Sheltering Oxford was founded on the belief that everyone in our community deserves a safe and secure place to call home. The seven members of its founding board bring together diverse experience, perspectives, and connections united by a shared commitment to compassionate, dignified, and collaborative responses to housing instability. Together, they are helping build an organization that not only provides shelter, but works alongside individuals and community partners to create pathways to safe, permanent housing.
Jennifer Bailer, President – In 2025-2026, Jennifer served as supervisor and staff liaison for the 7 staff members of the Oxford Winter House (OWH) homeless shelter. She has also played an active role in advancing OWH and developing its sustainability plan (helping with grant-writing, bylaws and 501(c)(3) status). A retired public health official, she has experience in grant writing/administration, management and project planning to meet community needs. She has worked with a variety of vulnerable populations in health, mental health and prevention capacities. She is a master’s level registered nurse, and a founding board member of and current president of Oxford Area Solutions for Housing (OASH).
Alisha Bond, Legal Liaison – Alisha is a proud Miami University alumni whose connection to the unhoused community is shaped by both personal lived experience and her professional work with individuals facing housing instability. She currently works as a Peer Support Specialist throughout Butler County, supporting individuals through recovery, housing instability, and connection to community resources. Alisha also served as a coordinator at Oxford Winter House during the previous shelter season, working directly with guests, volunteers, and the Oxford community. Having experienced housing instability herself, she brings a unique perspective and a deep belief in meeting people where they are. Alisha loves the Oxford community and is grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to a community that has played such an important role in her own life.
Jim Kiper, Vice President – Dr. Kiper retired from the faculty at Miami University and holds a PhD in computer science. He served as an associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computing for about 6 years and as Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering for 10 years. He taught college students for 44 years, 36 of which were at Miami University. He served on the University Senate for 6 years and one term as chair of the Executive Committee. He was Co-Principal Investigator of an NSF grant in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program to support students from underrepresented groups in STEM majors. He has served as co-advisor of the Habitat for Humanity student group for several years. Jim will be president-elect of the Oxford Kiwanis chapter starting in September 2026 and is the current president of the Board of Directors of the Oxford Country Club.
John Richter, Facility and Insurance Liaison – John brings a wealth of pastoral and community service experience to the board, notably as the co-founding and Senior Pastor of the Oxford Vineyard Church, where he has faithfully served for 17 years. Prior to his leadership at Oxford Vineyard, John spent five years volunteering with New Life Vineyard. During this time, he was deeply involved with the CHOSN ministry, providing direct support and care to individuals experiencing homelessness. His commitment to this cause was further demonstrated through his pivotal role in the early stages of the Oxford Winter House, where he served as the acting chair during its inaugural year. In addition to his leadership, John and his wife, Kim, were regular hands-on volunteers throughout the ministry’s first year of operation. His heart is to show the love of Jesus to all people, and specifically those struggling with homelessness.
Arial Seiler, Secretary – As a teen, Arial experienced unstable housing and saw firsthand some of the unique challenges that being under-housed can present. She hopes to bring that experience and advocacy to meet practical needs in our community, Oxford Winter House, and beyond.
Matthew M. Wieland, Treasurer – Dr. Wieland is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business, where he teaches financial accounting. He grew up in Akron, Ohio, attended the University of Akron, and later earned his Ph.D. in Accounting from Indiana University. In addition to his academic career, Matt is committed to serving his community. From 2017 to 2021, he served on the Board of Directors of Hope’s Closet, a nonprofit supporting foster families in Butler County, including several years as Treasurer. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Calvary Church.
Deb Wells, Grants Liaison – Deb is a licensed social worker with over 30 years of work in housing and homelessness. She has worked in Butler County for more than 10 years and currently provides outreach services to unsheltered individuals. She connects resources, services, and landlords. During the operation of Oxford Winter House in 2025–2026, Deb provided information and support to the developing Oxford Winter House project, and she looks forward to working with the other Sheltering Oxford board members on more long-term solutions for the Oxford community.