Alison Berning Retires After 40 Years, Leaving a Lasting Mark on Shelby County Developmental Disabilities

After 40 years of dedicated service to children and families, Alison Berning, Early Intervention Speech Therapist at the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is retiring. Throughout her distinguished career, Alison has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and has been an integral part of the Shelby County Developmental Disabilities community.

Alison began her career in 1985 at the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Language Development Specialist. She joined the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 1992 as a Preschool Instructor, and in 1995, she transitioned into the role of Language Development Specialist, where she worked closely with children and families to develop communication skills and foster language growth.

Her passion for helping children has always been at the core of her work, and she has built meaningful, long-lasting relationships with those she served. Throughout her time with Shelby County Developmental Disabilities, Alison’s contributions have been invaluable, particularly as she navigated changes in programs and adapted to new approaches—all with the goal of helping children thrive. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, clients, and the community she has served for so long.

As Alison enters this new chapter of her life, she reflects on the joy of spending more time with family. Her son and daughter-in-law live next door with their three children and are expecting a fourth in July. Alison’s daughter and son-in-law reside in North Carolina with their two children, so she and her husband plan to visit them frequently. Additionally, Alison looks forward to pursuing hobbies such as sewing, thrifting, and philanthropic work.

The Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities extends its deepest gratitude to Alison for her years of service and wishes her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Read Alison's Retirement Story

Music Therapy Now Underway for Families

The first music therapy session with Lyndsay Richey, Licensed Music Therapist, took place on Thursday, May 24 at Shelby Hills Preschool. Families from the Early Intervention Program joined in for a fun and interactive morning filled with rhythm, movement, and connection. Ongoing music therapy sessions will typically be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:15 a.m. at Amos Memorial Public Library.

☀️ Special Summer Sessions

During the summer, a couple of sessions will be held out in the community:

• Tuesday, June 10 – Redskin Park in Ft. Loramie
• Tuesday, July 8 – Shelby Hills Preschool Shelter House (playground)

⏰ Exact time for both summer sessions is still to be determined.

📲 Stay Connected

Be sure to follow us on social media for updates on session times, reminders, and more family-friendly events.

100 Days of Fun in Ms. Holly's Class!

Ms. Holly's preschool class recently celebrated their 100th day of school with a blast of fun and learning! From counting to 100 in creative ways to building towers, the kiddos had a fantastic time marking this exciting milestone.

Llama Llama Literacy Fun!

Shelby Hills Preschool had a wonderful time celebrating Llama Llama by Anna Dewdney on Literacy Night, March 6th! The week was packed with exciting events, and Pajama Day on Thursday was the perfect way to wrap it up!

Thanks to everyone who joined us to make this week of reading so much fun and full of imagination!

Building Awareness and Connection—Stronger Together for DD Awareness Month

Throughout March, Shelby County Board of DD marked Developmental Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month by highlighting the strength that comes from working together—staff, community partners, and the individuals we support—under the theme #StrongerTogether.

We kicked things off by sharing toolkits and swag bags with community partners to help spark conversations and encourage visible support across the county. Orange became a symbol of unity all month long, with many joining in by wearing orange and sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #StrongerTogetherSCBDD.

Events throughout the month brought people together in meaningful ways. We partnered with Wilson Health to host a Sensory Friendly Movie Day, offering a relaxed environment for individuals and families. At the Shelby County Board of DD, staff came together to make orange friendship bracelets and take team photos, showing their commitment to connection and awareness.

In partnership with Shelby County Libraries, we joined Storytime sessions to share More Than Words by Roz MacLean, a powerful story that sparked reflection and conversations with young readers and families.

A group from Shelby County also traveled to the DD Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse, where voices from across the state came together to be heard and seen.

We were especially moved by the response from local schools, many of which showed their support by wearing orange and focusing on acts of kindness throughout the month.

We’re thankful for our dedicated staff, our engaged community, and—above all—the individuals and families we support. March reminded us that when we work side by side, we are truly #StrongerTogether.

View Tool-Kit

Sensory Friendly Movie Day at the Historic Sidney Theatre

The Shelby County Board of DD and Wilson Health partnered once again to host the second annual Sensory Friendly Movie Day at the Historic Sidney Theatre. The event had a great turnout, with families coming together to enjoy a relaxed and welcoming movie experience.

A fun photo op featuring #StrongerTogether signs and orange balloons added to the excitement, giving families a chance to snap pictures and show their support for DD Awareness Month.

We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Wilson Health and look forward to bringing this special event back to the community next year.

Sharing Stories, Building Understanding: Library Partnership a Success

In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities once again partnered with the Shelby County Libraries to help raise awareness and promote understanding throughout the community. This marked the second year of this collaboration, and it was a great success.

Throughout the month of March, SCBDD’s Community Education and Outreach Department provided specially selected books to all Shelby County Library branches. These titles focused on themes of friendship, empathy, and communication—important messages for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

A highlight of the partnership was a series of Storytime readings held at various library locations. During these events, a county board staff member teamed up with a person supported by the board to read More Than Words by Roz Maclean. The story emphasizes the value of communication and the many ways people express themselves.

We’re thankful to the Shelby County Libraries for their continued collaboration and to all the families and community members who participated in making this effort so impactful.

