The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities held its Annual Meeting on April 28 at Parkway Place in Maumee. The event was attended by local and state dignitaries, providers, community stakeholders and members of Lucas DD leadership and the Board of Directors.
The meeting is meant to celebrate the best of the Board and our community.
- Community Partnership Awards recognize individuals or organizations in the county that have worked with Lucas DD to make our community more inclusive.
- The Provider of the Year Award is given to a Lucas County provider that was exceptional in their care of individuals with developmental disabilities.
- The Self-Advocate of the Year Award is given to an individual served by Lucas DD that has been their own champion in bettering their life in always striving to reach their full potential.
- The Spirit Award is given to an individual that has dedicated most of their professional life in advocacy for and betterment of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Lucas DD also announced its Staff Person of the Year and Manager of the Year, and premiered a testimonial video, at the Annual Meeting.
Community Partnership Award: Sgt. Mohamad Nasser
Sgt. Mohamad Nasser of the Toledo Police Department is an asset to all those who are served or employed by Lucas DD.
He has conducted numerous ALICE and other Situational Awareness trainings for different departments and staff at Lucas DD, particularly those who welcome guests at our main entrances.
Sgt. Nasser is actively engaged in numerous Lucas DD events. He has been a part of numerous events, including Trunk or Treat, Bowling for Heroes, Cops & Conversations, and Family Fun Day.
His commitment to fostering stronger, more trusting relationships—particularly between officers and individuals with developmental disabilities— has promoted understanding, safety, and meaningful community engagement throughout the city.
Community Partnership Award: Scott Neuman
Scott Neuman of Toledo Tool & Die provides extra support for individuals with developmental disabilities when they need it and also ensures they are held accountable for their work.
Scott is patient and kind and manages his team with such care and dignity. He explains rules and regulations in ways that are easy to comprehend. Scott has been very receptive to involvement from Lucas DD and has always kept an open mind, providing feedback and encouragement when necessary.
Thank you, Scott and Toledo Tool & Die, for employing our individuals and helping us improve lives so that individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential.
Community Partnership Award: Katie Shelley
Katie Shelley serves as the Conda Family Manager of Access Initiatives at the Toledo Museum of Art, where she is responsible for ensuring that individuals of all abilities can fully experience and engage with the Museum’s offerings.
In addition to her work at the Museum, Katie is a board member of the Disability EmpowHer Network, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and women with disabilities through mentoring, skill-building, and transformational leadership opportunities.
She has also been a valued partner of Lucas DD, particularly the annual SALUTE Storytellers event, for which Katie was instrumental in arranging for the Art Museum to be the host site.
Community Partnership Award: Jake Sorosiak
Coach Jake Sorosiak has been an incredible volunteer, coach, trainer, and mentor for the past 9 years with Lucas County Special Olympics.
Jake inspires our athletes to believe in themselves—not only in sports but in everyday life. The impact he has made is truly meaningful.
His dedication, compassion, and commitment go far beyond expectations. We are extremely grateful to have such a devoted volunteer.
Self-Advocate of the Year: Devan Beadle
It is with great pride that we recognize Devan Beadle as the 2025 Self-Advocate of the Year.
Devan’s journey is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and determination. His story reflects what true self-advocacy looks like—learning to speak up for himself, embracing his identity, and continuing to grow even when the path forward is uncertain. Rather than trying to fit into someone else’s definition of “normal,” he has defined success on his own terms and inspires others to do the same.
Education has been a powerful part of Devan’s journey. In December, he proudly graduated from Owens Community College, achieving a milestone that once felt out of reach. His success did not stop there. He is now a student at the University of Toledo, continuing his academic journey and demonstrating his belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Devan is also thriving creatively and socially. At the University of Toledo, he is part of a campus play, stepping onto the stage with confidence and courage. Through theatre, he has found another way to express himself, connect with others, and challenge himself in new and meaningful ways. His willingness to try something new highlights his growth as an advocate and as a leader among his peers.
Devan’s commitment extends beyond campus. At Otterbein Sunset Village, he works as a culinary server, carrying trays to residents’ rooms, taking out trash, and helping in the kitchen.
This story is a reminder that self-advocacy is not a single moment—it is a journey. By sharing his experiences, pursuing his goals, and continuing to push forward, he shows others what is possible. Devan leads by example, proving that with support, determination, and self-belief, individuals can thrive in college, in the arts, and in the broader community.
