New brand reflects expanded mission to empower professionals across the I/DD community Dublin, Ohio  — At the stroke of midnight on December 31, the Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) officially became Lighthouse Cove, marking a new chapter for the organization and affirming the broader scope of work it has been leading for years.

Founded to support Direct Support Professionals, the organization has steadily evolved into a statewide, and increasingly national, hub for professional and leadership development, education pathways, and systems-level innovation across the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field. The new name reflects that growth.

“Lighthouse Cove is not a rebrand for the sake of a new logo,” said Bethany Toledo-McCray, Executive Director. “It’s a name that finally matches the work that has been evolving for years.”

The announcement was made during a New Year’s Eve launch celebration at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, Ohio. The event brought together board members, partners, educators, advocates, and family members to honor the past and set a shared course forward.

A Name Rooted in Purpose

The name Lighthouse Cove was intentionally chosen to reflect both safety and guidance.

A cove represents a place to gather, refuel, and prepare for what lies ahead. A lighthouse does not dictate direction, but rather offers steady light to help people find their way.

“That’s who we strive to be,” Toledo-McCray said. “A steady source of connection, learning, and support for people at every stage of their professional journey.”

Expanding Impact Across the Field

Under its new name, Lighthouse Cove will continue (and expand) its work across multiple audiences, including students, emerging professionals, Direct Support Professionals, frontline supervisors, and system leaders.

Current and ongoing initiatives include:

• DSP-U, a workforce pathway program connecting high school students and emerging workers to careers in the I/DD field
• Growing Together, a developmental education series beginning in elementary school
• Leadership LAUNCHpad, the Direct Leadership Certificate, and BIO (Bond-Innovate-Optimize) retreats, supporting leadership development at every level
• Statewide and national training, consulting, and systems-level collaboration, including work focused on innovation, resiliency, and sustainability in Medicaid-funded services

Leadership and Governance

Lighthouse Cove is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to mission-driven growth and integrity. Board members include Becky Porter (President), Randy Davis (Vice President), Jason Ebbing (Treasurer), Meg Nachtwey (Secretary), Gwen Harshaw, Jessica Skelly, Sarah Davies, Ethan McPeake, Kevin Kaeding, and Josh Hamby.

Operational leadership is supported by a seasoned staff team including Becky Watson (Vice President of Operations), Katrina Sacay (Business and Marketing Coordinator), Kevin Metz (Director of Education), and their newest team member, Destiny Campbell (DSP-U Coordinator).

Looking Ahead

As Lighthouse Cove enters 2026, the organization remains committed to strengthening the professional workforce that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while expanding access, visibility, and opportunity across the field.

“We are here for the students who don’t yet know this field exists, for professionals who feel called to this work but don’t always feel seen, and for leaders bold enough to imagine, and then build, something better,” Toledo-McCray said.

Media and Partner Resources:

Organizational Overview & Lighthouse Cove Logos

Welcome Video

LighthouseCove.org

Media Contact:

Katrina Sacay

Business & Marketing Coordinator

ksacay@lighthousecove.org

Lighthouse Cove

“A Community of Practice for I/DD Professionals.”