December 2025

February 1

Polar Plunge

On February 1, 2025, over 100 community members, including local businesses, law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes, and agency staff braved the icy waters at Caesar Creek for the 25th Special Olympics Polar Plunge.

Participants donned creative costumes, from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Gandalf, while raising $26,120 for Special Olympics Ohio. Despite freezing temperatures, plungers encouraged each other to dive into the cold water to celebrate inclusion and community spirit. The event’s success demonstrated the power of generosity, teamwork, and commitment to supporting athletes of all abilities.

The next Caesar Creek Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

March 4

DD day at Statehouse

Our Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group had an exciting day at the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on March 4, 2025. With the help of Representative Scott Lipps, we met state representatives, listened to inspiring speakers, explored the Statehouse, and wrapped up the day with lunch. A big thank you to Representative Lipps and Senator Steve Wilson for their support and for making the day so meaningful.

The group followed up their visit to the Statehouse by sending a letter to state representatives advocating for the rights, independence, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in Ohio.

The Voices Speaking Out will return to the statehouse in 2026.

March 11

Open House and awards ceremony

On March 11, 2025, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its annual Open House to celebrate Developmental Disabilities awareness month. Centerville resident Ross Kester, supported by provider Claire LaJoye, shared his inspiring story of using cars, family, and faith to fuel his determination. The event also included proclamations presented by Commissioner Shannon Jones and Judge Joseph Kirby, information about the agency driving program presented by Ishika Sharma, Luke Marshall, and Mason McCart, a performance by the Voices of Warren County Choir, volunteer support from the Lebanon Key Club, and community engagement that raised funds for Special Olympics.

The first annual Open House Award Ceremony directly followed to celebrate the achievements of local people with disabilities. The event recognized individuals for personal growth, independence, community engagement, and perseverance. Award winners included Levi Schwab Jr. (Goal Crusher Award), Joseph Lamantia (Jamie Miles Make It So Award), Anthony Hall (Technology Empowerment Award), Luke Marshall (Team Player Award), Rodney Smith (Employment First Award), Aaron Bowman (Community Builder Award), Samuel Nauroth and David Darby (Breaking Barriers Awards), Mitchell Knight (Ambassador of Kindness Award), Maegan Ward (Independent Living Award), and Matthew Schulz (Academic Achievement Award). The ceremony highlighted resilience, determination, and advocacy, honoring the hard work of the individuals we serve.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Open House and Award Ceremony will take place again on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

April 12

Egg Hunt

Children and families served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities enjoyed candy, prizes, and great weather at the annual Egg Hunt hosted on April 12, 2025. The free, inclusive event welcomed children with developmental disabilities and their families for crafts, an accessible egg hunt, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. About 2,000 eggs filled with toys, candy, and prizes were scattered across the field, including new balloon eggs added to improve accessibility for wheelchair users. We extend a huge thank you to The ELI Effect for sharing expertise that helped make the event more inclusive. 

The next Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Makino Park in Mason, Ohio.

April 25

Trek Around the Clock

Luke5Adventures is a nonprofit that supports those living with disabilities or mobility challenges by using specialized equipment to support them on hiking adventures. The organization hosted its first annual Trek Around the Clock fundraiser on April 25, 2025. Despite rainy weather, the event was a huge success with all 24 hours covered, 35 hikes completed, more than 60 volunteers, and nearly 70 miles hiked, raising an impressive $8,000. A special shoutout to Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer, who personally hiked 20 miles, and to the Voices Speaking Out group for showing their support throughout the event. Thank you to all the hikers, sherpas, sponsors, and partners who made this unforgettable event possible.

Mid-June

Torch Run and Special Olympics Summer Games

Warren County kicked off the Special Olympics Summer Games with the Law Enforcement Torch Run on June 12, 2025, starting at the Franklin Police Department and ending at Austin Landing. This annual event raises money for Special Olympics. Special Olympics Athlete Zach Bailey helped light and carry the torch alongside Sergeant Kennon Coleman. 

Local children from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery also supported our athletes by creating posters and goody bags for the Warren County Special Olympics athletes, adding a special touch of encouragement. 

The Summer Games, hosted at The Ohio State University in Columbus, hosted nearly 3,000 athletes, Unified partners, and coaches competing in track and field, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, tennis, and volleyball. Over one dozen Warren County athletes participated in the 2025 Special Olympics Summer Games.

The Summer Games will return May 29 - 31, 2026.

June 11

Camp Lebanon

Camp Lebanon is a week-long camp for different youth groups in the community. Each year, Camp Lebanon invites individuals served by the agency for lunch and other fun activities at the campground. This year, 70 individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities were able to attend. The camp activities included coloring, basketball, walks, fishing, and a dance party after lunch. 

