Staff
Julie Beckert
Interim Executive director
Beckert brings 40 years of institutional and community knowledge to the role. Prior to this role, she has served on CANAPI’s Board of Directors since 2017, most recently in the role of President. Beckert served as the Small Business Liaison with the Office of Economic Development for the City of Akron for 12 years, retiring in 2025. Prior to joining the City, Beckert had extensive experience in special event coordinating, sales, and marketing. She participated in the planning and implementation of multiple community events including, Akron Flair Fest, Gay Games 9, Akron Square Fest, Akron Arts Expo, Open Streets and all 9 years of the Akron Pride Festival, where she currently serves as the co-chair. Beckert is a graduate of the University of Akron and a proud lifelong resident of Summit County.
Julie can be reached at jbeckert@canapi.org
Megan LaConte
Director of operations
Megan started with CANAPI in January of 2022. Previously, she managed a small homeless shelter in Portage County for three years.
As CANAPI’s Director of Operations, Megan oversees the agency’s day-to-day operations and ensures that CANAPI is meeting its strategic goals through grant writing, team leadership, and process improvement.
Megan has Master of Public Health (2022) and Bachelor of Science in Public Health (2018) degrees, both from Kent State University.
Megan can be reached at mlaconte@canapi.org
Julie Caruso
Development Consultant
Julie Caruso has 17 years of development experience and has led multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns. She has her own consulting business, J Caruso Consulting. Caruso is working on a part-time contractual basis for the organization to assist with creating new funding streams and opportunities.
Julie can be reached at jcaruso@canapi.org
Matt Herold
Program manager
Matt began his employment at CANAPI in August of 2023, but his involvement with the agency began prior to that as an avid volunteer.
As the Outreach & Prevention Manager, Matt oversees the operations of CANAPI’s Lavender Landing programs, the STRMU program, and the HIV Prevention program.
Matt taught yoga for 10 years prior to working for CANAPI. Matt is excited to expand his knowledge and ability to help those in need and utilize what he already knows through teaching yoga as therapy.
Matt can be reached at mherold@canapi.org
Brooke Frank
Program Manager
Brooke joined CANAPI by way of Dayton, OH as the Housing and Support Specialist in December 2022. In this role, Brooke served as the Case Manager for Micah Project RRH, HOPWA TBRA, and Shelter + Care Programs while additionally facilitating the food pantry alongside volunteers. Brooke served the community through client facing interaction day-to-day until her promotion to Program Manager in March 2025. In this role, Brooke is proud to build relationships with individuals within the community, foster collaboration with community organizations and advocate for universal housing for all.
During her time at Wright State University, Brooke double-majored in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Psychology with a minor in Criminology. Previously serving as the Vice President of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Brooke's background in philanthropy and activism led her to build relationships with organizations in Midwest Ohio such as GLSEN, SURJ, NOW, Artemis Domestic Violence Shelter and the YWCA.
Brooke can be reached at bfrank@canapi.org
Huda Mahmood
Maintenance specialist
Huda started at CANAPI in August of 2023. She has 6 years of maintenance experience. She previously worked at other Akron apartment complexes as maintenance and loves to fix homes and apartments.
She has her own business in the home improvement field, called “Jadeed Renovation.” She started her business in 2017 and is a self-taught handywoman. Her business handles all plumbing, carpentry, finishing and electrical needs. Her passion is fixing up homes and bringing a new fresh look to all her projects.
Huda is very happy to bring her maintenance expertise to CANAPI’s properties.
Huda can be reached at hmahmood@canapi.org
Frankie Wall
Administrative assistant
Frankie joined CANAPI in February 2025. He came to us by way of Starbucks and Nationwide Children’s Hospital with a background in process improvement, data analysis, accreditation, and project management. In addition, he studied City and Regional Planning at The Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with a focus in urban design and urban development.
Frankie looks forward to utilizing his skills and experience to serve our community and work towards bettering outcomes.
Frankie can be reached at fwall@canapi.org