Alumni and Friends Making an Impact

Carlie Fahrnbach ’16 knew early in her career that she was in the right field. As an intervention specialist with Cincinnati Public Schools, Fahrnbach is dedicated to helping young students with emotional and behavioral needs in the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. She also serves on the board of Wesley Chapel Mission Center, which offers services to some of the same students she helps during the day.

“The community, and specifically the kiddos in OTR, have a very special place in my heart,” said Fahrnbach.

In the fall of 2022, Fahrnbach launched the Rothenberg Rack as an additional resource to assist families and students in her building. The Rothenberg Rack provides new outfits, shoes, socks, underwear and coats to students for free. 

Despite the challenging situations she faces in her career, she has become a beacon of hope for many students and her fellow teachers. In 2020, she was awarded the Ohio Department of Education TORCH Award, which is for Ohio teachers who represent character and heart. She was nominated by the family of a student she helped.

“I am grateful that I am in a job where I can make a lasting, life-changing impact on my students,” said Fahrnbach. “I try to live my life intentionally to leave a deeply influential mark on those in whom I invest.”

Fahrnbach’s actions alone show she’s willing to learn, lead and serve her community, but she’s been called to do even more. She is now a foster mom, currently fostering a set of brothers ages 1 and 6 years old.

“Cultivating a safe and supportive home for these boys has been the greatest privilege of my life so far. I am so excited to see what new adventure comes next.”