This opportunity touches our individuals and allows them to make new friends and memories that last a lifetime. Everywhere you look, you see the biggest smiles.

Two decades ago, LC Tudor wanted to bring his youth members together to interact with individuals with disabilities. He was very proud that several campers decided to enter the developmental disabilities field as a result of this one day. Many campers have expressed over the years that this is their favorite day of camp. Tudor has since passed, but Camp Lebanon strives to keep his vision alive.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will return to Camp Lebanon in 2026.

July 18

Animal and Me

On July 18, 2025, individuals served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities participated in the "Animal and Me" show at the Warren County Fair, showcasing their animals and making new friends. The program, presented by Warren County 4H and the Warren County Agricultural Society/Sr. Fairboard, provides individuals served by our agency the opportunity to show livestock while pairing them with trained teen 4H mentors who share their experience and love of livestock. In the weeks leading up to the event, participants worked with their mentors to learn about their animals, impressing the judge with their knowledge and dedication. 

The Animal and Me program will return in 2026.

July 29

Safety Night

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its third annual Safety Night on July 29, 2025, providing individuals with disabilities education on personal safety, internet use, healthy relationships, medication safety, substance awareness, and interacting with police officers. Presenters included Roy Lutz from Safe on Main, Officer Aaron Morgan from the Springboro Police Department, Amy Johnson of Talbert House Prevention Services, Vikki Stickelman from Devvastated, and Ann Brock of Warren County Safe Communities. Participants also visited booths from the Warren County Health Department and created personalized Safety Cards to share critical information with emergency responders.

Through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and expert guidance, Safety Night addressed gaps in safety education for people with disabilities, helping attendees develop skills, confidence, and resources to stay safe in daily life. 

Safety Night will return in 2026.

August 10

Kings Island Day

On August 10, 2025, over 100 individuals with disabilities served by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities visited Kings Island for free thanks to the support of generous community members.

In its second year, the Kings Island DD event saw significant growth, expanding from 40 attendees in its first year to over 100 this year. Each participant received free admission and parking to the amusement park, ensuring they have access to an inclusive and memorable experience at one of Ohio’s top amusement parks. Events like these promote community integration and connection.

The event was made possible by the generous support of local community members, Homeland Security, Mike’s Carwash of Loveland, and Rivers Crossing Church.

Kings Island Day will return in August 2026.

August 16

Things That Go!

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its 2025 Things That Go! event, featuring vehicles, animals, technology, and hands-on activities for people who receive services from the agency. Over a dozen local businesses and organizations showcased vehicles, including a police cruiser, ice cream truck, fire truck, school bus, Volkswagen Beetle, Lil’ Bloom Flower Truck, Cincinnati Reds Mobile, a recumbent bike, and Luke5Adventures adaptive hiking equipment. Operations Director Dave Siebert (also known as “Farmer Dave”) gave tractor rides, while Therapeutic Riding Institute brought miniature horses, Buckeye Search and Rescue brought search dogs, and PetPALS brought rabbits. The Lebanon Public Library hosted Safety Town for children to practice traffic safety.

Concurrently, the 2nd annual Assistive Technology Fair, led by Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer, featured demonstrations from EasterSeals Redwood, TruCare Provider Supports, AngelSense, and Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention and Behavior Supports divisions. The event promoted independence, inclusion, and community engagement.

Things That Go! and the Assistive Technology Fair will return on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

September 10

DSP Appreciation Dinner

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted the annual DSP Appreciation Dinner on September 10, 2025, honoring Direct Support Professionals for their dedication and impact in the community. Organized by Provider Development Coordinator Lindsay Graves, the evening celebrated DSPs with a candy-themed “Life is Sweet as a DSP” event, t-shirts, raffle prizes, and a heartwarming video featuring individuals sharing their favorite memories with their DSPs. Graves and Provider Development Coordinator Angela Mason interviewed participants months in advance to capture these stories, highlighting the daily commitment, care, and resilience of DSPs. The event recognized the vital role DSPs play behind the scenes, reinforcing the agency’s gratitude for their contributions and the meaningful human connections they foster.

The DSP Appreciation Dinner will return again in 2026.

September 20

Family Fun Day

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its annual Family Fun Day at the Miracle League Field on September 20, 2025, celebrating the opening day for the Miracle League of Greater Dayton.

Guests enjoyed free food, Special Neat Treats ice cream, games, inflatables, karaoke, and music from Monster Beatz DJ.

