Happenings, Highlights & Holiday Cheer: A Message from Superintendent Leigh Anne Wenning:
As we reflect on the past months, we are excited to share the many ways Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues to grow, connect, and support our community. From welcoming new employees and celebrating milestone anniversaries and retirements, to recognizing the dedication of our staff and DSPs, there is so much happening “on the hill.”
We continue our work in community employment, alongside our broader community initiatives. We’re also proud to highlight the start of basketball season with Shelby County Special Olympics and other exciting events that bring our community together.
We’re excited to share more updates with you in this newsletter, and we invite you to follow us on social media to stay connected with all the latest happenings “on the hill” at SCBDD.
Early Intervention
What is Early Intervention?
Support for Children and Families from Birth to 3
Ohio Early Intervention (EI) supports infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who may need extra help meeting developmental milestones such as walking, talking, eating, or playing. EI partners with families and caregivers to provide individualized services in the child’s natural environments like the home or daycare. Providers don’t just work with the child, they coach parents and caregivers with simple, everyday strategies so they can support their child’s growth during daily routines, even when EI providers aren’t there. This team approach helps children learn and thrive all day, every day.
Have questions or ready to make a referral? Call 937-658-6763 and ask for Jennifer Bradford.
Shelby Hills Preschool
New Staff Spotlight: Maddie Heffner
Please join us in welcoming Maddie Heffner, Preschool Instructor at our Shelby Hills – Sidney location! Maddie joined our team this fall and brings a strong background in both education and leadership.
She recently worked as a substitute teacher with Troy City Schools and Milton-Union Schools and spent nearly 10 years as a manager at McDonald’s in Troy. Maddie is a graduate of Troy High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wright State University.
We’re excited to have her as part of our preschool team!
Families Gather for Fall Fun Day
Shelby Hills Preschool Fall Fun Day was packed with excitement! Families enjoyed hayrides, pumpkin patches, pony rides, tractors, a petting zoo, books, and so much more! There was truly something for everyone.
A special thank you to Doug Davis, our Facilities Technician, for preparing the hayride and spending the day driving the tractor for our students and families.
Be sure to check out photos from all the fall fun on our Facebook page!
Holiday Cheer at Our Annual Open House
Holiday cheer filled Shelby Hills Preschool – On the Hill during our annual Holiday Open House as families celebrated the season together. The event featured festive stories, music, dancing, holiday crafts, and sweet treats, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Students, families, and staff enjoyed spending special time together and making meaningful holiday memories.
We appreciate all who joined us and helped make this celebration a joyful experience.
Be sure to check out photos from the event on our Facebook page!
Little Learners, Big Fire Safety Lessons: Preschools Visits Local Fire Departments
As part of Fire Prevention Month, students from Shelby Hills Preschool enjoyed exciting and educational field trips to local fire departments, giving them a hands-on look at fire safety and the important role firefighters play in keeping communities safe.
Preschoolers from the Fort Loramie Satellite Location visited the Fort Loramie Rescue Station/EMS building, where they toured the station, learned about firefighters’ responsibilities, and explored the equipment used during emergencies. The visit also provided a great opportunity to talk about fire safety at school and the importance of making safe “red and green” choices.
Meanwhile, students from the Russia Satellite Location traveled to the Russia Community Fire Company for an up-close look at fire trucks and tools. Firefighters shared important safety tips and explained how they help protect the community, making the experience both fun and memorable for the young learners.
These visits gave preschoolers an engaging way to learn about fire safety while building appreciation for local first responders. A big thank-you to the Fort Loramie Rescue Station/EMS and the Russia Community Fire Company for welcoming our students and sharing your time and knowledge.
Spooky Fun in Miss Wilt’s Class!
Miss Wilt’s class at the Anna Satellite location has had a spooktacular time celebrating Halloween! Students wore creative costumes and enjoyed fun classroom activities, games, and treats. It was a day full of smiles and excitement, and we loved seeing everyone join in the fun!
Fun Learning in Miss Megan’s Class!
Miss Megan’s class at the Hardin Houston Satellite location has been busy learning and having fun! Students have accomplished so much during the first half of the year, exploring new skills and enjoying every step. We can’t wait to see what the next half brings!
Exploring in Miss Victoria’s Class
At the Jackson Center Satellite location, Miss Victoria’s class has spent the last half of the year exploring games, crafts, sensory bins, and story time, all designed to spark curiosity and build new skills. The students have made remarkable progress, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth in the months ahead!
Wilma Valentine Staff Updates
Joy Starry Retires After 30 Years Experience
Please join us in celebrating Joy Starry, Childcare Assistant at Wilma Valentine Childcare!
Joy has over 30 years of experience in the Developmental Disabilities system, including several years with Wilma Valentine Childcare and prior service with Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Thank you, Joy, for your dedication, compassion, and the lasting impact you’ve made in the lives of so many. Congratulations and thank you for all you do!
