Josh Stoxen
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Josh helped start Woven Oak with the vision of creating an umbrella organization for nonprofit work in the Norwood community. He also pastors Vineyard Central, a neighborhood church based in Norwood. Josh grew up on a farm in Illinois, studied youth ministry in college, learned how to ski in France, got his master’s degree near Boston and was drawn to Norwood by his hunger to pursue deeper community and transformative relationships in an urban setting. He and his wife Jill have been married for 16 years and have four kids. Josh loves seeing good things grow in the relational compost of community and is passionate about seeing others lean into that work in their own neighborhoods.
Jill Stoxen
Executive Assistant
Jill has been in Norwood for a decade as part of the Vineyard Central church community with her husband, Josh, and four kids. In addition to church leadership and family life, she has served in various volunteer roles with Lydia’s House, Moriah Pie, Baby Bear, and the Food Pantry. Jill is trained as a Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith and enjoys connecting with people on their faith journey. She is part of the Woven Oak team to offer administrative support and continue her path of weaving life and faith in her neighborhood.
Stephanie Downs
Baby Bear Program Director
Stephanie grew up in Anderson Township, and received her BS in Special Education and MEd in Health Education from University of Cincinnati. Stephanie worked as a teacher for 15 years and in full-time pastoral work for 7. Now she is Executive Assistant to Tom Shepherd, the CEO and president of Shepherd Material Science Companies in Norwood. Stephanie is a Norwood resident who has a heart for seeing people connect and form community. She is an extrovert and enjoys developing ways for people to come together for a good cause. Stephanie re-started Baby Bear in 2018 after it transitioned out of Norwood Presbyterian Church. Please reach out anytime for questions or needs via email or the messenger section at https://www.facebook.com/BabyBearNorwood.
Thom & Nicole Stout
The Food Pantry Program Directors
Thom and Nicole Stout have come onboard to help transition the Food Pantry into the Woven Oak family, and continue the foundational work laid over the years by Dorothy and Steve Bohner and Zion Church. Thom is employed at Habitat for Humanity as the Critical Home Repair Coordinator for Veterans. Nicole is the Office Coordinator at the Cincinnati Waldorf School. They and their children have claimed Norwood as home since 2013. As they serve those within the 45212 zip code who have little or no access to food, their hope is to connect on a deeper level with many of the residents of this neighborhood.
Woven Oak Initiatives 