(Lebanon, OH) - The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized staff, community members, and local businesses for their impact on individuals with developmental disabilities at the annual agency In-Service event on October 15, 2025.

Superintendent Megan Manuel presented over one dozen awards to staff members, community members, and businesses who have made a difference in the local disability community. The awards recognized achievements ranging from long-term service and innovation to extraordinary acts of support and advocacy.

The Rachel Rice Award

Voices Speaking Out Self-Advocate Maggie “Mags” Satterthwaite was awarded the Rachel Rice Advocacy Award. The award was named after Rachel Rice, an individual served by the agency who passed away in 2022. She was described as a true advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. Just like Rice, Satterthwaite treats everyone with kindness and ensures that everyone is included, even if it is the path less followed.

Upon announcement that she won the award, Satterthwaite exclaimed and jumped out of her seat to run on stage. The audience shared her joy as she accepted the award, including her parents who sat in the front row. Agency Human Resources and Community Relations Director Bill Caplinger was presenting the award, and didn’t get the chance to start the award speech before she accepted the award. 

Caplinger said the award presentation unfolded exactly as it was meant to.

“Maggie embodies the mission of the group with her kindness and generosity. It is common for Maggie to check-in on her peers and take care of others. If anyone in the group needs a supportive friend, they know that Mags is available to listen and stand beside them,” Satterthwaite’s speech stated. “Her quiet leadership and genuine compassion remind those around her what true advocacy looks like.”

Satterthwaite is a member of the We Thrive Together Advisory Board, a 7-year crew member at LaRosa’s Pizzeria, and is the #1 fan of the Mason Comets Baseball Team. She is celebrating her 11th season with the team this year.

Superintendent Awards

Speech-Language Pathologist Peggy Engelhard was awarded with the first Superintendent Award for her decades of commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities.

“She has experienced many changes, worked with many people, and touched the lives of thousands of children and families, often at a time that can be a shock and adjustment for them,” Manuel said. “She has been professional, graceful, and a true role model and mentor for her co-workers. She is a quiet leader who speaks with her actions, demonstrating consistency, integrity, and competence”

The second Superintendent Award was awarded to Information & Referral Service Coordinator Krista Dell’Aria, who Manuel said also leads by example. 

“She has a strong work ethic and volunteers to help where she is needed,” Manuel said. “She takes on new challenges, including when she stepped forward to apply for a newly created position. She has done a wonderful job of establishing the role of the position and helped train a second person in that role.”

Manuel said Dell’Aria serves as a model for peers, and the output of her work is valued. She continuously provides updated information to her co-workers and management regarding various services so that everyone can benefit from that information.

Innovation Award

Residential Options Coordinator Lori Carr was awarded the Innovation Award for her vision, creativity, and commitment to transforming services for the better. 

Manuel said Carr continuously develops new strategies to address complex needs, expand opportunities, and improve outcomes for individuals and families. Manuel said a key reason for Carr receiving this award is her creation and facilitation of independent living workshops.

“These sessions break down complex systems into accessible, practical guidance and have sparked meaningful planning and self-advocacy,” Manuel said.

Above and Beyond Award

 Job Coach Jenna Sanders was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for her dedication to the individuals served by the agency, going the extra mile to make their dreams a reality.

This past summer, while working at Kings Island with the Sweep Team, one of the individuals expressed his love for trains and his desire to tour the locomotive, see the engine, and take a ride with the conductor.

"She took it upon herself to reach out to his direct supervisor to see who she could talk to, and they connected her. While working to get this set up for him, she offered to come to Kings Island on her own time if they weren’t able to accommodate this during his regular working hours,” Manuel said. “Because of her passion for the individuals we serve, and her commitment to seeing them enjoy their dreams, he was able to have this awesome experience.”

Green Hat Award

 The Green Hat Award was awarded to Operations Director Dave Siebert. The Green Hat Award honors an employee who is supportive, optimistic, creative, and focuses on the strengths and abilities of others. Although Siebert only started working with the agency this year, his willingness to support the agency was clear from day one.

A catchphrase among his co-workers is “Dave saves the day” because of his consistent efforts wherever possible.

Extraordinary Employer Award

La Petite Academy of Miamisburg, a childcare and preschool learning center, earned the Extraordinary Employer Award for successfully accommodating one of their employees who receives services from the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Manuel said La Petite employees are usually expected to be versatile and work in all rooms with all ages. However, the person served by the agency was unable to work in the infant room alone, and she was nervous about working with the older children. Additionally, this employee also had an end time for working that had to be exact due to her transportation.

