Mission Ambassadors

Nominate a mission ambassador

As a mission driven organization, we would like to highlight and honor staff who have exemplified the mission by using one or more of the values of Fairfield DD.  Learn more about Fairfield DD’s values here. Nominations can be made by those in the agency or in the Fairfield County community.

March Mission Ambassadors

Jennifer Adkinson, Professional Development Coordinator

Jennifer Adkinson has been nominated for living out the value of fiscal responsibility. Jen is responsible for assisting with certification through DODD, which is only done once ever 5 years. Staff are required to have verification of completion of 60 hours of CEUs, often each on their own sheet of paper or file. Jen has worked with our IT team and others involved in certification to move this to a paperless system using an internal program. This saves countless hours of printing for staff who are requesting re-certification but it also saves on the materials and supplies of copier wear and tear and printing paper. In addition, 2 times per year, Jen coordinates the all staff training days where we bring in speakers to educate staff on a variety of topics. Jen is diligent in working to research and find speakers who will present at a reasonable cost. She also gets creative on how to accomplish needs at low or no cost to the agency without sacrificing the quality of the events.

Michael Edwards, Individual Service Coordinator

Michael has been nominated in two of the areas of financial responsibility in addition to empowering others. Michael has been in his role as ISC less than a year. He recently supported a person to accomplish the step of moving out on his own in an apartment and reduce the amount of 24/7 support that he was receiving and empowered him to take control of his life and schedule and helping him to continue to grow with his independence and in the community. He is now utilizing remote support 2 days a week and exploring employment. Michael puts a positive spin on so many things that he does helping people to accomplish their outcomes and desires!

Sarah Thimmes, Speech and Language Pathologist

Sarah has been nominated exhibiting the values of collaboration and accountability. Sarah has been the lead for promoting Project Core at Forest Rose for the past few years. Recently, she not only collaborated and coordinated with the classrooms and the therapy team to engage students in various activities related to the book The Enormous Potato, but she did so while her counterpart is on maternity leave. Sarah has graciously helped to maintain a level excellence in regards to students communicating with greater independence, as well as accountability by making sure that all communication needs for students have been met over the past two months, while being short-handed. Thank you Sarah for your dedication and for living out the values of Fairfield DD on a daily basis.

February Mission Ambassadors

Leslie Dancho, Provider & Community Resource Supervisor

Leslie has recently demonstrated excellence even more than her regular exceeding expectations performance. Over the course of the past 12+ months she supported the Employment Coordinator with their preparation for the CARF survey. Not only did Leslie assist with the Employment preparation and work with the surveyor, but she also mentored the Employment Coordinator as a Transformational Leadership manager. This not only built the staff’s competence and independence, but confidence in the CARF standards and practices. Additionally, Leslie completed a LEAN training and acquired her LEAN Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. This 30 hours of training was completed successfully to provide Leslie with the Six Sigma tools and understanding to support change and continuous improvement in both her department and the agency as a whole.

Pam Whiteley, Community Resource & Training Specialist

Nominated for working to create a brand of excellence, Pam has completed a LEAN training and acquired her LEAN Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. This 30-hour training has provided Pam with the Six Sigma tools and a deeper understanding of supporting change and continuous improvement in both her department and the agency as a whole.

Collaboration: Pam has been working with the SSA department to utilize the Six Sigma tools and skills to review and reinvent their on-boarding process. This collaboration has provided the opportunity for Pam to use the LEAN information and the innovative insights from the various content experts that provided provider training last year. Additionally, Pam investigates all new information well beyond the surface and has gathered beneficial practices that will support the on-boarding in a manner that will connect to directly to the Vision and Mission of Fairfield DD

Sandy McBee-Strayer, Instructor at Forest Rose School

Sandy is new to our team this year. She has made an incredible impact on our students and our staff. Her positivity and gratitude are traits that are contagious not only in her classroom, but in the school. She has set the bar high in creating a brand of excellence. In a recent staff meeting, when doing “staff shout outs” Sandy was recognized by her peers for her positive attitude and gratitude, the entire staff agreed, and she received a hearty round of applause. The staff in Sandy’s room feed off her compassion and positive attitude and in turn, provide excellent teamwork to ensure that the needs of our students are met. There are many days we know the students in the room are achieving great things because we can hear the celebrations in the hallway!

