Spotlight on Erin Simmons: From North Central ESC to Washington D.C., she Champions the Disability Community
Erin Simmons, Parent Mentor at the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, shines as a beacon of support for families navigating the education and disability services journey. Since joining the Parent Mentor Program in the 2022–2023 school year, Erin has combined personal experience with professional dedication to ensure families feel seen, heard, and supported. As […]
Worthington Parent Mentor Expands Support for Families Through New Roles and Training
News Share the Post: Related Posts Shannon Daily, Parent Mentor and occupational therapist for Worthington Schools, continues to expand her impact in supporting families of students with special needs. “Collaboration has been my favorite part of this position! Whether it be with leadership within the district, special education staff or community resources, coming up […]
Joy Howard, Parent Mentor, Shares Her Story of Advocacy Through Film
News Share the Post: Related Posts Joy Howard, Parent Mentor for Cleveland Heights–University Heights, is a proud mother of five children whose advocacy journey has touched many. She recently shared her story through two films that highlight the realities of caregiving and the importance of inclusive community spaces. Joy contributed to the PBS documentary Caregiving, […]
Pathways to Success Workshop Builds Bridges with Multilingual Families in Dublin City Schools
News Share the Post: Dee Marks, Parent Mentor for Dublin City Schools, hosted a heartfelt and culturally inclusive Pathways to Success workshop on April 10, 2025, welcoming 17 parents and caregivers—many of whom were part of the district’s Japanese-speaking community. The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center trains on The Pathways to Success workshop, which aims […]
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 […]
Annual Parent Conference Supports Families of Children with Disabilities Through Mental Health and Wellness
News Share the Post: Written by Marcie Kamb, November 4, 2024 On October 17, 2024, Region 14’s State Support Team and Hopewell Center hosted their annual Parent Conference for Families of Children with Disabilities in Hillsboro, Ohio. Families from Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland counties gathered at the Hopewell Center to learn more about […]
Sibshops Supports Kids who have Siblings with Disabilities
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
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 […]
