OVWA Staff

Elyse McConnell, MBA
Executive Director

Elyse McConnell is the Executive Director of OVWA. Elyse earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Ohio University and a Master of Business Administration from Capital University. She is a graduate of the YWCA Columbus’s Leadership for Social Change Program (formerly the Chase Gen Y Leadership Project) and the Columbus Foundation’s Fundraising Leadership Academy. Elyse has provided case management for families experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and victims and survivors of crime. Prior to joining OVWA, Elyse led the victim advocacy and youth services departments at Asian American Community Services (AACS) in central Ohio. She has provided trainings for law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victim services providers, and community members in order to enhance awareness, decrease stigma, and promote understanding around issues of family violence, human trafficking, mental health, and cultural responsiveness.

Wendy Ricks-Hoff, BA, RA, CA, TRCC
Program Director

Wendy Ricks-Hoff is the Program Director for OVWA, a Registered Advocate with Senior Standing through the Ohio Advocate Network, and an Advanced, Comprehensive Credentialed Advocate through the National Advocate Credentialing Program. Wendy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wright State University, and has over 30 years of experience in the field of victim advocacy. She previously served as the Director of the Victim Assistance Program in Xenia, a prosecutor-based misdemeanor-level crime victim advocacy program. She collaborated within Greene County on projects including the Greene County DV/SA Consortium and the Critical Incident Review Committee. Wendy has presented trainings on various topics including General Victim Advocacy, Program Implementation, Funding, Domestic Violence, Stalking, Advanced Strangulation, Trauma Responsive Care, Cybersafety and Social Media Ethics, Crisis Intervention and Response, Social Resilience Model, Self Care and Trauma Stewardship and more. Under Wendy’s leadership, the Victim Assistance Program offered collaborative learning opportunities for students at Wright State University, Cedarville University and Wilberforce University. Wendy is a member of the Ohio Crisis Response Team, is certified through the Tri State Trauma Network, is a certified Trauma 101 trainer, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. 

Brianna Carter, BA
Training & Outreach Coordinator

Brianna Carter is OVWA’s Training & Outreach Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Akron. Before joining OVWA, Brianna was a Training Coordinator at the Victim Assistance Program of Summit County, where she facilitated learning opportunities for advocates and support staff. She has over 18 years of experience aiding non-profit organizations in dynamic roles, including 11 years in staff training & development capacities. Brianna was pivotal in launching OVWA’s Learning Management System, which allows advocates and allied professionals to earn on-demand CEs/CEUs.

Angela Boykin, BS
Training Specialist

Angela Boykin is OVWA’s Training Specialist, overseeing the development and implementation of a statewide comprehensive training institute for new generalist advocates. Angela brings over 6 years of experience in education and legal case management. Prior to joining OVWA, Angela worked as a Legal Advocate for the Columbus City Attorney’s Office at the misdemeanor level, and as a Victim Assistant Specialist at the Fairfield County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at the felony level. Angela earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Ohio University.

Hanna Wilson
Victim Advocate

Hanna Wilson is OVWA’s Victim Advocate for the Ohio Homicide Co-Victims Helpline, where she provides trauma-informed advocacy and support to co-victims of homicide throughout Ohio. With more than six years of experience serving child victims of violent crime, child abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, Hanna has dedicated her career to supporting survivors through compassionate, victim-centered care. Before joining OVWA, she served on the Child Abuse Team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she worked alongside multidisciplinary professionals to advocate for children and families impacted by abuse and exploitation. Hanna has extensive experience providing trauma-informed care and developing and delivering trainings for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and community partners on recognizing and responding to human trafficking and supporting victims of trauma. In recognition of her commitment to advocacy and exceptional service, she received the Nationwide Children’s Hospital 2025 Service of the Heart Award. Hanna is currently pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology at Walden University with a concentration in Adolescent Psychology.