About Us

Welcome to TRIO Northern Ohio:
A New Chapter

Our Legacy of Service

For over three decades, the Transplant Recipients International Organization Greater Cleveland Chapter has been dedicated to assisting those facing organ failure, transplant recipients, families of organ and tissue donors and healthcare staff.  Our longstanding commitment has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many throughout the community.

Introducing TRIO Northern Ohio

We are excited to announce that our organization is now known as TRIO Northern Ohio. As a vibrant group of survivors, families, and advocates, we remain focused on enhancing the quality of life for every transplant candidate, recipient, and their loved ones in our region. Like the field of transplantation, we have evolved and adapted over time. As the need for transplants has increased and the procedures have become more common, our community's needs have grown as well. Accordingly, our organization has expanded, now serving Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Toledo, and all northern Ohio.

Renewed Commitment and Expanded Focus

Now, as TRIO Northern Ohio, we are moving forward with renewed energy and a broader focus. If you are not already a member, we invite you to reconnect and join our community.

Enhanced Online Experience

Our new website, www.trionorthernohio.org, features improved tools to make your participation even easier. From setting up your account and checking your membership status to reviewing ticket purchases and accessing valuable resources, everything is conveniently available in one place.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future

We are advancing with a bold vision to expand our reach through transformative education, powerful advocacy, increased awareness, and a growing support network. Whether you seek information, a helping hand, or an opportunity to give back, we are here to ensure that no one faces their transplant journey alone. Join us as we embark on this new chapter and help us build a stronger, more connected community together.

Mission

TRIO is committed to improving the quality of lives touched by the miracle of transplantation through support, advocacy, education, and awareness.
Senior woman and caregiver strolling outside
Volunteers distributing food at outdoor event

Values

TRIO is widely recognized and respected as the leading voice of transplantation, representing donors, candidates, recipients, and their families. Through the TRIO Headquarters and a network of chapters and members-at-large.

Board of Trustees

Woman in glasses against a plain background.

Mary Penko - Past President

Mary is a liver transplant coordinator at University Hospitals and has been involved in transplantation for 29 years.  She has been on the Board of our local chapter of the International Transplant Nurses Society and a long-term volunteer for the American Liver Foundation serving on the Walk Committee, Team Captain for UH, and the Medical Advisory Committee.

On a personal note, Mary has 3 daughters and a cat! If elected, Mary plans to bring her experience to the TRIO Board because she has a passion for transplant, is excited to explore another local organization, and advocates to encourage patient involvement.

Read More
David Engeman

David Engeman- President

Dave is a heart transplant recipient who spent 6 months in the hospital prior to transplant on a Total Artificial Heart. After Transplant he spent another 3 months in rehab recovering from a difficult transplant. Dave feels that after receiving the gift of life that it is part of his mission as a transplant recipient to do all he can to bring awareness...

to organ donation and that Trio is a wonderful organization to forward that mission. He currently spends time spreading the word about organ transplantation by speaking at the local high school to provide awareness to sophomores before they apply for their driver's licenses. He also works with Life Connection of Ohio. Dave is married to Rita and is the father of three daughters and grandfather of two.

Read More
Melissa Zatek

Melissa Zatek – Vice President

Melissa has a master's in nursing education and has been working in the transplant field for 15+ years. She is a certified clinical transplant coordinator and certified case manager. Throughout her time as a transplant nurse, she has held transplant coordinator positions in intestinal transplant, pre-kidney transplant, post-kidney transplant, and liver transplant at UPMC, OSU, and UH.

Currently, Melissa is working as a pre/post-transplant coordinator for the pediatric liver and kidney transplant programs at UH.

Melissa has also worked as a transplant case manager for an insurance care management company, where she managed patients seeking bone marrow and solid organ transplants. Currently, Melissa is working as a pre/post-transplant coordinator for the pediatric liver and kidney transplant programs at UH. Melissa is an active member of TRIO Greater Cleveland and was a participant on the Pre-Transplant Coordinator Panel for TRIO in October 2020.