Press Release for Story Time at Shelby County Libraries

Driving Toward Access: DD Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse

On March 4th, advocates, families, and community members gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy Day, themed “Driving Toward Access.” The event welcomed over 500 attendees in person, with many more participating virtually.

The day was filled with meaningful connections, as participants engaged with state representatives and senators to share personal stories and highlight the ongoing need for accessible services and inclusive policies. The event provided a powerful platform for advocacy, education, and collaboration.

With new relationships formed and fresh ideas exchanged, DD Awareness & Advocacy Day served as a strong reminder of the progress being made—and the collective commitment to keep moving forward toward greater access for all.

Thank you to all the community partners, service providers, and advocates who continue to support individuals with developmental disabilities. Your partnership—whether through education, public service, local leadership, or everyday collaboration, makes a lasting impact. A special thank you to our dedicated staff for the important work you do every day.

We are Stronger Together!

SSA's Attend Shelby County Bootcamp

Several of our SSAs recently attended the Shelby County Community Services Collaborative Bootcamp to learn about the various social services available in the county. The event featured over 25 attendees and 25 different programs/agencies in attendance.

A special highlight was our very own Jeff Coaty, Community Education and Outreach Director, who presented on the services offered by the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

It was an excellent opportunity for networking, learning, and strengthening connections within our community.

SSA and CEO Team Receive Training on New Transit Van

On March 6th, the SSA and CEO teams participated in a training session on the new transit van they received at the end of last year. The session covered how to properly use the lift and secure wheelchairs for safe transportation.

A big thank you to Shelby Public Transit for their time and effort in providing this valuable training. We appreciate their support as we continue to ensure safe and accessible transportation for everyone!

Building Confidence in the Kitchen: Cayden’s Cooking Journey

Cayden wanted to learn basic cooking skills to feel more confident and safe in the kitchen. Aja, his SSA, sent over a referral, and we've been visiting him at home once a month to offer support and cooking tips using the food he has on hand. At first, Cayden was really nervous—he worried about leaving the oven on or starting a grease fire. But now, just a few months later, he’s using the oven and kitchen timer with confidence and getting more comfortable every time he cooks! He’s already made pasta casserole, pancakes, a pork dish, and even cooked mac and cheese on his own last week! We’re so proud of how far he’s come! 

A Rockin' Day at Hits 101.5

A recent trip to Hits 101.5 radio station, organized by the CEO Department, turned into a dream come true, especially for Matt, whose passion for radio and music made the day unforgettable.

Years ago, when Kaleb Coil, now our Resource Coordinator, served as Matt’s SSA, Matt shared a special goal: to introduce a KISS song on the radio. With the help of Tracy K, the station’s morning host and music director, that dream became a reality. Matt recorded his very own song introduction!

The entire group enjoyed an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the radio station, learning about broadcasting and having a blast.

We’re grateful to Hits 101.5 and Tracy K for making the experience so memorable!

Take a look at our radio station adventure

Staff Milestones: 30+ Years of Impact

We are proud to recognize and celebrate the dedicated staff members who have reached important milestones in their service. With over 30 years of combined experience, their hard work and commitment have made a lasting impact on the individuals they serve, and we are grateful for their continued dedication.

• Jessica Guillozet – Community Connections Supervisor (15 years)
• Ashley Schindewolf – Developmental Specialist (10 years)
• Nick Rowe – SSA Director (5 years)
• Joy Starry – Wilma Valentine Childcare Assistant (1 year)

Thank you for your dedication and service!

Making History: Mr. Kahlig Joins the SCBDD Board

Mr. Matthew Kahlig made history when he was sworn in as a member of the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities on Monday. Mr. Kahlig is the first individual receiving support from the SCBDD to serve as a board member. He was appointed and sworn in by Judge Beigel.

Mr. Kahlig has been receiving services from the board since 2009. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Kahlig on this incredible achievement!

Michael Doyle Joins the Board; Joyce Ruppert Reappointed

We are excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael Doyle to our Board!

Mr. Doyle is an Associate Attorney at Hegemann & Zimmerman Co., LPA and an Assistant Prosecutor with the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office. Originally from Delaware, Ohio, he previously taught high school drama and English at Olentangy High School before deciding to pursue law at The University of Toledo. An alumnus of Ohio Northern University, Mr. Doyle is passionate about theater and an active member of the Ohio Rugby Referees Society.

Mr. Doyle was appointed to the Board by Commissioner Julie Ehemann. Reappointed to the Board is Joyce Ruppert, who continues to bring her expertise and dedication to the role, also appointed by Commissioner Ehemann.



Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles and continued service to the community.

Basketball Season Wrap-Up & A Look Ahead to Track and Softball

The Special Olympics basketball season has officially come to a close, congratulations to all the athletes on a great season! A big thank you to our amazing volunteers, volunteer coaches, community supporters, and fans who cheered us on every step of the way.

At the last home game, Humberto and Jill, dedicated volunteers for Special Olympics softball, basketball, and track, were honored during halftime for their ongoing commitment to the program. As they prepared to move out of state, we thanked them for all they've done and wished them the very best. They will be greatly missed!

Track and Field practice kicked off this spring, and the meet was held on May 10. Softball season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to see what’s ahead.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we’ll share a full recap of both track and softball seasons!