For his resilience, his voice, and his ongoing commitment to becoming his best self, Devan is a truly deserving Self-Advocate of the Year.
Staff Person of the Year: Jackie Titsworth
In 2025, her 15th year at Lucas DD, Jackie Titsworth took on the newly created position of Training Facilitator in the Service & Support Administration (SSA) Department.
Though she was not given specific direction beyond the job description, Jackie took off running with it from Day 1 and made it her own.
Jackie is committed to revamping the SSA Orientation for new hires to make sure that they are receiving the best training to better serve our individuals and families. She has rewritten many of the traditional trainings and made them more interactive with things like creating a fake profile of a sample individual served. Not only does this help a new SSA learn how certain assessments and forms are completed, it also illustrates how the information entered would affect the individual case.
Her dedication to working 1-on-1 with new staff and current staff has resulted in new ideas that have benefited Service & Support Specialists in how to do their jobs and provided training guides to help them complete an OISP. These guides are complete with all of DODD rules and county procedures included.
Jackie led the organization in what became affectionately known as SSA Boot Camp. She gathered a group of Assistant Directors, coordinators and specialists to train everyone else in the SSA department on the OISP. Each small group session discussed a section of the OISP and went through it to provide what information needs to go in the section and how it’s all connected.
It was another first that she initiated for the Board, and many employees shared how helpful the boot camp was and how happy they are that the idea came to fruition.
Not only is Jackie a great employee, but she is also an incredibly kind coworker. She regularly checks in with others to make sure they are doing okay and offers to help wherever and whenever she can.
Thank you, Jackie, for your continued dedication to help our individuals and your coworkers reach their potential. Congratulations on this well-earned award as the 2025 Staff Person of the Year!
Manager of the Year: Kristin Andrews
Kristin Andrews is the kind of manager who shows up for her team every single day. She embodies what true leadership looks like. Through consistency, compassion, organization and creativity, she has built not only strong systems, but also a culture of trust and collaboration.
One of Kristin’s greatest strengths is her ability to genuinely listen. She welcomes feedback and takes it seriously, creating an environment where staff feel heard and valued. Rather than offering quick responses or surface-level solutions, she thoughtfully considers ideas and concerns, then follows through with appropriate solutions.
Kristin’s open-door policy is more than just a phrase; it is something she practices daily. No matter how busy she is, Kristin makes time to support her staff. Whether someone needs clarification, guidance, or simply a listening ear, she approaches each situation with calmness and understanding. Her steady demeanor helps create a workplace where challenges can be addressed productively and without unnecessary stress.
Kristin was given the task of building the evaluation team’s schedule. This was a huge task that she approached strategically and with attention to detail. Her ability to design and implement a structured system demonstrates not only her strong organizational skills but also her dedication. She had to collaborate and coordinate schedules with multiple agencies, and a variety of teams as well as take into consideration what time slots work best for families. The schedules she created are a foundation that keeps teams operating efficiently and effectively.
Kristin is also actively involved in numerous Board committees, bringing thoughtful insight and a collaborative spirit to each group she serves. As the leader of the retreat committee in the Early Intervention Department, Kristin ensured all details were handled professionally. Her approach ensured the retreat day reflected what her staff truly needed, a day of fun, connection and relaxation.
Beyond her structure and organization, Kristin brings creativity to her leadership. She is willing to think outside the box to solve problems and improve policies and procedures. This creativity ensures that decisions are not only practical but are people centered. She understands that behind every task and deadline are individuals who deserve respect and support.
Through her thoughtful management and dedication, she has strengthened not only her team but the entire department and the systems it relies on.
That is the kind of leader who makes a lasting impact.
Congratulations to Early Intervention Supervisor Kristin Andrews, the 2025 Lucas DD Manager of the Year!
Manager of the Year: Jaclyn Brown
She wears many hats within our agency, often seamlessly balancing multiple responsibilities while ensuring that no detail is overlooked and no individual is forgotten. Her work consistently creates meaningful opportunities that empower individuals to experience full citizenship within their communities. Not in a generic way, but in ways that are personally meaningful to them. She understands that true inclusion is not just about presence, but about belonging, choice, and dignity.
Jaclyn Brown’s leadership models behaviors that move department goals toward successful completion. She remains focused, solution-oriented, and forward-thinking, even in challenging circumstances. She embodies the mission and core values of the Board in both words and actions, setting a standard of excellence for those around her.