Read More
New Project (66)-Picsart-AiImageEnhancer

Erika Demars, MSN - Trustee

Erika Demars, MSN, is an accomplished transplant nursing leader with more than 25 years of experience in clinical care, transplant coordination, and program leadership. She began her nursing career in 1998 and quickly discovered a profound passion for transplantation, dedicating much of her career to the cardiothoracic and abdominal transplant fields.

Erika has served as a transplant coordinator since 2008, most notably as the Lead Heart Transplant Coordinator at Henry Ford Hospital. Her leadership journey expanded across several major health systems, including roles as Manager of the Heart and Lung Transplant Program at The Ohio State University and Director of the Lung Transplant Program at Temple University Hospital. She recently joined University Hospitals as the Manager of the Abdominal Transplant Program, where she continues to advance clinical excellence and operational innovation in organ transplantation.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Erika has been deeply involved in national organizations shaping the future of donation and transplantation. She is a past president of NATCO – The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals – where she also served on the Board of Directors for seven years. Additionally, she completed a two‑year term on the Board of Directors for UNOS/OPTN (United Network for Organ Sharing / Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network), contributing to policy development and national governance of transplant practices.

Erika is dedicated to improving transplant patient outcomes, strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of transplant professionals.

Read More
Lynda Corea

Lynda Corea, PT, M.Ed. - Trustee

Lynda knows the joy of receiving and the bittersweet joy of giving. Her son, Mike, received a liver transplant at the age of 13. Nine years later, he was killed while riding his motorcycle. He became one of a handful of people in the U.S. to be an organ recipient and an organ donor. He donated his heart, lungs, corneas, skin, ligaments, tendons, and long bones.

Mike’s passion became Lynda’s passion. Lynda volunteers for Lifebanc in several capacities. She has spoken for many organizations throughout the state of Ohio. When Mike passed, Lynda and her family established a scholarship fund at TRIO, awarding 14 $1,000 scholarships. They also established the Michael Allen Corea scholarship fund at Ohio State for organ recipients.

Read More
Colleen Gerber

Colleen Gerber-Trustee

Colleen has lived and breathed donation and transplantation for more than 35 years. As a young woman, she experienced kidney failure and dialysis, but was fortunate to receive a living kidney donation from her sister. Twenty years later, she required a second transplant and was surprised when a perfectly matched deceased donor became available.

She has worked at Lifebanc, the area organ recovery agency, for more than 24 years. Colleen holds a BA degree in Multimedia Communications and certification in Broadcast Communications. She has produced a local radio show for more than twenty years and is currently the host of the Lifebanc podcast, Let's Talk About Life.

Read More
Greg Friedman

Greg Friedman – Treasurer

Greg Friedman is a retired high school teacher of computer science, computer programming, accounting, and public speaking. Greg received a heart transplant in January 2020 after a 14-year wait. Learning and educating are part of who he is. Greg has attended most TRIO activities since 2021 and has been working as a speaker for Lifebanc in high schools, informing and advocating for organ, eye, and tissue donation.

After his “Second Chance at Life,” Greg promised himself that he would do everything he could to make his life count for something bigger than himself. Greg feels he has proven to be an honorable recipient and a dedicated advocate for transplanted individuals and organ donation. Greg prides himself on being prompt and emphatic about everything he does.

Read More
Tonya Gomez

Tonya Gomez – Trustee

Tonya Gomez was determined to live her life. She graduated from Bellevue High School

and then from The Ohio State University, earning a degree in human ecology with a concentration in dietetics. She worked as a clinical nutrition manager at the Fulton County Health Center.

Tonya was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was just nine months old. Her lung function dropped to 19%. But a gift from a young donor saved her life.

