell in love with all things Cincinnati once she started college and has stayed ever since.
She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2016 with her Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education. She knew her passion was working with kids and serving her community. She went on a post-graduation college tour, attending Wittenberg University for a reading endorsement, Bowling Green University for a license expansion, Western Governors University for her Master’s degree, and Northcentral University for an educational specialist degree to fulfill her passion for education.
Abby teaches first grade in Cincinnati Public Schools and also serves as a mentor for Girls to Women within the district. If she’s not at school, she enjoys exploring the city with her dog, Kerchak. She is excited to join in Shoes 4 the Shoeless and all it stands for.
Terry Perdue
Board MemberTerry is currently a Patrol officer with the Dayton Police Department. He has served in multiple positions for the city of Dayton over the past 10 years. Past positions included serving as a recruitment officer, community engagement officer as well as a detective for special investigations. During his time with the department Perdue created a program that provides officers with snacks and resources to engage our youth while on duty.
Before serving as a police officer, he worked for Montgomery County, as a job coach and rehabilitation specialist for adults with special needs for 12 years.
A product of Dayton Public Schools, graduating from Dunbar High School in 1998. Purdue completed his AA degree at Sinclair Community College and BS at Wilberforce University.
Recently, he spearheaded an organization called The Unit. This organization offers free health and fitness classes for all members of the community and provides monthly opportunities for the members to serve in their communities.
Since 2009 they have had thousands of participants at our programs as well as thousands of hours volunteering within Montgomery County.
Terry’s hobbies includes real estate, fitness and encouragement.
Charley Frank
Board MemberCharley Frank began as executive director of the Reds Community Fund in 2004. During his tenure, Frank has helped complete the $8 million P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy complex, led Major League Baseball All-Star Game “Legacy” projects, and helped secure the 2023 MLB Allen H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence.
Frank oversees youth baseball and softball programs; directs the Community Fund’s field renovation efforts and leads the annual, award-winning “Community Makeover” collaboration. He has established annual fundraisers such as the Marty Brennaman Golf Classic, Redlegs Run and the Reds Community Fund Telethon.
Frank serves on the board of KidFuture CPS (nonprofit arm of Cincinnati Public Schools), Shoes 4 The Shoeless, Kid Glove and Holom House. He received the “Joe Nuxhall Humanitarian Award” in November 2018 and was recognized by Lighthouse Youth Services as a “Beacon of Light” winner in 2026.
Previously, Frank spent 11 years with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves as vice president of communications. Frank is a Northwestern University and Walnut Hills HS graduate. He and his wife, Dr. Amy Snyder, reside in Cincinnati with their son Sam, and daughter, Avery.