Professionally, she represents the agency with integrity and grace. Whether interacting with the public, peers, individuals served, families, or providers, she consistently conducts herself in an exemplary manner. She builds trust through authenticity, clear communication, and genuine care.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is selfless, hardworking, and exceptionally intelligent. She approaches complex challenges thoughtfully and strategically yet never loses her warmth or sense of humor. Her ability to make difficult situations seem lighter strengthens team morale and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
Despite serving in a leadership role, she has never lost sight of what it truly means to be a Service and Support Specialist. She understands the heart of the work because she has lived it. That perspective guides every decision she makes and keeps her grounded in what matters most, the individuals we serve.
She does not seek recognition, yet she is deeply deserving of it. Her impact is felt daily in the lives of the individuals we serve, in the strength of her unit, and in the progress of the SSA department.
Congratulations to SSA Coordinator Jaclyn Brown, the 2025 Lucas DD Manager of the Year!
Provider of the Year: Taundra Ezell
Taundra Ezell’s passion for caregiving began long before she became an independent provider. Growing up with a brother who had a disability, she promised her mother that he would always be treated with dignity and love. That promise has shaped everything about the provider she is today.
“I wouldn’t want anyone mistreating my brother,” she said. “So, I’m not going to cheat anyone I serve.”
When Taundra first met one of the individuals she works with, progress came slowly—and sometimes not at all. There were hard days, hurtful words, and moments when simply opening the front door felt like too much. But Taundra didn’t walk away. She continued to show up every day, usually starting with a 7:30 a.m. phone call from that very individual.
Together, they visited stores for the first time, walked to the library, and explored new routines. On the individual’s 55th birthday, Taundra helped her take a monumental step: Eating a meal inside a restaurant for the first time. Ever. Joined by Lucas DD SSAs that had supported her over the years, the celebration showed how far this individual had come thanks to their collaborative efforts.
Those who have worked with the individual agree: Taundra was the prayer that was answered and changed the trajectory of this individual’s life.
An award like Provider of the Year is more than just exceptional service—it is extraordinary humanity.
Lives change when providers show up consistently. Growth happens when support is rooted in dignity and compassion. Independence begins with someone who believes in you.
7 years ago, the idea of the individual walking into a restaurant was unimaginable. Today, it’s simply the next adventure—because Taundra walks beside her every step of the way.
Congratulations, Taundra Ezell, a shining example of dedication, resilience, and heart, on this recognition as the 2025 Provider of the Year!
Spirit Award: Deb Yenrick
The Lucas DD Spirit Award is presented to individuals whose lifetime of service reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. This year, we are honored to recognize Deborah M. Yenrick as a posthumous recipient of this award, celebrating a legacy that helped shape services, leadership, and advocacy across Lucas County and throughout Ohio.
Deb dedicated more than 4 decades of her professional life to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and strengthening the systems that serve them. She began her career with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities as an Activities Therapist and, through her vision, determination, and belief in continuous improvement, rose through the organization to become Director of Adult Services and CEO of Lott Industries. In that role, she oversaw a complex, multi‑million‑dollar operation providing services to more than 900 individuals, while championing innovation, quality, and dignity in service delivery.
Throughout her career, Deb was a trailblazer. She led efforts that resulted in the first QS 9000 certification for a sheltered workshop in the state of Ohio and was instrumental in establishing an early Employee Advocacy and Advisory Council to ensure that the rights and voices of individuals served were recognized and respected.
Her professional influence extended beyond Lucas County through statewide committees, trainings, and presentations that advanced best practices in the developmental disabilities field.
Deb’s leadership also extended to neighboring Sandusky County, where served as Superintendent for Sandusky DD before returning to lead Lucas DD as the superintendent until she retired in 2018.
Even after retirement, she continued to answer the call to serve, guiding organizations through levy campaigns, accreditation, and organizational growth—always with the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities at the center of every decision.
Equally significant was Deb’s commitment to people—those she served and those she mentored. She encouraged countless professionals to pursue education, leadership, and meaningful careers in public service, leaving a lasting imprint on Ohio’s developmental disabilities community. Her philosophy, “If we don’t do it, who will?”, embodied the spirit of advocacy, responsibility, and compassion that defines the Lucas DD Spirit Award.
Through this posthumous recognition, Lucas DD proudly honors Deb’s extraordinary lifetime of service and enduring legacy as a champion for individuals with developmental disabilities.