January Mission Ambassadors

Tracey Shafer, ISC Assistant

Tracey illustrated Fairfield DD’s value of empowering others. With the transition to Brittco, there are some who are uncomfortable with the technology used to sign paperwork online. Tracey was working to obtain signatures from a guardian who requested the paper version because he felt online would be too hard and he doesn't use very much technology. When he came to sign the documents, Tracey took time to show him how to use the online platform as well. She walked him through the steps of signing so that in the future, he could read all the materials and sign the plan through Brittco.

Kathi Boyer, Specialized Instructor Facilitator

Kathi was nominated for the Fairfield DD value of creating a brand of excellence. She began working in her current role at the beginning of the school year. This is a newly created position to offer additional support to our students and our classrooms. Kathi's passion is creating content for students to optimize their engagement, so they are able to show us all they know. While Kathi is able to spend a great amount of time with the students, she has also spent a significant amount of time with classroom staff modeling her approaches with students. Kathi has the perfect blend of patience and determination to help our students and our staff be successful. As we continue to grow, having this strong foundation will help our school and our agency continue to create a brand of excellence. Thank you, Kathi for all you have done for our school!

November Mission Ambassadors

Jamie Rigsby and Jennifer Walling, MUI Coordinators

Jen and Jamie illustrated the value of innovation by creating a new style of Major Unusual Incident Training. Each year, every staff member must complete the training, but it is sometimes difficult to coordinate with all the schedules for each team. In addition, the training has always been presented in person. This year, Jamie and Jen created a virtual, recorded training which required many trial and error situations and moving outside of comfort zones. They created highly relevant training and questions for staff instead of just creating some time to check the box for this important topic. Staff are all able to complete the annual requirement at a time that allows them to learn best.

October Mission Ambassadors

Amanda Snoke, Employment Coordinator

Amanda was nominated for furthering the mission of Fairfield DD by empowering others to have greater independence. Amanda developed training for job seekers and others who support them, to maximize their success during the recent Job Fair at the Workforce Center. Amanda held the training on Zoom and invited an Employment Consortium partner from Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) to assist. The training encouraged job seekers to attend the job fair and shared information about what they should prepare. This included the contact information for the staff at OMJ so job seekers could work with them to update or create a resume. Of course, this is an attempt to increase independence, but also promote inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.

Darenda Geer, Senior Benefits Analyst

Darenda was nominated for demonstrating excellence on a daily basis. She has absolute determination to ensure people receive the benefits they need. She has worked to resolve situations where other agencies haven’t stepped up to assist. Darenda doesn’t hesitate to help no matter how difficult or how time-consuming the situation is. She is an expert in her area and she has truly made a difference with everyone she most willingly serves. She leads by example and truly demonstrates servant leadership.

Jennifer Arbuckle, Student Services Supervisor

Jennifer demonstrates innovation daily at Forest Rose through creative problem-solving. Putting the best interests of the students and the staff first in every decision, she thinks through problems, gathers as much information and input as possible, considers the potential outcomes, weighs pros and cons, and makes a decision. Maybe the best part is that she analyzes the outcome after to see how it worked out, what would have prevented the situation, and/or how it could have been handled better. She also never hesitates to admit when she is wrong which is the sign of a great leader. Jennifer has been faced with some real dilemmas the most recent being not having a bus for a preschool field trip. Emotions were high, and chaos was rampant but Jennifer remained calm, listened to suggestions, and then implemented a plan which allowed the students to still attend the trip. It's that ability to use logic, experience, and knowledge in situations that helps to make Forest Rose the incredible place it is for students and staff.

SEPTEMBER MISSION AMBASSADORS

Jenna Trager, Supervisor of Early Intervention

Jenna Trager was nominated as an example of an Inspired Workforce where we build a culture of collaboration, trust, and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency.  Jenna’s unwavering leadership of her team and the families in Early Intervention is commendable. She skillfully handles the task of overseeing a team, even in the face of limited resources, while also bearing a significant amount of work. Therefore, upon initiating contact with Jenna regarding a training request, I did not anticipate a timely reply. In addition to her prompt response, she graciously extended an invitation to observe members of her team, and furthermore, she proactively reached out to relevant providers to establish suitable dates and times for scheduling coordination. Jenna is a great example of a resilient teammate, coworker, and leader. Despite receiving requests from individuals outside of her team, she consistently facilitates the success of others, effortlessly managing her numerous responsibilities.

