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 a mother of six children ranging in age from 9 to 23, Erin’s efforts as a Parent Mentor represent her learned and lived experience as a family navigating a wide spectrum of needs and strengths, including academic, musical, and artistic giftedness; ADD, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, dyslexia, autism (including nonverbal autism), behavioral challenges, severe anxiety, panic disorder, depression, complex gastrointestinal issues, gene mutations, and allergies to foods, chemicals, and medications. These experiences have shaped her understanding of the educational system and the importance of listening, empathy, and persistence.
Her commitment to family engagement and ongoing change is evident in her involvement at both the state and local levels. Erin serves on several councils and committees, including:
Erin’s commitment to advocacy extends beyond her local community. She serves on numerous state and county councils and committees, including:
- Governor’s Early Intervention Advisory Council
- Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council
- OhioPROMISE Advisory Council
- State Leadership Team: Family Engagement Team
- Seneca County Family and Children First Council
- President, Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities
- Member, Seneca Autism Learning Association (SALSA)
- Trustee, Ohio Association of County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Her leadership recently led to her selection for the Federal Legislative Advocacy Partnership in Washington, D.C., where she represented Ohio’s disability community. This initiative united leaders from across the state, including members of the Independent Living Network, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, and Disability Rights Ohio, to bring disability-related issues directly to federal policymakers.
The two-day event featured training, networking, and meetings with legislative staff and elected officials. Erin’s group met briefly with Congressman Jordan before he headed to the House of Representatives for a vote, followed by in-depth discussions with Legislative Assistants Sean Chilson and Stanley Skocki. Their conversations addressed pressing topics, including:
- The impact of proposed Medicaid cuts on families and schools.
- The funding structure of Ohio Waivers (60 % Medicaid, 40% local property taxes) and the risks of service loss if property tax revenue is reduced.
- The severe shortage of school staff and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and the an urgent need for strategies to strengthen these critical workforces.
- The growing scarcity of medical and behavioral health providers, resulting in long wait times and service denials for children who need specialized care.
- The potential consequences of budget and tax cuts on children’s services, families, and long-term community well-being.
- The importance of protecting Early Intervention (EI) services, which are not currently mandated but have a proven return on investment—every dollar spent on EI saves an estimated $7–$8 per adult over a lifetime.
Reflecting on her experience, Erin shared, “This was a tremendous opportunity to represent Ohio and advocate for policies that improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. I was honored to collaborate with other leaders and represent Seneca County in Washington, D.C.”
Through her leadership and compassion, Erin continues to uplift families and champion the disability community—locally, statewide, and nationally.
