Connecting for Kids has recognized the following individuals with its 2022 Board Awards.
Parent, Educator & Professional of the Year Awards
These awards are given to those that exemplify the mission of Connecting for Kids to provide education and support to families concerned about their child. The following individuals have been recognized:
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2022 Parent of the Year
Salina Miller, resident of Euclid
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Salina Miller founded Mother 2 Mother, a group that provides education and support to many minority families, when she saw that these families needed a safe space to connect with and support each other. Through Mother 2 Mother, Miller educates local families on opportunities and new ideas to care for themselves and their loved ones. From this foundation, she has also gone on to educate families on disparities that people with disabilities face and empower them to advocate for inclusion with the M2M Community Inclusion Council. Miller also serves on the board of the Superhero Project, a program that helps kids who struggle to see the best parts of themselves through cartoon superheroes
2022 Educator of the Year
David Schindler, resident of Avon Lake and Director of Pupil Services /Special Education, Avon Lake City Schools
David Schindler has a long history of supporting students with disabilities, beginning as an educator at Positive Education Program, as a principal in Westlake and Avon Lake schools, and finally, as the director of pupil services in Avon Lake. In his current role, Schindler actively thinks "out of the box" to find ways to help students succeed in ways that are most meaningful to their future. The nomination from a parent in the district states, “He listens and he understands the importance of looking at the whole person, even in times when limitations of a global pandemic have made that sort of individual attention more difficult. He is truly an exceptional educator.”
2022 Professionals of the Year
Jeremy Meduri, BCBA, resident of Avon Lake and Director of Clinical Services, Insight Academy in Westlake & Sara Rausch, M.A., resident of Westlake and Director of Education, Insight Academy
During the pandemic, Jeremy Meduri, BCBA, and Sara Rausch, M.A., saw an urgent need in the disabilities community with parents and caregivers having nowhere to turn. They watched schools closed and therapy center wait lists grow. They also watched families reach their breaking points. In September 2020, Meduri and Rausch opened Insight Academy in Westlake. They welcomed all disabilities and grew so fast that they had to rent out the rest of their building. They saw the need and filled it at a record pace. Their nomination written by a local parent states, “They have helped so many families in our community in such a short time, I cannot think of another duo more worthy of this award.”
The Kathleen Louise Nash Board Member Award
The Kathleen Louise Nash Board Member Award is named in honor of the founding president of Connecting for Kids and awarded annually to a board member who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication to the mission of the organization.
2022 Recipient
Christine A. Chambers, M.Ed, OTR/L, a resident of Rocky River and Owner of Abilities First LLC
Christine A. Chambers, M.Ed, OTR/L, was elected president of the board in the fall of 2019, before any of us had even heard the word COVID. She helped Connecting for Kids to manage not only the first transition to virtual programs during the shutdown but also the loss of foundation grants and applying for a PPP loan. Chambers also helped the organization develop a plan for returning to in-person programs. And, she did all of this while managing her own small business during the pandemic. According to Sarah Rintamaki, Executive Director of Connecting for Kids, “Chris has used her leadership role as president to promote creative thinking, flexibility and hope among board members as our organization supports families in this constantly changing environment.”
About Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.
For more information about Connecting for Kids, visit: www.connectingforkids.org, email: info@connectingforkids.org or call: 440-570-5908, para espanol: 440-907-9130.