(Warren County, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities hosted its second annual Open House Award Ceremony on March 10, 2026, to celebrate the achievements of local people with disabilities who receive services from the agency.

The ceremony, which took place during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, served as a meaningful occasion to honor the dedication, resilience, and accomplishments of Warren County residents. Award recipients were nominated for awards that highlighted personal growth and community building.

Each award was presented by Cincinnati Reds Mascot Mr. Redlegs.

The Jamie Miles Make It So Award honors a candidate who has used their self-determination and drive to achieve the things they deem most important. This award was named in honor of Jamie Miles, a Warren County resident, individual served by the agency, and a Star Trek fan. Jamie passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy of compassion, confidence, and resilience.

Jamie’s mother, Glenda Miles, presented the award and explained the significance of the phrase “Make It So” to her son and herself. Jamie was deeply inspired by the Star Trek motto, “Make It So,” and lived by the saying by following his dreams, embracing support, taking risks and proudly being himself. This is where the award gets its name.

The award was presented to Isabella “Izzy” Thomas for her incredible strength in overcoming barriers. When she first began with Help Me Grow at the age of two, she used only a handful of words. By two and a half, she received a diagnosis of autism and an expressive/receptive language disorder. 

Today, Izzy is thriving in preschool at The Learning Lab, where she takes on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. She now uses more than 120 words and phrases.

“In just one year, Izzy’s growth has amazed everyone who knows her. She continues to show us what can happen when hard work meets a brave heart,” Glenda said. “She proves over and over that she can rise to meet any challenge placed before her.”

The Goal Crusher Award honors a candidate receiving Early Intervention services who has demonstrated immense progress in achieving a goal towards development. Elliott “Ellie” Eslick was presented this award by Community Relations Coordinator Claire Bishop for her joyful perseverance. 

Ellie, who is affectionately known as Popcorn, has been enrolled in Early Intervention services since she was 9 months old due to motor and feeding concerns. Today, she is two and a half years old and has met every goal set by her care team. 

Despite her circumstances, she is a bubbly toddler who navigates life with confidence. She likes to hide behind corners to scare anyone who passes by, play with her older siblings, and stay active with peers her own age.

“We are incredibly proud of Ellie and the progress she has made over the past two years,” Bishop said. “Her achievements are a testament not only to her hard work, but also to the unwavering support of her parents, who I hope will share in this moment of celebration with their daughter.”

The Technology Empowerment Award honors someone who has successfully enhanced their independence through use of assistive technology and remote supports. Michael Yeamans was selected for this award for supporting his peers and family with technology and using assistive technology to live independently.

Susan Meyer, the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Remote Supports and Assistive Technology Coordinator, presented the award to Yeamans. She said Michael helped provide valuable feedback when the agency was designing its SMART Technology Studio.

“Michael enthusiastically offered thoughtful insights and asked meaningful questions that directly contributed to improving the studio,” Meyer said. “His informative approach and genuine desire to help others is what led Michael to becoming the newest member of the Ohio Tech Ambassadors.”

The Ohio Tech Ambassadors are Ohioans who have developmental disabilities and discuss how they use assistive technology at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Tech Ambassadors share their personal experiences through peer-to-peer mentoring sessions across the state.

He is the newest president of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group, where he often assists his fellow advocates with technology. He encourages everyone to be educated on all aspects of technology, especially when it comes to protecting your private information.

Michael said he was told by doctors that he would never excel in school due to his autism diagnosis. This year, he will be graduating with a degree in Cybersecurity from Sinclair Community College. He aims to establish his own Cybersecurity company that hires people who have developmental disabilities.

“Instead of accepting the limitations others tried to place on him, he relied on his self-determination to pursue his passions and follow his dreams,” Meyer said.

The Team Player Award honors a candidate who contributes positively to a group by demonstrating strengths in teamwork, collaboration, and support. BJ Frame, supervisor at Production Services Unlimited (PSU), presented the award to Eric Whitler.

Frame said Whitler has demonstrated “tremendous personal growth” with managing frustration.