Bobby Lovell, IT System Specialist

Bobby Lovell is an example of Inspired Workforce at Fairfield DD, as we build a culture of collaboration, trust, and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency. Bobby worked collaboratively with County IT on an issue with lag time when accessing files on the network that was impacting the entire county.  Bobby investigated and determined the issue then relaying it back to county IT so they could resolve the issue. Bobby received this shout out from County IT "The IT department would like to thank Bobby Lovell from DD’s IT staff for his hard work with Brian Plummer on this matter."

Michelle Shugart, Individual Budget Liaison - Local Services Lead

Michelle Shugart was nominated as an example of an Inspired Workforce where we build a culture of collaboration, trust, and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency.  When Michelle and an ISC Assistant talked about cost projections and the format needed to attach them to Ohio ISP packets in Brittco, Michelle discussed it with her resource management co-workers. They began sending ISC Assistants documents in the pdf format, instead of Excel, that was needed for adding to the Ohio ISP in Brittco. Michelle also showed ISC Assistants how to make sure cost projection information is kept together on the pages of the document.  This way when they are shared with individuals' and their guardians, the information is intact and more understandable. The willingness of resource management to be flexible in the format of costs they forward to ISC Assistant's, is another example of true team collaboration.  In turn it creates a more efficient process for plan distribution.

August Mission Ambassador

Kaylee Poole, IT System Specialist

Kaylee consistently demonstrates the values of our mission, this month I would like to talk about collaboration. Kaylee has embraced our enhanced partnership with Fairfield County IT and is quickly and thoroughly demonstrating her skills in her work with them. This was recently apparent as Kaylee led our conversion to OneDrive throughout the agency. It’s important to note that the conversion was a team effort, with both Fairfield DD IT team members and many members of the Fairfield County IT team playing roles. With that said, Kaylee really assumed the role of lead communicator, implementor, and trainer as we implemented the conversion through different parts of our agency. As our conversions now end, County IT is turning to Kaylee for guidance on how to make future conversions in other departments successful. Upon their request, Kaylee quickly produced a thorough log of lessons learned and tips and tricks for county IT. One of their staff thanked Kaylee for this excellent resource and noted Kaylee is the “resident OneDrive expert”. This type of professionalism, thoroughness, and desire to provide mutually beneficial outcomes is exactly the type of work that continues to build trust and collaboration to further our mission.  

July Mission Ambassadors

Jared Hicks, Facilities Team Coordinator

Jared is an example of Inspired Workforce at Fairfield DD, as we build a culture of collaboration, trust, and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency. Jared is willing to do whatever and all that is requested to support initiatives all over the agency. In his role, collaboration is expected but Jared works to understand the whole picture. If there is another way he can help or advice he can offer, he is willing to figure it out to make all things better! One recent example would be with the trail cleanup. He knew it was coming up and asked what supplies we needed even before we could ask! He even purchased a couple trash grabbers to support the ongoing process. Even if the operations department isn't the originator, he works to support outside projects as his own. When asked to do odd things like build a scarecrow or hang a puzzle, Jared works to ensure everything is better than when he left it. This supports the whole agency as we work to further the mission.

Tiffany Booze, Individual Support Coordinator

Tiffany Booze, ISC, was nominated as an example of Inspired Workforce where we build a culture of collaboration, trust, and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency. Tiffany is always willing to help, take time to explain something, or to offer words of advice if you have a question or concern.  Tiffany recently provided some key coordination with a family to help showcase stories of success for the 2023 Celebration of Possibilities, but also for an important episode of Fulfilling Lives to illustrate the use of Fairfield DD’s Summer Scholarship Program.  

Tiffany’s communication of suggestions and feedback were prompt throughout the process. She has taken time to build mutual trust and respect between Fairfield DD and specific families she serves, making them feel comfortable sharing their stories. She was actively engaged and provided insight to the recording per her role in the process. After meeting with the family, it was very clear that Tiffany’s hard work in serving the family has made a difference in their lives as well. This is just one example of Tiffany's focus to build relationships and help give families resources so they can thrive and feel empowered. Her collaboration and adaptability are remarkable, and we are lucky to have her as a part of Fairfield DD!

June Mission Ambassadors

Shelley McGee, Administrative Assistant at Forest Rose School

Shelley McGee was selected as a Mission Ambassador for the value of “Collaboration” the definition of which is to “reduce complexity internally, externally, and for those we support.”  Shelley has worked all summer to create fillable documents for Forest Rose families. She tested each to ensure they are accessible to all. Families will now have electronic options to submit needed materials and will have access to all the information from the website to build that connectedness with families before school even starts. Paperwork was always sent via mail (or USPS) before but got misplaced and was difficult for some families to complete.