Read More
Kristy Hoffman

Kristy Hoffman – Trustee

Kristy Hoffman is a registered nurse who works as a transplant coordinator in post-lung transplant at the Cleveland Clinic. Kristy has over 20 years of experience as a nurse working in the ICU and close to 10 in lung transplantation. Kristy is experienced and someone who has been consistently recognized for her effort to always put the care and needs of the patient first. Kristy has...

been a leader in having the exposure and understanding of technology changes and advancements in care delivery methods. She has helped the Cleveland Clinic Transplant Team make changes to provide better services to our patients and caregivers. Kristy has volunteered with her family to assist our transplant patients. Kristy has dedicated her career to providing transplants to more patients than ever. Kristy and her team were vital to the Cleveland Clinic in achieving the most transplants for needy patients in need in 2023 in the United States.

Kristy is an informal Cleveland Clinic leader with nearly ten years of transplant experience. Kristy is highly specialized and skilled at patient care delivery methods. Kristy would be an exceptional member to provide the board with information on trend changes that occur to advance care and resources for transplant patients in this ever-changing environment. Kristy meets patients “where they are and is a huge advocate, ensuring we offer everything possible to support a successful transplant outcome.

Read More
tempImage4xWRuC (1)

Nikki Hamons- Trustee

Nikki is a clinical pharmacist from Maumee, Ohio who received her second chance at life in April of 2023 by liver transplant at University Hospitals in Cleveland.  She was 38 years old at the time of transplant and had been suffering from PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis) since 2014.

As a pharmacist who daily helps patients with their chronic disease management, Nikki has a unique perspective as both a healthcare provider and transplant recipient.  She has a passion for helping others navigate post-transplant life and become advocates for themselves to stay on top of all their medication related needs.  As a member of the TRIO board, she is motivated to grow membership, especially around the Northwest Ohio area and those who received kidney transplants from the University of Toledo Medical Center where she is employed. 

In her spare time, Nikki likes to spend the summer with her husband and young daughter around the Lake Erie islands and enjoys rooting for all major Cleveland sports teams!

Read More
Jennifer Clegg

Jennifer Clegg-Secretary

As a licensed social worker, Jennifer has used her education in the world of kidney disease and dialysis. Jennifer is the Client Services and Community Manager for the Kidney Foundation of Ohio. She comes into the role with a deep understanding of kidney disease as a former social worker at DaVita Kidney Care.

However, Jennifer also has a personal connection as a kidney transplant recipient. Jennifer brings a unique perspective with her education, experience, and personal journey of kidney disease and transplantation.

Read More
image 1 (1)

David Mallamaci-Trustee

David is a dedicated Family Physician with 28 years of experience serving patients in North Canton, Ohio. As a partner at Jackson Family Practice, he has provided exceptional care to the residents of Stark County and Northeast Ohio. In 2001, Dr. Mallamaci was diagnosed with familial cardiomyopathy, a condition that progressively worsened over the years. In 2023, after a challenging journey, he was placed on the heart transplant list, hospitalized, and ultimately received a life-saving heart transplant. at the Cleveland Clinic on November 30, 2023. Following a smooth recovery, Dr. Mallamaci returned to his practice in November 2024. Motivated by his personal experience, he is now eager to serve the transplant community through volunteerism, leadership, and advocacy.

Dr. Mallamaci has a unique perspective as both a physician and transplant recipient will allow him to offer valuable insights into the need~ and challenges of transplant patients. His extensive experience in patient care, combined with his passion for advocating for the transplant community, makes him an ideal candidate for the position of trustee at TRIO Greater Cleveland. His commitment to leadership and volunteerism further demonstrates his dedication to improving the lives of others within the transplant community.

Read More

Donor Awareness

Promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation as an important social responsibility. Developing and supporting mechanisms to improve the availability of organs and tissues on an equitable basis to meet the needs of transplant candidates. A Simply "YES" can save live.

Make YOUR donation decision now!

Online donation with heart symbol
Overhead view of joined hands in unity

TRIO Board Members -
Through the Years

We are thrilled and humbled to be affiliated with the following organizations within our Greater Cleveland Transplant Community (GCTC)! We look forward to these ongoing collaborations to bring you and our transplant community more education, opportunity, and overall benefit!! with: We’ve been fortunate to have many dedicated and passionate individuals serve on the TRIO board over the years. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the meaningful contributions they’ve made in support of our transplant recipients.