Attendees visited informational booths from Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator Susan Meyer, REM Ohio, Talbert House, and a local Girl Scout troop. Activities included tractor rides with Operations Director Dave Siebert (also known as “Farmer Dave”), a cow milking contest, and the dunk tank Dunk-A-Doodle-Doo, where Sheriff Barry Riley dunked Advocate Aaron Bowman. Pet Pals brought rabbits for guests, and Officer Brock and his crew volunteered with the kitchen.

Family Fun Day highlighted community engagement, accessibility, and inclusion, thanks to volunteers, agency staff, and local partners.

Family Fun Day will return Saturday, September 19, 2026.

October 1, 2, and 3

Synergy Conference

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities participated in the 2025 Synergy Conference at the Kalahari Resort from October 1–3, showcasing advocacy, technology, and independent living resources.

Advocate Ishika Sharma co-led a session titled Charting the Life Course while Advocate Michael Yeamans presented on AI-generated music. Susan Meyer, Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, designed the Hut Hop Escape Room with the Clearwater Council of Governments, teaching skills for independent living. Service Coordinator Lori Carr joined them to present on housing, finances, and life skills.

Warren County advocates Luke Marshall and Jacob Smith received the Ultimate Teammate Award and Achievement Award, respectively, while participants enjoyed networking, social activities, and Ohio’s largest indoor waterpark.

The event demonstrated the agency’s commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and skill-building for people with developmental disabilities.

The advocates will return to Synergy on September 30, 2026.

October 15

Agency In-Service

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ annual In-Service event recognized staff, community members, and local businesses for their dedication, advocacy, and support of individuals with developmental disabilities. Awards highlighted achievements in leadership, innovation, going above and beyond, volunteerism, and accommodating employees with disabilities, as well as career milestones and perfect attendance. The event celebrated the commitment and positive impact of everyone involved in the agency’s work.

The in-service event also highlighted long-term employees who retired in 2025, including

• Records and Monitoring Specialist Carolyn Bogenschutz
• Operations Director Pete Mason
• Community Employment Specialist Gwen McIntire
• Speech-Language Pathologist Peggy Engelhard.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host the annual in-service again on October 21, 2026.

October 13

Trunk-or-Treat

The agency’s annual Trunk-or-Treat was a huge success, drawing hundreds of trick-or-treaters and featuring an incredible display of costumes and candy. The best-decorated trunk awards went to the Beetlejuice-themed Jeep and the Zygowicz family with their Alien-themed setup, while the Jeep Lifestyle group wowed attendees with dozens of creatively decorated Jeeps.

This event will return in October of 2026.

November

Food Drive

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted a food drive in November in response to the government shutdown, which temporarily halted funding for SNAP benefits. The initiative aimed to support local food pantries as they supported the individuals we serve.

During the month, agency employees and community members donated 14 shopping carts full of food and hygiene items, which were donated to Mason, Lebanon, and Springboro food pantries.

Thank you to everyone who supported our food drive!

November 20

OACB Awards

Board President Laurie Lupinetti and Work Incentives Coordinator Latosha Olinger were both presented with awards at the Ohio Association of County Boards 42nd Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on November 20, 2025.

Lupinetti was awarded with the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes a county board employee, board member, volunteer, or community member for outstanding service and commitment to their county board.

Olinger was honored with the Partners in Excellence Award for her work with F.E.A.R. Factor, online trainings breaking down the fears and stigma associated with working and receiving benefits, so recipients and professionals can build a foundational knowledge and make informed decisions. 

Olinger was also awarded the Mary Ridgely Distinguished Direct Service Award for demonstrating excellence in the direct provision of benefits counseling services at the 2025 NABWIS conference in Denver, Colorado, on October 7, 2025.

December 6

Jingle Bell Bash

On December 6, The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its annual Jingle Bell Bash. Leading up to the event, the Early Childhood team was able to transform the Warren C. Young Center auditorium into a winter wonderland! Everywhere you looked there were festive inflatables, twinkling lights, wrapping paper, and gifts for the kids. Santa’s elves may work hard, but the agency elves work even harder.

Upon arrival, children and their families were greeted with festive music, goodie bags, and stuffed animals which were donated from the Milford PetSmart by the Bogenschutz family. We had a dance party, story time with Developmental Specialist Margaret Cunningham, crafts, and ended the day with more dancing and new friendships. 17 families and 41 children spent the morning with us. What a great way to celebrate the holiday season!

Goal-Crushing News!

We’re celebrating the incredible achievements of the families and children we work with! At the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, we’re all about supporting children and their families and helping them crush their goals- big or small. We’ve seen so many children and families reach important milestones this year, from mastering a new skill to achieving personal goals. Whether it’s improved communication, walking independently, or making new friends, every step forward is worth celebrating!