Tyler Cordle, Employment ISC

Tyler Cordle was selected as a Mission Ambassador for the value of “Inclusion” the definition of which is to “ensure inclusive opportunities at school, work and in the community that enhance connection, belonging, diversity and growth.”  Tyler really works to think outside the box to connect those on his employment caseload to practical skills and activities in the community which helps those individuals build independence skills. One example would be for the Celebration of Possibilities. Tyler connected 2 different people to our volunteer options where they came and participated with all the many volunteers for the event.

Tracey Wilson, Transition ISC

Tracey Wilson was selected as a Mission Ambassador for the value of “Inspired Workforce” the definition of which is to “build a culture of collaboration, trust and open communication through mentorship and guidance that emphasizes resiliency.”  She recently transitioned a person entering their next life stage which, she made smooth and natural. Tracey wrote an amazing person centered OISP, provided me with education and support to help me better understand the person and their needs. Overall, just made me feel a sense of pride in the efforts she put into the collaboration of services for families during this life transition.

May Mission Ambassador

Michelle Dexter, Individual Budget & Medicaid Services Supervisor

Michelle Dexter was selected as a Mission Ambassador for the value of “Independence” the definition of which is to “create outcomes that are regularly measured and evaluated to increase financial stability, allowing Fairfield DD to support people for years to come.”  Michelle’s door is always open for all to pick her brain about funding options within our community. Whenever anyone has run into a sticky situation, Michelle will work to give ideas to try or places to look to ensure families get what they need. This is almost always in the community and not using local funds. She is diligent to really dig into the problem posed to find an answer. This allows us to coordinate and stretch our funding across even more people with needs.

Sarah Thimmes, Speech and Language Pathologist

Nominated for Respect

Sarah works to understand each student and how they process information and seeks out continuing education focused on increasing understanding.  She uses all she learned so that she can advocate for the students she works with.  She has a solid understanding of the idea that individuals have differences in their abilities and how they interact with the world around them.  She respectfully supports these differences and works to help others understand and support these differences as well, instead of considering the differences as deficits that need to be fixed, which can be how other people may view them. Additionally, knowing summer break from school can cause learning loss, Sarah has she requested to work during the summer visiting students in their homes in an effort to work with students and their parents on continued use of assistive technology communication devices so they are not behind when they return to school in the fall.

February 2023 Mission Ambassadors

Amy is always willing to listen if you have a question or concern about a student. If you need guidance with how to do something for a student, she will take her time and explain it to make sure you feel comfortable. She does trainings on how to properly help students up off the floor to keep them safe and to keep you safe. She took a lot of time to help in a classroom that was needing guidance on how to make the day better for a student. We worked as a team to come up with ideas to try. She always comes into the classroom with a smile and greets all the students. Amy is a great PT! We are lucky to have her.

LaTisha Subham, Individual Support Coordinator Supervisor

Nominated for Collaboration

Tish has been assisting the agency in moving to Brittco as a software solution. Although this is part of her job, she has worked to think outside the box as we move through the steps of implementation. Her willingness to collaborate across departments to improve processes is much appreciated. Her forward thinking decreases the number of steps in many procedures for SSA staff and will make it easier for individuals and families to be part of the process and not so overwhelmed with all the paperwork involved. Although Brittco is mostly utilized by the SSA Department, Tish has worked with others regarding needs that can be met by Brittco. One example of this is a report our team needed when sending Imagine. It was not pulling correctly. Although we are the only group using this report currently, Tish took time to understand our need and communicate it to Brittco so it could be fixed. It saves us about 2 hours of effort each month. She is also helping us clean the data as we find errors or updates so that it can be as accurate as possible. Tish also takes time to show others how to do something in the system instead of doing it for them. We hope all staff do this for each other, but Tish is especially patient and kind when walking staff through the process. If they have more questions, she answers them promptly, and patiently. She does this while still supporting her team and all her other responsibilities. In this sense, she is helping us all to be more independent as we learn.

Rebecca embraced her SMART goal assignment by converting it into an innovative guide for the hygiene room. The attention to detail is amazing (This is dissertation level of preparation and presentation.) From lifting to medical definitions and practical care and observational skills for all sorts of afflictions and care. The creative design of the guide ensures the comfort and confidentiality of the students who access the hygiene room. She has created a great informational source for the adults who depend on the hygiene room services for their students. In her absence this guide is so informative for someone who has to cover for her; it even includes pictures and biographies of each student.