At its monthly meeting on May 23, 2022, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the following staff members and community organizations.
- Staff Person of the Month: Becky McCreery, Employment Navigator in the Community Inclusion Department
- LCBDD Retirement: Linda Ritchie
- Special Recognition: Shalonda Ezell, of Mary Ella Homes and Providers Services, and Theressie Tilman, Carolyn Thomas, and Peggy Miller of Unique Health Care Solutions.
Becky McCreery
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to recognize Becky McCreery, Children’s Employment Navigator, as the May 2022 Staff Person of the Month.
Becky never hesitates to support her coworkers or the families she serves. She provided ongoing support as the unit trainer for E-Sign Genie which, as some of you know, was no small task. Becky readily takes the lead to maintain communications with various teams supporting each transition aged youth she is assigned to support.
Becky’s work as an Employment Navigator has empowered many young adults to challenge themselves and develop employment skills as they transition to adult life. This is hugely evident when you go with Becky to school worksites. The youth she provides Employment Navigation services to are eager to show her their latest accomplishment. Becky is also well respected by transition/workforce teachers and often sought out for her expertise.
Becky has also developed lasting relationships with families of those she serves. A recent email to Becky was from a mom whose daughter had so much fun completing the Toledo Zoo’s ADAPT Program that she applied again and was accepted into the year-round program! “We look forward to the winter enrichment classes that focus on living skills such as cooking and finance,” the mother said. “Who knew the Zoo offered these wonderful opportunities 😊 One of her favorite activities in the program was feeling useful in the concession venues by calling out guests’ names when their orders were ready.”
That’s one of many examples of how Becky carefully assesses all youth she works with to maximize their potential and that of our community. Becky was the conduit to this family and the Zoo ADAPT Program, which pairs the Zoo Teen volunteers in need of extra assistance with a peer partner or staff person to support. Together, the teams guide guests or provide other assistance during visits to the Zoo.
Thank you, Becky, for all you do to further the Board’s mission to improve LIFE so that individuals with developmental disabilities can reach their full potential! The Board is honored to recognize you as the May 2022 Staff Person of the Month.
Linda Ritchie
Linda began her career at the Board in July 1989 as a Vehicle Operator Sub. In August 1995, she became a Habilitation Technician working in the Imaging/Scanning room at Hill Avenue. The room was well known for excellent teamwork and having strong advocates for clients’ career advancement. The Imaging/Scanning room was also well known for focus on specific details daily for customers, strong vocational training and good paid work. Much of this success was attributed to Linda’s ability to take specific details and translate them to the actual job. Anytime anyone would try to acknowledge a person in the room for their hard work, Linda and her team would simply say that it is a group effort and everyone in the room contributed to its success. Much of the processes Linda started in the Imaging/Scanning Lab are still being used today.
Linda continued to embody this team spirit in her position as a Community Connections Trainer in the Community Inclusion Department, which she started nearly 9 years ago to the day, May 28, 2013. Anyone who worked with Linda found her a pleasure to work with. Her attention to detail was vital in the Travel Training aspects of the Department. She is known by her peers and clients alike to give realistic tools for each client in order to be successful in navigating all the aspects that are involved in Travel Training.
Her impact on the Community Inclusion Department is still felt by now former colleagues and clients alike.
Thank you, Linda, for your years of dedicated service and congratulations on your retirement.
Mary Ella Homes and Provider Services
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is committed to encouraging partnerships with individuals and organizations within our community that improve the quality of life for the individuals we serve. Tonight, the Board is pleased to recognize Mary Ella Homes and Provider Services for the care and support they have provided to their clients.
In a world of so many unknowns amidst a global pandemic the past two years, Mary Ella Homes has stuck to what it does best: quality services in a mutually respectful, thoughtful, and heartwarming environment every single day for every single individual served and their staff.
Shalonda Ezell and her staff at Mary Ella Homes continue to have a supportive environment for all those served and all those employed. That’s why when we asked Shalonda how she felt about growing her business, she said that’s not part of her plan. Keeping her business a truly small business makes it easier for her and her staff to share and spread joy amongst each other and amongst those they serve.
They continue to go above and beyond in the services they provide. The Lucas County Board of DD is pleased to recognize Mary Ella Homes and Provider Services with the Special Recognition Award for May 2022.
Unique Health Care Solutions
Unique Health Care Solutions prides itself on what it calls “Compassionate Care You Can Trust.” That compassion shows in everything they do. The agency creates an enjoyable and positive environment where the individuals believe that it is one of the best agencies around and they want to return to the Adult Day Service programs every day.
The staff representing Unique here tonight: Theressie Tilman, Carolyn Thomas and Peggy Miller not only excel at what they do but they also care for, understand, and are willing to accommodate the individuals they serve.
Theressie brings about six years of experience to the agency. She is especially well trained, and a natural when dealing with individuals served. Theressie is a team player and can be counted on to train new staff. Plus, she makes everything fun, which makes accomplishing staff goals that much easier.
Carolyn Thomas handles most of the transportation for the agency. She keeps passengers safe and is very focused on daily activities. Carolyn is as dependable and reliable as they come. Never late and never missed a day of work. She is willing to learn and brings unique experience having come from working in residential settings
Peggy Miller brings more than 30 years of Special Education teaching. She is always willing to learn. Peggy enjoys arts and crafts, and is a proponent of getting individuals served out in the community and focused on their interests.
Thank you, Theressie, Carolyn and Peggy, for all the hard work you do every day! The Lucas County Board of DD is proud to present the Special Recognition Award for May 2022 to each of you.