“The job coach spoke with the team at La Petite Academy to share these concerns, and they ensured that they would accommodate both requests,” Manuel said. 

Under these circumstances, many employees would be forced to find another job. However, Manuel said due to the employer’s kindness, support, and understanding, the employee is now thriving in her position.

Friends of DD Award

Two community leaders were chosen for the Friends of DD Award, which was created to honor those who go beyond their obligations to support the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the individuals we serve.

The first Friends of DD Award was awarded to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery for supporting the Warren County Special Olympics athletes as they prepared for the Summer Games in Columbus, Ohio.

For four years now, a group of 20 children and their mothers have enjoyed making personalized posters for each athlete. These posters featured encouraging messages like, “Let’s Go, Eric!” and included decorative stars, handwritten messages, and athlete photos. 

The group also collected donations to help make goodie bags for each athlete for when they arrive in Columbus for the weekend. These donations include snacks, drinks, candy, cooling towels, hand sanitizers, sunscreen, fidget toys, and more. They now anticipate these gifts, making them feel like real celebrities with a fan base back home. 

“We want to thank the children and their mothers at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Montgomery for introducing their families to the art of volunteering at such a young age, and for choosing Warren County Special Olympics athletes to support with their volunteerism,” Manuel said.

The second Friends of DD Award was awarded to Mark Fleeger of Homeland Security Systems for supporting the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Kings Island event. 

For the last two years, the agency has hosted a Kings Island day for individuals served, staff, and agency supporters. This past year, our fundraising efforts landed short due to an unexpected rainy fundraising event. The agency feared that canceling the event may be the only option.

“Thankfully, we have good, supportive people like the second winner of our Friend of DD Award who stepped forward,” Manuel said. “Mark Fleeger, CEO at Homeland Technology Group, donated $1,000 to help us reach our fundraising goal to keep Kings Island day on the calendar. When asked, he immediately said yes to cover the shortage. He has also pledged to support next year’s event, as well!”

Dave Farmer Award

At the October board meeting, the Dave Farmer Award was presented to Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities President Laurie Lupinetti, who could not attend this year’s In-Service. This award honors an individual whose selfless acts and dedication have made a significant impact on people with developmental disabilities.

The award was created over a decade ago in honor of Dave Farmer, a former employee who was a dedicated family man, a role model for young men, a strong leader, and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. During his long career with the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities, he assisted many individuals in learning how to become self-sufficient and productive members of the workforce. 

Lupinetti has served as a board member for the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the last 12 years, having served as secretary, vice president, and is currently serving as board president. She has also served as a board member for the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities for the last four years, with the last two as Board President. She is a parent of a person served by the agency, and she has been active over the years with the Fragile X Family Alliance and the Parent Advisory Council of the Cincinnati Children’s Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

“We want to thank Laurie for her years of service, and we know she will continue to support our agency in the years to come,” Manuel said.

Service Awards

Service Awards applaud employees for their long-term commitment to the agency. The Service Awards welcomed staff on stage to recognize their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30-year tenure at the agency. 

Notably, the moment nine staff members took the stage for their 15-year Service Award acceptance also celebrated 15 years of friendship within the group. Some staff shed tears while embracing the friends they’ve shared morning coffee with throughout their careers.

This year, Speech-Language Pathologist Peggy Engelhard was the sole recipient of the 30-year Service Award. Dozens of co-workers gathered to celebrate her lifelong work at her retirement party on October 23, 2025, just one week after accepting the 30-year Service Award.

The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities is honored to have so many dedicated employees who have committed their careers to the agency.

5-year Service Awards:

Kira Armstrong

Kristen Pennybacker

10-year Service Awards:

Beth Roberts

Stephanie Wright

15-year Service Awards:

Katrina Detherage

Shelly England

Beth Jones

Gerry Knapp

Julie Miller

George Moore

Kimberly Posey

Jaclyn Stoller

Melissa Thompson

20-year Service Awards:

Sarah Lindeen

Chris Smith

25-year Service Awards:

Sheryl Byrd

Heather Moore

Penny Pope

Jason Schutte

30-year Service Awards:

Peggy Engelhard

Attendance Awards

Seven people were also awarded with the Perfect Attendance Award: Cheri Cummings, Krista Dell’Aria, Keith Gabbard Jr., Ellen Hudson, Megan Manuel, Latosha Olinger, and Melissa Read-Hefelfinger.

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