Heartland Staff
Candice R. Greenwade M.Ed.
Head of School
Candice Greenwade is a visionary leader in the field of education who is committed to the needs of youth and families. She serves as Executive Director and Head of School for Heartland High School.
She was previously the Director of Youth and Family Services at the Columbus Urban League, where she was responsible for overseeing economic opportunities and community change for public system reform. Under her leadership, she pioneered a summer-work program for inner-city youth and developed strategies and systems to ensure economically challenged youth were provided stability and opportunities.
Candice’s previous work in behavioral health allows her to have a unique perspective when meeting with Heartland’s students and families. At Pomegranate Health Systems Acute Hospital and Center for Psychiatry, she lead the Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment team. Prior to her tenure at Pomegranate, she served as a Treatment Manager at Pastoral Counseling Service of Summit County. Candice also served as the Educational Director at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and as an Academic Advisor for the Strive for Excellence Program at her alma mater, the University of Akron.
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 Sales is a resident of Columbus, Ohio. She is the mother of 2 outstanding sons, Shalil Tillman (27) and Shamar Hutchinson (25).
Jennifer Belému, PRS
Recovery Coach
With 11 years of experience working with teenagers in recovery at MaryHaven Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, Jennifer Belému brings a unique and vital perspective to Heartland High School as the school's Recovery Coach.
Most importantly, however, she is a living example of thriving in recovery. Jen's passion for healthy, productive and meaningful personal growth is evidenced in everything she has done over the last 20 years in sobriety. Jen is committed to supporting students' recovery process through diverse avenues such as nutrition education, therapeutic community development, and positive social activities.
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Kimberly Sanders
Program Director for
Pathway & APG
Kimberly has committed her career to helping adolescents and youth understand the importance of obtaining a high-school diploma. Through her work at The University of Akron, she created various curriculums and plans for local middle and high school students to succeed in their educational careers. She has spearheaded many successful summer camps for at-risk youth and understands the important role mentoring plays in a child’s life.
As Heartland’s Pathway & APG Program Director, Kimberly has both a keen understanding and respect for each student’s unique path to recovery. She works with Heartland High Schools students as a mentor, advocate and motivator. Her ability to meet adolescents where they are enables her to prepare them for long-term recovery.