We are excited to shout out Goal Crushing News to the Huss Family and their team: The Huss family have been involved in services for their two boys, Hudson and Henry, for over 4 years. Here is what their Primary Service Provider, Stacie Rhodes, shared:

Meet Hudson and Henry, two superstar brothers who prove every day what it means to be true goal crushers! Both boys have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, but that has never slowed down their incredible determination.

Hudson, now in preschool, started with us at just 8 months old and has been mastering milestones ever since - independent sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, and now cruising around like a pro in his gait trainer. His determination is unwavering, and he continues to thrive in preschool, tackling new challenges with confidence. One of his favorite adventures is strolling through Kroger, charming every shopper with a big smile and a friendly “Hi!” 

Henry, who is turning 3, just got his very own gait trainer and is beyond excited to keep up with big brother. Henry’s sense of humor is unmatched, and he loves making everyone around him laugh! Henry has worked so hard to conquer each motor milestone, and he’s ready to dive into preschool with the same enthusiasm and sparkle. 

These two are a joyful reminder of the power of hard work, heart, and a whole lot of determination and we couldn’t be prouder of them! 

Hudson and Henry’s mom, Jaime, shared the following message with our team as a goodbye to Early Intervention Services:

“I feel so thankful our early intervention in Ohio is structured the way it is. And how well Warren County handles the kiddos and provides other opportunities for success and fun!

I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Stacie and Shanae and share how grateful we are for everything they brought to our boys’ therapy team. 

Stacie consistently goes above and beyond—not just with her clinical skill, but with the level of care, creativity, and genuine connection she brings into every session. We see the way she thinks outside the box, celebrates small wins as big ones, and meets our kids exactly where they are. It makes such a meaningful difference for our family. 

We also want to recognize Shanae, who has been such a steady, caring presence for the boys. She is incredibly knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and always shows up with so much warmth. She celebrates every bit of progress right alongside us, and her kindness has truly helped the boys feel supported and confident."

This family and team have worked so closely and thoroughly to support Hudson and Henry –they are all true goal crushers! 

You can follow the Huss Family story on TikTok @The_huss_bros! 

Virtual Toileting Training

Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

via Microsoft Teams presentation

Register by Monday, January 12, 2026

We’re excited to offer a valuable 90-minute virtual workshop on Toileting Training, presented by Envision. This workshop will provide families with an in-depth look at all the key components needed for successful toileting. 

What Will Be Covered? 

This workshop will focus on six main areas that are essential for promoting toileting skills: 

1. Conceptual Understanding: What does the child need to know? 
2. Readiness: How to assess if your child is ready to start toileting training 
3. Consistency: Why routine and repetition are crucial 
4. Motivation: How to encourage your child’s participation 
5. Red Flag Concerns: Identifying issues that may require additional support 
6. Adaptations: Tailoring the process to fit your child’s individual needs 

 This virtual workshop is open to parents/caregivers of children enrolled in WCBDD services and is brought to you through a contract with Envision.  

Infant Massage



Infant Massage in Early Intervention 

Kristine Bailar, Developmental Specialist (DS),

Certified Educator of Infant Massage (CEIM) 

Infant Massage USA is the U.S. chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage. Our mission is to promote nurturing touch and communication through training, education, and research so that parents, caregivers and children are loved, valued, and respected throughout the United States and the world community. 

The role of the Certified Educator of Infant Massage is to facilitate and enhance the loving relationship between infants & parents. All certified educators must complete Infant Massage USA’s extensive training, exam, and practicum. The core curriculum was created to be comprehensive, evidence-based, interactive, and personal. It is based on the 15-point curriculum developed by Vimala McClure, author of Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents and presents protocols, adaptations, and techniques to work with families and their babies born prematurely and/or with special needs and involves both practical and theoretical work. 

Why Infant Massage? 

Numerous studies have shown the many developmental benefits of positive contact as part of baby’s early life. Touch is our first sense to develop while in utero, and touch is your baby’s first language. Infant massage is one of the most natural and pleasant methods of providing this early nurturing contact. 

Research shows infant massage has many benefits, including:

• Accelerated bonding and attachment between children and caregivers 
• Improved muscle growth and weight gain 
• Stress reduction for both parent and child 
• Healthy sleep and digestion 
• Increased parental confidence and competence 
• Enhanced understanding of communication and consent 

Supporting Infant/ Child Development

Infants who experience regular massage often see reduced stress, nervous system improvements, and improved self-regulation and body-awareness. 