Welcome to WVC, Julie!
Julie joined as a Childcare Assistant for Wilma Valentine in December.
Julie previously worked as the Location Coordinator and Children’s Programming Coordinator for the Shelby County Library in Russia. She also has experience at CORS as a Preschool Teacher Assistant, School Age Teacher, and Toddler Teacher Assistant.
Julie is a St. Henry High School graduate and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wright State University.
Welcome, Julie!
Community Education & Outreach
Appreciation Day at VanDemark Farms
In honor of Appreciation Day for DSPs, Staff and Families, we celebrated last Monday with a fun-filled day at Vandemark Farm. The day included mini golf, fishing, zip lining, the giant swing, hayrides, and more.
Thank you to our DSPs, staff and families who joined us, and to everyone who helped make the day possible. We truly appreciate all that you do and the support you provide every day.
Annual Trunk-or-Treat on the Hill Brings Community Together
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Annual Trunk or Treat on the Hill. While the weather was a bit unpredictable at the start, the evening turned into a wonderful community event filled with candy, creative costumes and trunks, and pizza.
We are grateful to the many agencies, organizations, staff, and volunteers who helped make this event possible. Special thanks to Shelby County Job and Family Services, Shelby County CASA and GAL, Sidney Shelby County Health Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Sidney Safety Services, Shelby County Animal Shelter, SCARF, S and H Products Inc., Sidney Kiwanis, Sidney City Schools, Key Club, Builders Club, Domino’s Pizza, and the Rancor Clan Ohio Mandalorian Mercs Chapter.
Thank you all for your time, creativity, and support. This event would not be possible without you, and we are already looking forward to next year’s Trunk or Treat on the Hill.
More photos from Trunk-or-Treat are available on our Facebook Page
SCBDD Lights Up Winter Wonderland
Rain couldn’t stop the fun at Sidney Alive's Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights presented by Wilson Health! SCBDD was proud to be part of the festivities, with team members from several departments coming together to represent our organization and spread some seasonal cheer.
Our handcrafted float was a true highlight of the evening. Built with care by Facilities Tech Doug and his dad, the vintage red pickup truck, complete with a glowing Christmas tree, made its way up the parade route and brought smiles to everyone in the crowd.
It was a wonderful night filled with community connection, teamwork, and holiday joy. We loved celebrating alongside our neighbors and sharing in the magic of the season!
Spreading Holiday Cheer with Cookies and Connection
The holidays can be a joyful season, but they can also feel lonely as we miss loved ones or spend the season on our own. This is no different for people living with disabilities.
This year, the Community Education and Outreach Department wanted to make the season brighter by coordinating a holiday cookie decorating activity. We baked nine dozen cookies and made sure each person received their favorite type of cookie mix. Individuals decorated cookies one on one with their SSA or supervisor, while staff from various departments joined in to share holiday cheer.
For Aley, the experience was especially meaningful. “It gave me a chance to do something for Christmas because usually I don’t get a chance to do much holiday stuff since I don’t hang out with my family much after my mom passed away,” Aley shared.
Morgan Litmer, Aley’s SSA, reflected on the impact of the day, sharing that the activity gave Aley an opportunity she otherwise would not have had. "It was a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit, spend time together, and allowed Aley to share her decorated cookies with people she cares about most."
Morgan decorated with Aley, Doug, our facilities technician, spent time decorating with Ricky, Kaleb, our resource coordinator, reconnected with Bill, and Aja, SSA, decorated cookies with Pam. As Bill shared, it was a wonderful way to celebrate together and enjoy some sweet treats.
Moments like these remind us how meaningful connection and community can be during the holiday season.
Kids and Coffee Creating Space for Families to Connect
Parenting is challenging and parenting a child with a disability can sometimes feel like navigating uncharted territory. That is exactly what inspired Paige to create Kids & Coffee, a local group designed to provide connection, understanding, and support for families in Shelby County.
Paige Moore, a stay-at-home mom, knows firsthand the unique joys and challenges of raising children with autism and sensory processing differences. When her two children were diagnosed in early 2024, Paige quickly realized that while therapy, school, and resources were essential, what she truly craved was a sense of community, a place where families could share experiences without judgment. Encouraged by her husband, she decided to take a leap and create that space.
During this journey, Paige connected with Jenny Caverlee, a fellow parent navigating similar challenges with her own son. Jenny is a paraprofessional at Shelby Hills Preschool, where she works closely with children with diverse learning needs. She brought both insight and creativity to the group, and she even helped come up with the name Kids & Coffee. Together, Paige and Jenny envisioned a space where families could feel seen, understood, and supported.
