At its monthly meeting the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the recent retirement of 4 longtime employees. Also at the meeting, an 18-year veteran was awarded the Staff Person of the Month, and a community member was thanked for her regular contributions to the Lucas DD FANS Network.
This was also the first meeting under the leadership of Board President Cheryl Tyler-Folsum, who succeeded Ron Volk, who will remain on the Board in his final year of eligibility. Ms. Tyler-Folsum had previously served as the Vice President, a role that is now held by Karen Kerr. Bill Axe will continue is his role as Recording Secretary.
Sharon Calhoun could not be in attendance but was recognized on her retirement after 36 years at Lucas DD.
(Editor's note: Sharon was unable to attend the meeting.)
Sharon Calhoun, Provider Support Success Coach Advisor, has officially retired after 36 years of service to the Board!
Sharon began her Lucas DD career in July 1989. She spent much of her career in Adult Options at the Telegraph and Larc Lane Adult Services Centers as a Habilitation Specialist, and later in 2015 as a Skills Coach.
In 2016, Sharon transitioned into the Provider Supports Department, starting as a Provider Support Specialist before being promoted to Success Coach Advisor role in 2018. She stayed in that role until her retirement last month.
Sharon cared for our individuals, diligently working to ensure they had work and activities that enhanced their skills and quality of living. Sharon also valued her peers and was a respected Union Steward for many years. Her ability to maintain positive relations with peers and management made her a valued negotiator during contract disputes. As a Provider Support Specialist, Sharon monitored provider services and ensured quality service provisions to meet individual needs. Sharon used her strong advocacy skills to provide coaching and support to enhance providers’ knowledge and improve quality of services for individuals served.
She always displayed compassion and respect for individuals served with a desire to help them live life the way they desired and needed. She advocated for quality care and treatment of individuals served and placed individuals first in her focus on customer service and communications; there was no question when she was passionate about something affecting a person’s services. Sharon never hesitated to address concerns and have difficult conversations to bring change.
Transitioning to her managerial role as a Success Coach advisor was seamless. In this role, she supported provider employees as part of the then newly formed Employer Resource Network as a natural fit to help them with resources and overcome barriers at work. She has assisted many employees with resources that improved their quality of living and maintained employment to continue serving individuals. Sharon also built relationships along the way with employees and community members that will have a lasting impact.
For all the years of work and dedication to people served and the community, and on behalf of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we recognize your efforts. Thank you for your nearly 4 decades of service and offer our sincere congratulations on your retirement!
From the very beginning, Service & Support Special Dennis Chesser brought a cheerful, upbeat energy into every room he entered. He has always been the kind of person who doesn’t just show up — he shows up for people. If something needed to be done, he didn’t hesitate. He jumped right in, no questions asked, ready to help, support, and make things better. His patience is legendary. Whether he was dealing with clients who called 10 times a day or teammates who needed guidance, Dennis always took the time to listen. He offered thoughtful suggestions, steady reassurance, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from someone who genuinely cares. He was invested in his clients in a way that went far beyond the job description. He made sure people got the services they needed, even when it meant going the extra mile — and he did it without ever expecting recognition. For many at Lucas DD, Dennis was more than a coworker. He was a mentor, a guide, and in some cases, a father figure. When new SSAs would first start at the Board — especially in the Thompson Unit — Dennis was one of the first friendly faces they had the pleasure of meeting. He welcomed everyone with open arms, shared his knowledge freely, and made sure no one ever felt alone in the learning curve. His support didn’t end when he changed units; he still made time to stop by, check in, and make sure everything was okay. That’s just who he is. Of course, we can’t talk about Dennis without mentioning his sense of humor. You could always count on him for a joke, harmless fun, or a playful comment that made the day lighter. His charm, his warmth, and that great smile made even the toughest days feel manageable.
One of the most memorable things about Dennis is his role as Santa Claus. Those curls he grew out, the joy he brought to every place he visited — he wasn’t just a good Santa, he was the best Santa. He embodied the spirit of giving, kindness, and joy in a way that only someone with a heart of gold truly can. Dennis is compassionate. He is caring. He is funny, charming, and endlessly supportive. He has great taste in sports teams — go Buckeyes — and an even greater talent for making people feel seen, heard, and valued. He adapts, he stays busy, he keeps moving, and he brings out the best in the people around him. As Dennis steps into retirement, we hope you carry the same joy, warmth, and generosity you’ve given all of us. He deserves every moment of rest, adventure, and happiness ahead. Congratulations on your retirement, Dennis! Thank you for everything. You will always be part of this family, and you are already greatly missed.
Tami Fowler recently concluded her remarkable 31-year career with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
She joined Lucas DD as a Bus Monitor on January 17, 1995, holding that role for more than nine years until being promoted to Secretary at the Hill Adult Service Center. During her time there, Tami truly enjoyed working alongside individuals and staff each day. She actively participated on committees, assisted with stat calls, and helped organize building-wide celebrations.