In relevant studies, parents have reported improvements in many developmental aspects like muscle tone, joint mobility, gastrointestinal issues, and response to forms of therapy (such as physiotherapy). It is especially helpful for children who require extra support, including babies born prematurely, babies born addicted, and HIV+ babies. 

Our classes teach parents and caregivers how to incorporate nurturing touch safely into their lives and with the individualized attention their baby deserves. 

Supporting Bonding & Attachment

Research supports that infant massage and infant massage parent education programs can increase parent confidence and attachment, result in greater success in adapting to and developing strategies to cope with parenthood and can benefit mothers with postpartum depression by helping them to relate to their baby and inducing the release of oxytocin. 

Our classes are cue-based and baby-driven. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to respond to the individual needs of their babies. The classes are warm and relaxing, allowing individual baby’s needs to be considered and the small class sizes (or individual support) and structured once-a-week format allows the time and space to learn from each other’s knowledge and experiences. 

Improving Sleep Quality

Bedtime routines, especially those including infant massage, have shown to improve multiple aspects of the sleep cycle for both the child and the parent/caregiver. 

In our classes, parents and caregivers learn quiet activities (massage, nurturing touch, lullabies, etc.) and spend time recognizing their child’s ways of communicating, which are ideal for bedtime routines and can make nights less stressful for everyone. 

Reducing Violence & Abuse

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies nurturing parenting skills as one of the most important protective factors for lessening child abuse and neglect, with approaches that enhance parent skills and promote healthy child development having a demonstrated effect on prevention. 

Our classes ensure parents and caregivers are educated on nurturing touch, bonding techniques, communication, and behavioral states, as well as broader developmental benefits. 

Our classes:

• Are always held in small groups or individually to ensure personalized attention. 
• Are baby led. It’s okay for babies to cry! Parents and caregivers are encouraged to listen to their baby’s needs. 
• Include time for supportive group discussion where parents can share experiences and learn from each other while having fun. 
• May be structured as individual classes, home visits or instruction through social agencies. 
• Do not include the Educator touching or massaging your baby during class. They will demonstrate on a doll. 
• Recommended age for group classes is from birth to pre-crawling. 

You’ll learn:

• Massage strokes & touch relaxation 
• Bonding techniques & ways to recognize your baby’s cues 
• How to ask permission & how doing so builds respect 
• How to choose the best oil for your massage 
• How to identify the best time for massage & ways to work it into your daily life 
• & more! 

For more information, visit www.infantmassageusa.org.

Resource Corner

Here are a few helpful websites and organizations we encourage you to explore! These resources offer valuable support, information, and opportunities for families with young children—especially those with unique developmental needs. 

Early Intervention & Child Development 

Ohio Early Intervention -  Information about Ohio’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

• Brief Overview of EI
• What Can I Expect? 

Zero to Three - Trusted resources on early childhood development, focusing on the critical first three years of life.

State & Local Support Services

Ohio Department of Children and Youth - Access programs and services that support children and families throughout Ohio.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce/Special Education –  Information on special education programs and services across Ohio schools.

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities - Advocacy and support for families of children with disabilities from birth through adulthood.

OCALI -  Resources and training to promote access and equity for individuals with disabilities. 

Pause for Parents, Play for Kids –  A nonprofit supporting family of children with special needs by providing rest, connection, and fun activities.

United Way 211 - The United Way 211 Helpline is a gateway to a wide range of essential community services available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Our trained 211 team listens, asks questions, assesses callers’ needs and refers people to resources within United Way’s comprehensive database of local providers. 

If you are an individual in need of help and can’t find what you need after searching UWGC211.org, please DIAL 211 or fill out our contact request form to have a resource navigator get in touch with you directly. 

About United Ways of Butler, Warren and Clinton Counties (UWBWCC) 211 Collaborative 

The UWBWCC 211 Collaborative is a group of local United Ways working together to fund and support 211 services in Butler, Warren, and Clinton Counties. 

Literacy, Libraries, and Outdoor Fun

Imagination Library –  Sign up for free monthly book deliveries for children from birth to age five.

Warren County Public Libraries –  Explore resources, programs, and events available at your local public library.

Warren County Park District - Discover parks, trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities across the county. 

Questions or Need More Info? 

We’re here to support you. If you have any questions or would like more information about Early Childhood Services at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We look forward to continuing to provide services for your family in 2026!  

Warmly, 

The Early Childhood Team 

Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities 

Kelly Brooks, MS

Early Childhood Manager

Kelly.brooks@warrencountydd.org or 513-228-6520

OR

Maria Froendhoff

Early Childhood Manager

Maria.froendhoff@warrencountydd.org or 513-228-6462