The Team
Who We Are
Kayla Rhodus
Founder & President
Kayla Rhodus founded Shining Spectrum Farmstead in 2021. She has 15 years of experience in customer service, developing processes and implementing procedures. Her passion, dedication and love for Autism stems from her own personal connection with her Godson, Kemper. Kemper is the inspiration behind why she started this organization. She had the vision of creating a sensory farm and wanted to begin hosting local sensory friendly events. Her goal was to provide a safe space full of love and free from judgement where children like Kemper could build friendships and where families could feel safe, respected and heard. She has since then, spent all her time bringing that vision to life for the autistic community. Kemper has always been her driving force but all of the children and families she continues to meet and build connections with is the reason she continues to grow the organization. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to have their voice be heard and be provided with the resources to reach their fullest potential.
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Shea Daley Burdette
Secretary
Shea Daley Burdette is an Assistant Professor of Law Libraries and the Assistant Director of the Zimmerman Law Library at University of Dayton. She has experience working as a paralegal for the Dayton U.S Attorney’s Office, providing over 450 hours of volunteer legal service as an intern during law school, and serving as a law clerk in both federal and state courts across Ohio. During law school, she advocated for programming to make sure future legal and medical professionals were educated and prepared to better provide services to individuals on the spectrum—organizing a university-wide summit titled Buckeyes Learn the Spectrum, which prioritized having speakers on each panel that were on the spectrum themselves. The Ohio State University's Disability Services selected her as the 2022 Outstanding Student Advocate Award recipient, which is given to an exemplary advocate for disability access and inclusion at the University. Shea has a special connection with multiple loved ones on the spectrum. She is an important part of our organization and is always willing to take care of things behind the scenes or up front.
Marion Rhodus
Treasurer
Marion Rhodus has 15+ years of experience in accounting, budgets, financial reporting, and strategic planning. He spent his career working as the Director of Finance and administrative services for Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Board. He also spent multiple years working for Preble County Board of Mental Health and assisted the Jefferson House non-profit organization in Eaton, OH with their strategic planning. In the past Mr. Rhodus served as Treasurer for the developing Board that helped stand up the Miracle Clubhouse in Dayton, Ohio as well. Marion is passionate about helping communities and organizations reach their fullest potential and we are excited to have him as part of our team!
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Greg Rhodus
Project Manager
Greg Rhodus is our Project Manager and has 20+ years experience in the construction industry with skills in various trades such as concrete, brick masonry, roofing, laying pipe, operating heavy equipment, and installation/demolition of bridges. Greg has installed pavers all over downtown Cincinnati including UC Bearcats Stadium and has worked on bridges from Cincinnati to Dayton. He has a special eye for design and is passionate about bringing ideas to life. He is an instrumental piece to our organization and his drive, dedication, and attention to detail sets him apart from others. We are thankful for the hard work and resources he provides, and we look forward to seeing his passion and skills shine as he begins to bring the sensory stations to life. Greg has attended every event we have hosted and loves to support the families in every way he can.