The group’s organization and outreach were further strengthened by Jessica Guillozet, the Community Connections Supervisor at the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities. As both a professional and a parent, Jessica brings a deep understanding of the day-to-day realities families face. Working together, Paige, Jenny, and Jessica coordinate monthly meet-ups at local venues, ensuring every gathering is welcoming and inclusive.
Since its inception, Kids & Coffee has become more than just a meet-up. Families share stories, advice, and laughter, discovering that they are not alone in their journeys. The group welcomes all families, offering a space to connect, learn, and simply enjoy each other’s company over coffee and conversation.
Paige reflects, “Parenting is hard, but having people who truly understand makes such a big difference. I am so grateful for Jenny, Jessica, and every family that joins us. This group is for you, and I hope everyone feels the sense of community we have worked so hard to create.”
Kids & Coffee meets monthly at local venues, with details shared on the group’s Facebook page. Whether you are looking for resources, friendships, or simply a listening ear, this is a space where families can come together and support one another. Families are encouraged to join the Kids & Coffee Facebook Group to stay connected and receive updates on upcoming meet-ups:
A Sensory Friendly Grinch Night at the Shelby Historical Theatre
Our Sensory Friendly Movie Night at The Historic Sidney Theatre was a great success. Families enjoyed a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas in a relaxed environment with adjusted sound and lighting, making it a welcoming experience for everyone.
Thanks to The Historic Sidney Theatre for their support and for helping make this event inclusive and enjoyable. It was a wonderful way for the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
Wilson Health Supports SCBDD Through Breast Cancer Awareness
We appreciate Wilson Health for donating bags from their Break for Breast Cancer event. This is the fourth year they’ve supported our staff, showing their ongoing commitment to our team and the community.
Thank you for being a valued partner!
Aktion Club Spreads Holiday Cheer at Christmas of Yesteryear
Thank you to the Shelby County Historical Society in Sidney, Ohio, for inviting us to continue our holiday tradition of decorating a Christmas tree for the Christmas of Yesteryear celebration. The Sidney Kiwanis Aktion Club decorated the tree, and students from Shelby Hills Preschool, across all locations, made beautiful handmade ornaments.
We’re grateful for the chance to share in this tradition and celebrate the season with our community.
Community Employment
Supporting Employment, Building Futures
The Community Employment Team within the Community Education and Outreach Department helps individuals explore, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment in the community. Led by Community Employment Supervisor Shellie Farrier and Community Employment Specialist Kara Bensinger, the team partners with individuals, families, employers, and community agencies to support successful employment outcomes.
Community Employment staff work closely with individuals at every stage of their employment journey. This includes coordinating Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) referrals and billing, meeting with individuals interested in working, and supporting them through the OOD eligibility process. Once services are authorized, the team assists individuals with job searches, interview preparation, and interview support, as well as on-the-job coaching to help them succeed in their roles.
Ongoing support is a key part of Community Employment services. Staff provide retention services (checking in with individuals at their worksites), assist with annual training, and help address work schedule or workplace concerns as they arise. The team also collaborates regularly with employers and community vendors to ensure supports are effective and individualized.
Summer Employment Programs (Ages 14–21)
Community Employment also offers summer programming for students ages 14–21 that focuses on building job readiness and life skills. Programs include Skills to Pay the Bills, which emphasizes communication, teamwork, and professionalism; Summer Work Experiences, which provide hands-on, real-world employment opportunities; and Career Exploration Camp, designed to help students learn about different career paths. To celebrate a successful summer, students are invited to an End-of-Summer Glow Bowling Party.
An Individual’s Journey to Employment
An individual’s employment journey often begins with a conversation with their SSA about wanting a job. The SSA then contacts Kara to submit an OOD referral. An OOD Employment Counselor meets with the individual to determine eligibility for services. The individual has the right to informed choice when selecting a service provider, and once services are authorized, they begin working with the chosen provider to achieve their employment goals.
A Day in the Life of an Employment Professional
No two days look the same for Community Employment staff. On any given day, they may be meeting with individuals about employment goals, supporting job interviews, providing job coaching at worksites, teaching employment-related classes, assisting with training, or collaborating with employers and community partners.
Whatever the day brings, the focus remains the same: supporting individuals in their current jobs and helping them prepare for future employment opportunities.
A Sweet Thank You to Our Community Employers
Community Education & Outreach (CEO) Department spent the day putting together and delivering cookies as a sweet thank you to the amazing businesses in Shelby County that support employment.
Seventy-seven individuals who receive our services are now competitively employed thanks to the continued support of our local business community!
Special Olympics
The Shelby County Special Olympics would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous 2025–2026 donors whose support empowers our athletes, strengthens our programs, and uplifts our entire community.
