Lima, Ohio’s Parent Mentor Collaborates to make Mental Wellness a Priority for the Community

Families and professionals in the Lima, Ohio area are learning practical strategies to support children’s emotional well-being thanks to the leadership of Michelle King, Parent Mentor for the Allen County Educational Service Center.

Michelle partnered with United Way of Greater Lima, Mercy Health St. Rita’s, and Mission of Hope to host a two-part parenting workshop series based on concerns identified by local families and school districts. The concerns that were mentioned the most were anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and behavioral challenges. 

Licensed professional clinical counselor Shane Dumm led the workshops, tailoring the sessions to address these needs and practical strategies that would help. The first event, held January 15, 2026, focused on anxiety and depression and drew more than 40 caregivers and professionals, even though this happened to be a snow day for all the school districts in the area. If that doesn’t speak to the dedication of the families and educators in helping the students, what does?

Attendees learned how these conditions affect the developing brain, along with strategies for responding to emotional spirals, building resilience, and knowing when and how to ask for additional support.

A second workshop is scheduled for March 19, 2026, and will focus on Big Emotions and Big Behaviors, including the neuroscience behind emotions, effective communication techniques, and practical deescalation strategies. More than 45 participants are already registered.

Ohio’s Parent Mentor Program grant funding supported the planning of the workshops and the take-home resource materials for attendees. Community partnerships helped secure the speaker, venue, and a dinner.

Michelle is not a stranger to partnering with community resources for collective impact. The Parent Mentor Program has collaborated with local organizations to bring parenting workshops like these to the community for the past three years, with participation continuing to grow. Thank you, Michelle, for harnessing your network for the good of the community and making mental wellness a priority in Allen County. 

Interested in learning more? Access the Encouraging Positive Behaviors at Home – A Chart for Families – Ohio’s Statewide Family Engagement Center and the
Positive Parenting Program – Triple P | Ohio Children’s Trust Fund