brian smallwood, executive director

Brian Smallwood has been actively involved in developing grassroots programs for overs 25 years in Cleveland.  He is the Tennis Director of Center Court Tennis Club, as well as the head coach for the Hawken School boys and girls Varsity Tennis Teams.  Brian created and formed the Inner City Tennis Clinics in 2009 and served as Executive Director for 10 years.  

Under his leadership, ICTC received the USTA Midwest Section NJTL of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2016.  Brian has also served as the Vice President for USPTA Northeastern Section and won the 2017 NEOTA Volunteer of the Year Award.

cheryl chase, Ph.d., president

Dr. Cheryl Chase is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Independence, Ohio.  She specializes in the assessment and treatment of various conditions impacting children and young adults.  She also serves as an adjunct professor at several local colleges.  Dr. Chase was a collegiate athlete in the 1990's, but wasn't introduced to tennis until well into adulthood, when she immediately fell in love with the game.  She is thrilled to combine her professional knowledge with her passion for the game in order to bring tennis to those who might otherwise not have a chance to play.  In addition to her practice, she is also an accomplished speaker at the local and national levels.  

Nancy sobecks, md, vice president

Nancy Sobecks, MD has practiced as an Internal Medicine physician for 20+ years.  Tennis has been a passion of hers since she started playing over 10 years ago. After becoming owner of Center Court Tennis Club in 2019, she partnered with the Cleveland Diocese to start CYO tennis in Northeast Ohio.  She looks forward to expanding the outreach of the sport to an even more diverse group of people through THRiVE.  She won the 2021 USPTA Midwest Division National Star Award for expanding diversity in tennis.  

anna miller, treasurer 

Mary vanucci, secretary 

A seasoned Event and Hospitality Professional, Mary brings to THRiVE 30+ years experience in meeting, special event and wedding planning in both the non-profit and corporate environments.  Mary has served on the Leadership Board for the Achievement Centers for Children, and has assisted with annual fundraising events.  An avid tennis player for over 40 years, Mary brings to THRiVE her passion for the game, combined with her continued interest in helping children with special needs.  After retiring from the InterContinental Hotel in 2018, Mary joined the Center Court team as the Front Desk Manager.

victoria kuczynski

Vicky Kuczynski serves as the Marketing Coordinator for Center Court Tennis Club.  She earned her BBA from Cleveland State University.  She has a passion for volunteerism and has been involved with organizations such Hands On Northeast Ohio, Medworks, the Cleveland Foodbank, as well as actively volunteering in the school PTO.  Vicky is an avid tennis player and looks forward to sharing her love of the game through her work with THRiVE.

stephanie mabee 

Stephanie is a long-time Northeast Ohio resident, working in corporate tax software development.  She currently resides in Richfield with her husband, son and two rambunctious Goldendoodles.  Mental health is a passion, as is tennis, so the opportunity to work with an organization that promotes both is a dream come true for her.