Heartland Staff
Eddie Rapp, LSW
Executive Director
Eddie joined Heartland High School as our Executive Director in 2023. He is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with over 18 years of non-profit leadership experience. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping others, Eddie is a trusted leader in the community. He has a track record of success and innovation, having developed and directed two social enterprises. He prides himself on having strong fiscal management and program growth.
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In Eddie’s previous work, he developed and managed numerous programs to help those in need. He partnered with federal, state, and local agencies to propel organizational and program development. As a collaborator, Eddie believes it takes the whole community to “Be the Change” in people’s lives.
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Eddie has a passion for helping young people succeed, develop, and excel in our communities, regardless of the barriers they may face. He is excited to work alongside Heartland students and families to build their recovery capital and ensure access to a recovery-centered education.
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Eddie, his wife, and their children have lived and been a part of the Central Ohio community their whole life. When Eddie and his family are not working, they enjoy spending time at the lake and at their many sporting events.
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Shelia Sales
Lead Teacher
Shelia Sales is an educator, social entrepreneur, youth advocate, and benefactor. Over the years, she and her sons selflessly donated countless hours and partnered with numerous community organizations such as Homeless For Families and Family Adolescent & Child Community Engagement Service (F.A.C.C.E.S).
Presently, she is the owner and operator of Bennu Health and Wellness, a youth social-emotional learning platform, and the founder and chair of Feniks Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to optimizing our youth's developmental process through community engagement. She played a key role in developing and implementing academic, Second Step, and Social Emotional Learning programs at Mansion Day School, Millennium Community Schools, Hilltop Y.M.C.A., and Central Community House, significantly benefiting the youth that she served.
She became part of the Heartland family in September 2021. Shelia is deeply passionate about helping young people develop, enhance, and advocate for their social and emotional well-being. Shelia is a resident of Columbus, Ohio and is the mother of two outstanding sons.
Alicia Berkemer
Director of Administration
Alyssa Dodd
APG Peer Recovery Coach
Alyssa Dodd holds the distinction of being the very first graduate of Heartland High School, earning her diploma in 2020. Currently pursuing a degree in social work, Alyssa is deeply committed to supporting adolescents through change and recovery.
Since 2018, she has been actively involved in the recovery community, drawing on her own experiences to guide and inspire others. As the proud parent of two daughters, Alyssa is motivated to create positive and supportive environments for young people, and she is excited to give back to the Heartland community that played such an important role in her journey.
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Mary Jane Sanese
Outreach Coordinator
Mary Jane is a communications professional with a passion for storytelling and building connections. As a published journalist working for USA Today Network, The Columbus Dispatch and Axios, Mary Jane has a strong ability to create engaging content that informs and resonates with audiences. Her experience working on Capitol Hill gives her a solid understanding of strategic messaging, advocacy, and how to navigate complex communication challenges.
With a focus on nonprofit work, Mary Jane has used her skills to develop outreach strategies, build relationships with community partners, and increase organizational visibility. She is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations tell their stories and make a real impact. Whether working on outreach plans or managing media relations, Mary Jane is committed to creating content that connects people and drives meaningful results and is excited to be working with a non-profit organization as impactful as Heartland High School.
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