Introducing Interim Superintendent Kellie Brown

Hello! My name is Kellie Brown and I will be serving as the interim superintendent for TuscBDD. I want to thank everyone for the incredibly warm welcome I have already received here in Tuscarawas County! I am excited and encouraged by your hard-working and passionate staff, innovative programmatic opportunities, vibrant provider community, and, most importantly, the chance to partner alongside the individuals served at TuscBDD.

I began my career in this field in 1992 as a substitute bus aide. I had originally planned for this to be a short-term job opportunity. Fast forward twenty-three years and I am still in this field! During my career, I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of roles in the County Board system from a substitute cook to a case manager (service facilitator). Each day, I am energized by the opportunity to partner with persons with developmental disabilities to pursue meaningful service and support options.

Like all County Boards, TuscBDD is at a crossroads. Advocacy efforts coupled with federal and state mandates are driving a redesign to this system. The amount and pace of change we are facing can be daunting! However, I want to remind you that change is nothing new in this sector! Since the 1950s, we have moved from a system of institutionalization to the service and support model we now have access to in our counties.

When I think about change, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes. Benjamin Franklin is noted for saying, "when you're finished changing, you're finished." As one of our Founding Fathers so aptly stated, change is an essential part of life. Change allows us to discover new ways of doing things.
At TuscBDD, it is our priority to comply with the changes in the developmental disabilities sector in a responsible and systematic manner. County Boards in Ohio have several years to transition, so this will be an evolution instead of a revolution! The agency has developed a robust strategic plan which will guide the agency as increased opportunities for individuals are developed. I look forward to supporting TuscBDD as the agency continues to empower, partner and achieve!

Wishing you all the best,

Kellie

Thu, Aug 6th, 2015