At its Dec. 16, 2024 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized Service & Support Specialist Amy Deanda as the December Staff Person of the Month. The Board also recognized Board Member Linnie B. Willis, who was attending her final meeting after a term-limited 12 years of service.
Staff Person of the Month
With multiple degrees in counseling and social work, Lucas DD Service & Support Specialist Amy Deanda has dedicated her professional career to working with diverse populations. For the past three and a half (3.5) years that time and energy has been dedicated to individuals served by Lucas DD.
One of those individuals has proven to be a very difficult case recently. But every time Amy is on the phone with the family, she is respectful and supportive through any tough conversations. Her priority is always her clients and she knows the best way to prioritize those individuals is to work with their respective families.
She is also very supportive of her fellow SSAs. She is often asked questions about individual budgets and always has the answer. In the litany of forms and paperwork, Amy always is willing to show people how to accurately fill things out.
Amy has a great sense of humor and she can use it to help lighten the mood when things aren’t going well or a situation is stressful. She doesn’t give up; she keeps fighting for the individuals she serves and is very professional in doing it.
Amy’s work toward giving individuals the life they deserve is inspiring. When she was in court for an individual served recently, it was an absolute privilege to see her stand up for the individual and give him a voice when he had none. Before the magistrate and lawyers, Amy expressed how Lucas DD supports individuals to make their own choices and have the dignity of risk. Everyone should have the chance to make decisions for themselves, she said, and it's okay if the decisions aren't always the best ones.
Amy is here because she truly cares about the people we serve and wholeheartedly believes in our mission. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to recognize you as the December 2024 Staff Person of the Month! Congratulations, Amy, on this very well-earned award!
Special Recognition
Linnie B. Willis is a remarkable leader who has dedicated her life to uplifting vulnerable populations and fostering positive change in Toledo and the surrounding region. Her career has been defined by a tireless commitment to advocating for individuals and families, creating opportunities for growth, and inspiring transformative community development. As a co-leader of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church alongside her husband, Pastor James Willis, Linnie has used her influence and leadership to empower countless individuals and families, guiding them to thrive. A natural convener of leaders, she brings people together to help solve some of our region's toughest challenges. Her leadership and dedication have strengthened many organizations, including her impactful work with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The Board has been blessed to have a leader of her caliber serve this agency and the thousands of individuals it serves for the past 12 years. Ms. Willis was appointed by the Lucas County Commissioners on Jan. 1, 2013. She was the Board's Recording Secretary from 2018-2021 and Vice President in 2022.
We extend our deepest gratitude for her dedication and service to the Board and to our community.