Tami was honored with the prestigious Josina Lott Award in both 2008 and 2015 while serving at Hill ASC, a testament to her dedication and excellence.
In January 2017, Tami transitioned to the role of Secretary in the Children’s Department at the EduCare Center. She was exceptional at helping callers and visitors navigate situations with patience and care. Tami’s great sense of humor and welcoming personality made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
She created and maintained the staff monthly board, filling our hallway with fun and informative updates. Tami truly lit up when meeting the little ones who came into the office, often keeping treats on hand for children as they left. She consistently kept her area neat, clean, and beautifully decorated for holidays and special themes.
Thank you, Tami, for your 31 years of dedicated service to the Board, our individuals and your colleagues. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement.
Sue Osenbaugh commenced her Lucas DD employment on May 16, 1988, as an Assistant Teacher.
Her nearly 4-decade career is a testament to the Board’s evolution as well as her own growth as a professional. She has reported to work at Larc Lane, Navarre, North St. Clair, Woodley, Holland, Hill, and Employment Connections and held various of roles, including Habilitation Technician and Job Coach. On October 7, 2019, she became a Community Connections Trainer. During her time in this role, the Community Inclusion Department had the privilege of collaborating with Sue at the Administrative Building.
Her dedication to her work with was seen and valued by our individuals and recognized by her peers. Sue was the Staff Person of the Year for Children’s Options in 2005 and most recently, Staff Person of the Month in 2024. She was awarded the prestigious Josina Lott Award for Larc Lane Seniors in 2010.
Her work with Senior Options at Larc Lane included organizing various events that engaged not only her specific area but also the entire building.
Sue brought a holistic approach to the Community Inclusion Department. Whether fulfilling her primary role as a Travel Trainer or in other areas, she consistently met individuals where they were and prioritized advocacy and a person-centered approach. She ensured that everyone’s needs and preferences were at the forefront, whether related to employment, transportation, or community engagement.
Whether it was a Resource Table, a Rec Jam, a safety presentation, a Special Olympics event, a storytelling event, a SALUTE Meeting, a FANS request, or a last-minute ticket or follow-along service, Sue was always the first to volunteer and dedicated her full effort to everything she undertook.
It is with great respect that we acknowledge Sue Osenbaugh's retirement after 37 years of dedicated service to the Board. Thank you for your many years of commitment, Sue, your contributions over the years have been truly appreciated. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities wishes you and yours all the best in this next chapter.
Staff Person of the Month: SSA Lynn Browning
This honor feels like it’s long overdue for someone who brings so much heart, humor, and pure sunshine into the workplace.
Service and Support Specialist Lynn Browning has been with Lucas DD for 18 years, and in that time has become nothing short of a legend.
She handles on-call reporting like a seasoned pro, and her dedication to the individuals she supports is unmatched. If passion, commitment, and empathy were Olympic sports, Lynn would be bringing home the gold every time.
But what truly sets Lynn apart is the energy she brings into every room. She is the person who somehow manages to smile even on the days when the rest of us are held together by caffeine and sheer willpower. She' s a breath of fresh air, equal parts grace, compassion, and that wonderfully spunky boho spirit that makes her uniquely Lynn.
Lynn is supportive, uplifting, endlessly patient, and always willing to share her wisdom. She approaches her cases with ease and empathy, making even the toughest situations feel manageable. She is someone whom her colleagues say is to be admired and inspiring to be like, both professionally and personally.
For making her team stronger, their days brighter, and work more meaningful, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Lynn Browning as the February 2026 Staff Person of the Month.
Special Recognition: Nancy Cooper
Nancy Cooper has been a dedicated volunteer with the Fraternal Order of Police Food Bank for more than 13 years, demonstrating an exceptional level of commitment, generosity, and compassion for her community.
Her long-term service reflects a true dedication to helping others, especially those with food insecurities.
In addition to her many years of volunteer work, Nancy has been married for 25 years and is a proud mother of two and grandmother of two. Despite her full family life, she consistently finds time to volunteer and is always willing to help whenever she is called. Her reliability and selflessness make her an invaluable part of the Lucas DD FANs Network.
Nancy consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to serving not only her immediate community but also anyone who visits the food bank. Over the past two years, she has been a pleasure to work with, displaying a clear understanding that a FANs Network request signifies a genuine need for members of a vulnerable population.
On multiple occasions, Nancy has kindly prioritized the needs of those served by the Board and FANs by temporarily pausing her other responsibilities to open the pantry and provide support. Nancy has a positive attitude and a caring heart, creating a welcoming environment for those she serves and for fellow volunteers.
Nancy and the FOP help approximately 500 people every month to have enough food in their homes to sustain them. She leads by example and has made a lasting, meaningful impact on countless individuals and families over the years.
With gratitude for her continued dedication and service to our individuals, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is proud to recognize Nancy Cooper with the February 2026 Special Recognition Award. Congratulations!