We are grateful to Air Handling Equipment, Allenbaugh Insurance Agency, Barker Insurance Agency, Chesrown Ford of Sidney, Dave Nagel Excavating LLC, Dr. William Lee Huskey, Elsner Painting and Pressure Washing, First National Bank, Fraternal Order of Police Gateway Lodge, Freshway Foods, Freytag & Associates, Fultz Warehouse Carpet, Huffer Chiropractic, Kingler Thermoseal, Kiwanis of Sidney Ohio, Ohio State Eagles Charity Fund, Pleiades Chapter 298 Order of Eastern Star, Pullins Drainage and Excavating, Shelby County United Way, Sidney Body Carstar, Sidney Electric Electrical Contractors, Superior Aluminum Products, Thomas M. Rossman, and Weigant Landscape Company.
Because of these donations, our athletes are able to compete in year-round sports at no cost, and we have been able to purchase uniforms and first-aid supplies for our basketball teams. Stay tuned to our social media pages for photos and updates, and thank you for supporting the Eagles and helping our athletes soar.
Shelby County Eagles Athletes Participate in Inaugural Cornhole Expo
Shelby County Eagles athletes Lesli, Seth, and Isaac represented Shelby County Special Olympics at the first-ever Cornhole Expo hosted by Special Olympics Ohio – Southwest Region. The event focused on healthy activities and athlete leadership while introducing participants to the sport of cornhole. Cornhole is expected to become an official Special Olympics Ohio sport in 2026.
Shelby County Special Olympics Receives December Cup of Care
Shelby County Special Olympics is honored to receive the December Cup of Care from Fill My Cup. We are grateful to be selected and appreciate their generosity and support of our athletes and programs. Thank you to Fill My Cup for helping make a positive impact in our community!
To learn more about Fill My Cup, check out their Facebook page
Service & Support Administration
Staff Milestone Anniversaries
Help us congratulate Tara Frilling and Tammy Bergman on their 1-year work anniversaries! Tara started as an SSA and is now our Eligibility Coordinator, while Tammy has been a key part of our team as an SSA Administrative Assistant.
We’re grateful for all they do and glad to have them on our team!
Understanding Eligibility for Services at SCBDD
At the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we often get questions about who can qualify for our services. Because the process can sometimes feel a little confusing, we’d like to share some basics to help clear things up.
Across Ohio, every county uses the same assessment tool approved by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. It’s called the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument, and here in Shelby County, we have a trained assessor who helps complete it.
To be considered, a person must have a qualifying diagnosis or disability that began before the age of 22 and is likely to last indefinitely. Deficits also cannot be attributed to a mental illness. Since our services are designed to support people with developmental disabilities, this step is very important.
The assessment itself is done in person, either at home or another convenient location, and looks at seven key life areas, such as self-care, mobility and independent living skills.
For adults, eligibility means having substantial limitations in three of these areas. For children under 16, the assessment is adjusted for age, and eligibility is met with substantial limitations in two areas.
If a person is found eligible, they will be connected with a service and support administrator who will walk alongside them and their family to explore available services and resources. If the person is not eligible, we do our best to connect them with other resources.
Darlene Mullen retired from the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities on December 31, 2025.
She joined the board in 2000 as a Sub Childcare Assistant and Sub Paraprofessional, became a full-time Paraprofessional in 2003, and in 2007 took on the role of Administrative Support Manager.
We thank Darlene for her years of dedicated service and wish her a happy retirement.
SCBDD Welcomes Ashley Homan as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Ashley Homan joined the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent in October 2025.
Ashley previously worked with the Board, starting in 2008 as a Support Specialist and moving to an SSA role in 2010, which she held for 8.5 years. In 2018, she joined Edison State Community College as Director of the EAGLE Program and most recently served as Enrollment Manager.
A Versailles High School graduate, Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation
Services/Psychology from Wright State University.
We are glad to have her back on the team!
Adam Brown Joins Shelby and Champaign County Boards of Developmental Disabilities as Finance & Operations Director
Adam Brown joined the Shelby and Champaign County Boards of Developmental Disabilities as Finance & Operations Director in November 2025.
Adam previously worked at the Union County Board of DD, starting as an SSA and most recently serving as Medicaid Services Manager. Prior to that, he spent 14 years at Bridgeway Academy as a Lead Teacher and Staff Engagement & Development Manager.
A Marysville High School graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Services, with a concentration in Child and Family Services, from Southern New Hampshire University.
We are excited to have Adam on the team and look forward to his contributions in this role.
Our 2026 strategic plan has been developed and outlines goals and objectives to focus on inclusive and person-centered supports based on our mission, providing services that are financially sustainable, enhancing community awareness about the benefits of inclusion, ensuring we are able to attract and retain quality staff and a renewed focus on customer service. You’ll be able to review this new plan on our website soon.
Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities | 1200 S Children's Home Rd | Sidney, OH 45365 US
