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Parent Mentor Caitlin Smith Recognized as Champion for Children Employee of the Month

News Share the Post: The Ohio Parent Mentor Program celebrates Caitlin Smith, Parent Mentor at Warren County Educational Service Center, for being named Champion for Children Employee of the Month for February 2025 as part of the Champions for Children Initiative. This initiative honors outstanding employees from Warren County Educational Service Center, Southwest Ohio Council […]

Parent Mentors Create Caring Closets to Build Bridges of Support in Schools

News Share the Post: Ohio’s Parent Mentors already wear many hats and often their work extends far beyond the calls, e-mails, meetings, and paperwork. During a Community of Practice, the Parent Mentors of regions 7, 9 & 12 shared examples of Caring Closets they have helped create or maintain to support students in their districts. […]

Stephanie Thomas, Parent Mentor, Leads Special Education Parent Advisory Council

News Share the Post: Stephanie Thomas, Parent Mentor for Westerville City Schools, has established a Special Education Parent Advisory Council, creating a supportive community for parents and guardians of students receiving special education services. Meeting monthly on Mondays throughout the school year, this in-person group provides an opportunity for parents to connect, share experiences, and […]

Sibshops Supports Kids who have Siblings with Disabilities

Two children playing together on the edge of a playground.

News Share the Post: Originally published by Toledo Parent in September 2023, written by Laurie Bertke. Edited by Marcie Kamb, October 2024 Growing up with a sibling who has a disability can be difficult, and it’s not uncommon for brothers and sisters to struggle with feelings of frustration, anger or negativity at times. Sibshops is […]

Preschool Playgroup Fosters Support and Socialization for Fayette County Families

Three preschool children sitting in the grass together

News Share the Post: Pam Thornburg, a dedicated Parent Mentor for Fayette County Schools, has been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment for families through a preschool playgroup initiative. Two years ago, responding to requests from two families, Pam initiated the playgroup to provide parents with a supportive community where they could learn from each […]

Monica McCain, Parent Mentor for Toledo Public Schools, Hosts Event “Entendiendo el IEP de su Estudiante y los Pasos Hacia el Futuro/Understanding your Student’s IEP and Steps Toward the Future” to Support Spanish-Speaking Families

Toledo Public Schools logo

News Share the Post: Pictured on the left: Stephanie Serda, Recruitment Coordinator Escuela SMART Academy  and Gaby Rodriguez, Latino Family Liaison for Toledo Public Schools, and Monica McCain, Parent Mentor  Toledo, Ohio – Monica McCain, Parent Mentor for Toledo Public Schools, recently organized an event titled “Entendiendo el IEP de su Estudiante y los Pasos […]

A Heartwarming Collaboration: Ohio Parent Mentors Claire McCumber and Theresa Reed Foley Shine at Sensory-Friendly Santa Event

Little boy working on holiday craft

News Share the Post: In Hancock County, Ohio, the spirit of community collaboration and support thrives through the efforts of dedicated Parent Mentors Claire McCumber and Theresa Reed Foley. These remarkable women, representing the Hancock County Educational Service Center and the city of Findlay, Ohio, recently joined forces with the local organization Addaptco to co-host […]

Portage County Parent Mentors Unskate Their Way Into Inclusivity

Two children in costumes with their moms at a Trunk or Treat event for the Ohio Parent Mentor project.

News Share the Post: As the autumn leaves painted the landscape with vibrant hues, the Portage County Parent Mentors embarked on a mission to make this Halloween season truly unforgettable for families in Ohio. The highlight of their spooky festivities was the annual Halloween “Unskate” party, held at the Springfield Roller Rink on October 25th.  […]