Our Leadership Team
Lillian jones | she/they | director of Legal Access and Advocacy
Lillian (Lily) (she/they), is the Director of Legal Access and Advocacy at Transform. She has been involved with Transform since its founding, starting as a volunteer in 2019.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Lily feels a special connection with the city’s queer community, especially its youth. She has been an out member of the community since 2018 and wants to bring that pride to her career in the law and at Transform.
At Transform, Lily guides the Legal Access Clinic, supporting both the queer youth and the greater Cincinnati area. She also assists with mental health programming as a facilitator and with community events, eager to collaborate on all things Transform.
Lily is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law with an expected graduation of 2028. She graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 with a BA in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude. At UC Law, she is currently a member of the Editorial Staff for the Human Rights Quarterly. She is also an advocate for the Hamilton County Youth Court, guiding at-risk youth through the legal system.
Contact: lily@transformcincy.org
Ruth-Hazel Hammond | She/They | Director of Resource and Community
Ruth-Hazel Hammond (she/they) is the Resource and Community Director at Transform, where she’s dedicated to fostering connections. With a background in higher education and behavioral health care, RH is committed to creating inclusive environments that empower people.
Ruth-Hazel has lived in Cincinnati for many years, most recently returning just before the pandemic. RH holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Ohio University, and has been fired from some very prestigious places. RH has been involved with Transform in various capacities since her first visit to the Brideface basement on Elm Street, where she quickly recognized the organization’s potential to make a revolutionary impact in the community.
Ruth-Hazel thrives on connecting people and resources, learning new things, and finding innovative solutions. Her unique perspective as an Autistic, queer, and non-binary individual enriches her approach to resource development and community engagement. This allows her to advocate for diverse perspectives and needs within the community.
In her free time, Ruth-Hazel loves to ride bikes, drink coffee, learn any craft, and spend hours practicing Duolingo. She is thrilled to continue her journey with Transform and eagerly anticipates collaborating with others to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Contact: ruth@transformcincy.org
Hayes hiLtenbeitel | they/them | director of Mental Health and Community Care
Hayes Hiltenbeitel (they/them) is the Director of Mental Health and Community Care at Transform, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth, young adults, their families, and the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community through free, community-rooted care.
Hayes helps to run Transform’s mental health programming for both youth and adults, supporting the coordination and continuity of weekly offerings that create consistent, affirming spaces for connection, support, and healing. Their work centers making ongoing care accessible, reliable, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Grounded in collective care and accessibility, Hayes approaches programming with an emphasis on trust, consistency, and collaboration. They work closely with facilitators, participants, and staff to support programs that are sustainable, relationship-centered, and rooted in dignity and belonging.
Through their role at Transform, Hayes helps cultivate spaces where trans and gender-expansive people can show up fully, build meaningful connections, and access mental health support within a community that affirms their identities and lived experiences.
Contact: hayes@transformcincy.org
Staff
Erin Richter | she/They | group facilitator
Erin Richter (She/Her/Hers, They/Them/Theirs) is a storyteller by nature with a strong desire to show the issues facing women and the LGBT+ community. She received her Bachelor's from the University of Cincinnati College of Arts and Sciences in 2024 with a major in Creative Writing and minor in Women and Gender Studies. Coming from a long background of Latinx teachers, doctors, and service workers, she is determined to continue her family's legacy of community building and service. After work, you can find her working on her personal creative projects, writing fiction, playing with her dogs, and connecting with LGBT+ non-profits.
Derek J guy | he/him | bipoc group Facilitator
Derek J Guy (He/Him/His) serves as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Dean of Students Office of the University of Cincinnati (UC). Previously serving as the Program Manager for the LGBTQ+ Center at UC, Derek was introduced to the world of Student Affairs, a world he’d quickly fall in love with. He also spent the previous 12 years before his time at UC working in the social services field. his spare time, he volunteers and works with several organizations for social justice and change, he was the 2024 reigning Mr. Cincinnati Leather, he is father, a husband, a son, a brother, and most importantly a friend to many. He’s also the Legal Services Coordinator for TransOhio which is also a huge honor for him as a means of service. Service is a strong tenant to his life and being to serve the community in such a meaningful way brings him so much joy.