Austin Meyers - Co-Executive Director

Austin is a medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine pursuing his Doctor of Medicine degree with a Distinction in Business and Leadership. He previously graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University with degrees in Honors Chemistry and Psychology.

Austin has experience in healthcare leadership, education, mentorship, and community outreach through roles in clinical operations, emergency medicine leadership organizations, tutoring, counseling, and nonprofit development. He has worked extensively with students, recovery populations, and community organizations throughout southern Ohio and Kentucky.

As Co-Founder of STEP, Austin works to help students better understand the opportunities available after high school through mentorship, professional development, and career exploration initiatives. His goal is to help students build confidence, expand career awareness, and develop skills that support long-term success.

Dr. Austin Raines 

Dr. Austin Raines, DSW, LISW-S, CMCS, is an Appalachian native and first-generation college graduate from Scioto County, Ohio. He serves as Director of Career Services and Adjunct Faculty at Shawnee State University, Part-Time Instructor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work MSW Program, and Navigator for Scioto County Aspire.

Austin holds degrees in Social Science and Sociology from Shawnee State University and earned both his Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work degrees from the University of Kentucky, with concentrations in Social Work Education and Community and Social Development. His professional experience spans higher education, adult education, workforce development, social work, and career services, with contributions to curriculum development, grant initiatives, research, and professional presentations and publications.

Throughout his work, Austin is dedicated to helping individuals discover purpose and pursue educational and career goals that align with their strengths, interests, and aspirations. He believes education and workforce development can create opportunities for personal growth, strengthen communities, and promote economic mobility.

Outside of his professional roles, Austin enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending live music and comedy events, and sharing life with his partner, Christina, and their pug, Prudence Praline. Together, they believe that in a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.

Sharee Price

Sharee Price is the Gifted Services Coordinator for the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center, where she develops and oversees educational programs that expand opportunities for students across 14 school districts. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehead State University and a Master of Education with an emphasis in Fine Arts from the University of Rio Grande, while also completing additional graduate coursework in education and studio art. Over her career, she has served 27 years as a public school educator and has taught for more than three decades as an adjunct art instructor at Shawnee State University.

Throughout her career, Price has led regional initiatives in gifted education, literacy, academic enrichment, leadership development, and the arts, creating many learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom. She has collaborated with schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to develop programs that inspire creativity and lifelong learning. Her commitment to supporting student growth and innovative learning experiences has earned statewide recognition and reflects her belief that every student deserves opportunities to explore their potential and achieve success in reaching their personal goals.