Meet the team

Marcus Sherman

Marcus Sherman, a native of Cincinnati, OH is the proud founder and executive director of Restorative Homes. Restorative Homes is a Cincinnati-based non-profit organization with the mission of providing residential care facilities which utilize both clinical and holistic approaches to help rebuild the lives of men.

After being ranked at the very bottom of his high school graduating class and being made to feel academically inept his entire life Marcus went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. And in 2022, he received a Master of Business Administration from Northern Kentucky University earning distinguished academic honors from both institutions.

The seemingly insurmountable challenges that Marcus faced while growing up did not break or defeat him…On the contrary they actually provoked him to become a consummate advocate for underserved members within his community.

Marcus’s entire professional career has been one of “SERVICE.” During his professional tenure Marcus has served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and Federal Air Marshal Service. Additionally, he worked as an International Police Advisor in Iraq.

Currently, Marcus is committed to positively and professionally impacting marginalized communities within his role as a Sergeant with the City of Cincinnati Police Department. However, Marcus is most proud of his work as a mentor and motivational voice to countless youth in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

Throughout Marcus’s daily interaction with the community, he constantly encounters men who feel compelled to suffer in silence while battling the devastating impact of mental health challenges. Many of these men struggle with feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and rejection by today’s societal, family, and clinical structures. Hence, Marcus created Restorative Homes as a social service and mental health organization with the mission of providing a residential “safe haven” where emotionally traumatized, physically displaced, and spiritually defeated men will feel both loved and empowered to conquer and overcome their individual challenges. Marcus’s vision is that Restorative Homes will assist with bridging the clinical gap while connecting men with the needed resources to achieve a state of mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

Via a collaborative effort with mental health professionals throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Tristate area (OH, IN, and KY), Marcus will strive to make Restorative Homes a standard of excellence within the mental health community.

Demetrius Mason

Demetrius Mason is the Vice President of Restorative Homes. Demetrius is a former college student athlete who graduated from Murray State University with his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a minor in physical education. As a student athlete and following graduation, he pursued a career in the National Football League (NFL) and was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016. Following his time with the Cardinals, Demetrius took the skills acquired as both a student and professional athlete and leveraged his experience into an opportunity to mentor up and coming athletes by coaching football at the high school varsity level.

Demetrius has worked as an educator at Children’s Home of Cincinnati, where he acquired vital professional and clinical experience helping young adults with neurological disorders and other unique learning-based needs. Demetrius also owns his own business, GorLion Trenches Athletics, LLC where he trains athletes of all skill levels to be their best selves both on and most importantly off the field.

 His ambitions also created one of the biggest football camps in Cincinnati – Rise Football Camp – which gives high school athletes a chance to learn, develop, compete, and showcase their talent in front of college coaches from all over the United States.

In 2022, Demetrius’ business savvy led to an opportunity for him to delve into a management position where he currently serves as an Operational Site Manager. Within his professional role, Demetrius manages over 50 employees, manages a multi-million-dollar budget, and oversees more than 20 operational job sites.

Demetrius’ ambition, drive, and dedication to serving the overlooked and underprivileged is what drives him in all that he does. Therefore, as an already established pillar within the community Demetrius intends to leverage his involvement with Restorative Homes to create an effective and highly recognized residential care facility.

Markayla Sherman

Markayla Sherman is the Program Coordinator and future Executive Director of Restorative Homes. Within this critical function Markayla is tasked with learning all components of the business and directly responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day coordination of programs and activities among our residents to ensure positive morale. Based on Markayla’s educational and clinical experience she will be overseeing all components of our residents’ medication administration, physical fitness, and dietary needs.



Additionally, as a State Trained Nursing Assistant (STNA), certified Phlebotomist, and her vast experience working with mental health and physically disabled clientele, Markayla will be relied upon to perform basic health assessments ensuring the medical well-being of our residents.

As a former D-I basketball student athlete at the University of Massachusetts and exercise physiology major, Markayla brings a wealth of leadership, communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking, and an ability to perform under pressure to the team.

As witnessed by Markayla’s resume she’s obviously a very passionate and natural born caregiver who’s been gifted to help heal and inspire everyone whom she shares this God-given gift with. Markayla has worked in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes all over the Greater Cincinnati Area advancing her professional acumen while positively impacting patients along the way. Markayla is quoted as saying, “Serving others, giving back to the community, and making the most of every opportunity are my top priorities.” And for those reasons alone she’s going to tremendously benefit the residents and/or family members of Restorative Homes.

Michael Richards

Michael Richards is a results-oriented leader in higher education with a robust background spanning student affairs, equity and inclusion, and community development. Currently serving as Associate Chancellor at the University of California, Riverside, he oversees diverse departments and units, formulates policies, and manages substantial resources to enhance the overall student and employee experience. Michael is recognized for his strategic foresight and effective leadership, advising campus executives on strategic planning, resource allocation, and policy implementation.

In addition to his distinguished career in higher education, Michael has made indelible contributions to the film and television industry. His versatile talents have seen him featured in national commercials, television shows, films, and theater productions, reflecting his commitment to bridging educational leadership with creative expression. This multifaceted career enriches diverse communities and promotes cultural understanding.

Michael holds a Master of Business Administration from Lynn University and a Bachelor of Arts in Social & Political Studies from Wilmington College. His certifications include Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace and Compliance Officer Certification.

Throughout his career, Michael has received numerous awards, including the NASPA Collaboration & Innovation Award and the ACPA Service Recognition Award, honoring his dedication and impact in student affairs.

Active in professional associations such as NASPA and ACPA, Michael contributes expertise to enhance student development and organizational effectiveness. He also engages passionately in community service with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and humanitarian causes.



Michael Richards is an international and national presenter on topics related to higher education, equity and access, and student success. His leadership continues to shape the future of higher education through advocacy for inclusive practices and transformative student experiences.

Michele Mason

Michele Mason is a seasoned professional with over two decades of dedicated service in the juvenile justice system and social services, marked by her commitment to reforming court systems and enhancing community welfare. Throughout her distinguished career, Michele has exemplified strong organizational and leadership capabilities, managing multifaceted programs, personnel, and compliance efforts across various justice and therapeutic settings.

Michele currently holds the position of Family-Based Specialist IV, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic program direction, fostering interagency collaborations, and driving initiatives that enhance both rehabilitative outcomes for youth and adults while working with the courts on community safety. Her work is fueled by a deep-seated belief in transformation through education and therapy, a principle that guides her approach to both leadership and program development.

Previously, Michele served as a Program Supervisor within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, where she was instrumental in overseeing comprehensive treatment programs, ensuring rigorous staff training, and facilitating service coordination for juvenile offenders. Michele has also held roles as a Residential Treatment Supervisor and Social Counselor.

Michele’s dedication to client care, stringent adherence to regulations, and her capacity to communicate effectively at all levels have established her as a respected leader in her field. She has been recognized with numerous accolades for her exemplary service, including Employee of the Year and Incentive Awards for surpassing company objectives.

On a personal note, Michele is driven by a passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of at-risk youth and protection of children who are not able to protect themselves. Her approach extends beyond professional mandates, believing strongly in the power of personal interaction and mentorship in fostering long-term positive change. When not immersed in her professional roles, Michele enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, reflecting her commitment to a balanced, health-oriented lifestyle.



Michele holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Xavier University and is currently advancing her expertise through a Master of Counseling program, specializing in Youth and Family Counseling at Walden University. This academic pursuit not only underscores her commitment to her profession but also enriches her ability to effect meaningful change within the communities she serves.