“Eric has become a true team player. Someone others can rely on. He works hard, cooperates with those around him, and gives his best effort in everything he does,” Frame said. “That consistency, that willingness to support others, and that dedication to doing the job right are what set him apart.”

Community Employment Supervisor Christina Horton presented the Employment First Award to Angie Inzerello, who has worked at Culver’s in Mason for over 7 years. 

Outside of work, Inzerello also strives to be an active member of her community. She attends Careers with Peers meetings, a professional networking group offered by the agency. At the meetings, she is described as a respectful, positive person and a good role model to others. 

“Angie embodies the spirit of Employment First,” Horton said. “She shows that meaningful employment is not just about having a job. It’s about being part of something, contributing your gifts, and building connections that enrich your life and the lives of others.”

The Community Builder Award honors someone who actively volunteers and engages with their community to promote visibility of people with developmental disabilities. Mara Wilcox was nominated and chosen for the award because of her work throughout the community, including Matthew 25 Ministries and New Life Thrift.

Service Coordinator Katie Wilkinson presented the award to Wilcox, her childhood neighbor. Wilkinson recalled spending important childhood milestones together, including birthday parties, Homecoming, and prom. Wilkinson praised Mara as an incredible and thoughtful friend to everyone.

“Being around Mara means laughter is never far away. She brings joy so naturally that it spills over onto everyone around her. People want to be near her. They feel stronger, happier, and more connected because of her presence,” Wilkinson said. “Mara builds community everywhere she goes. Not through grand gestures, but through consistency, service, encouragement, and heart.”

The Breaking Barriers Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated exceptional resilience and empowerment in their lives after facing significant challenges and adversity.

Harrison Chapman was presented this award for overcoming adversity. In his early childhood, he faced significant challenges: delayed speech, gross motor delays, intense hyperactivity, difficulties with focus, and a need for robust behavioral supports. By preschool, he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. His family was told that he would likely struggle with social skills, independent living, and school.

Today, as a second grader, Harrison is reading close to grade level and is already ahead of his peers in math and science. He was recently selected to be a member of Mason Robotics for their competition team. He is building meaningful friendships and thriving with the support of teachers, peers, and loved ones who believe in him.

The Ambassador of Kindness Award honors a candidate with a positive and joyful demeanor who demonstrates compassion and kindness towards others. PSU Supervisor Tabbiey Schul presented the award to Jacob Reynolds.

From including others in activities, lending a helping hand without being asked, and bringing people together in thoughtful ways, Jacob embodies kindness in both big gestures and everyday moments.

“Jacob reminds us that kindness isn’t about grand gestures,” Schul said. “It’s about the everyday choices to make others feel seen, supported, and valued, and he does that every single day.”

The Independent Living Award was presented to Annee Martin by Advocacy Coordinator Ellen Hudson for overcoming obstacles to live independently.



Annee has lived independently in her own home for many years. She makes decisions about her home, the services she receives, and the direction of her life. She is also a member of the Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocacy group. 

“Annee reminds us that independence is about more than living on your own,” Hudson said. “It’s about having a voice, making choices, and having the confidence to lead your own life.”

The Academic Achievement Award honors a candidate who has demonstrated notable academic achievement progress in an educational setting, completion of courses, or participation in special programs. Transition Coordinator Lori Yearout presented the Academic Achievement Award to Westley Long for overcoming adversity in education to excel in school.

As a child, Long was diagnosed with autism and struggled in school. He tried different schools and Applied Behavior Services, but things finally turned around for him when he enrolled in Mason City Schools. 

Today, he is nearing graduation from Franklin High School with an honors diploma. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and even has some college credits from taking College Credit Plus classes.

In his mother’s words, “It is hard to sum up how far he has come, how hard he has worked, and how incredibly proud I am to be his mom. On top of getting great grades, he is also one of the kindest people you will ever meet and was recently chosen as Wildcat of the Month.”

The Open House Award Ceremony will return in March 2027.

For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.