Ohio Provider Resource Association

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Scott DeLong, President and CEO of CRSI Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI) and OPRA Vice-Chairperson, District 2.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? I have served individuals with disabilities for 25 years.   How long have you been an OPRA member? CRSI has been an OPRA member for about 45 years.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? Since January 2020.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? The OPRA Board provides an opportunity to work with peers who have the same goals and ideas about advocating and improving the quality of life for those we serve, as well as the staff who work with those individuals.   How did you get started in our field of work? CRSI had an opening for a Regional Accountant and at the time I was looking for an opportunity that was more meaningful than just preparing tax returns and financials.   What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? To have a life that is full of opportunities and relationships that are meaningful.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? That I take my roles as CEO of CRSI and OPRA Vice-Chairperson very seriously. I also desire a close-knit relationship with all those I interact with and enjoy making work a second family that has the same vision. Relationships matter!

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Michelle L. Madden, CEO of Independence Of Portage County and OPRA Board Secretary, District 5. How many years have you served people with disabilities? 20 years How long have you been an OPRA member? IOPCI has been a member for over 40 years. How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? I was honored to join the board in 2021 and was elected as Secretary of the Executive Board in 2022. Furthermore, I've been an active member of the OPRA HR committee since 2005, and in 2022, I was appointed as its Chair. What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? One reason that inspired me to serve on the OPRA Board is the opportunity to collaborate with some of the industry's brightest minds and contribute to advocating for community improvement. I am consistently impressed by the innovative ideas generated by this remarkable group of individuals and their ability to translate them into action. Witnessing individuals succeed and reach their full potential is something I deeply value and find rewarding, and OPRA embodies this innovative spirit. How did you get started in our field of work? I began my journey in the DD field in 2005 when Anna Barrett, my mentor, hired me as the Human Resources Director at IOPCI. This role made a profound impact my life. Working in this field ignited my passion for making a difference in people's lives, and my desire to pay it forward for all those who had mentored me along the way. In 2020, just three weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I stepped into the role of CEO at Independence of Portage County. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in this field. What's your dream for Ohioans with developmental disabilities? My dream for Ohioans with developmental disabilities is a future of equal opportunities and full integration into society. It's about empowering them to pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and live fulfilling lives without limitations. This vision includes comprehensive support networks, inclusive education and employment, accessible healthcare, and a society that values diversity. Ultimately, it's about recognizing their abilities and strengths, ensuring they thrive as valued members of our community. What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? Wow, that's a tough one! While I'm not reserved or shy, I'm constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow alongside everyone else. So, even if you think you've got me figured out, there's always more to discover together! Oh, and in case anyone's curious, I do have a slight Starbucks obsession – I can down three Trenta cold brews in less than 24 hours!

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Elizabeth Owens (Liz), CEO of The Alpha Group of Delaware and OPRA Board Treasurer, District 6. How many years have you served people with disabilities? 29 years. How long have you been an OPRA member? 9 years. How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? Currently in my 8th year as a board member. What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? One compelling reason is my innate passion for innovation and creative thinking. Being an individual who frequently explores outside conventional boundaries, I’ve consistently sought innovative approaches to enhance the services provided in the Developmental Disabilities field. By joining the OPRA Board, I saw an invaluable opportunity to share my vision for tomorrow. I believe in a future where individuals with ABILITIES are not only supported but empowered to succeed in ways that are unique to each of them. It’s my firm belief that fostering an environment of creativity and innovation can significantly impact the lives of those we serve, allowing them to thrive in ways that align with their distinct strengths and aspirations. How did you get started in our field of work? I initially entered the DD field as a Direct Support Professional in residential services and in Integrated Day Services in San Diego, CA. Upon moving to Ohio, I worked in a variety of vocational and operational roles at a county board before becoming CEO at The Alpha Group in 2013. What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? My dream for Ohioans with disabilities is rooted in the belief that, regardless of abilities, each individual deserves a fulfilling and meaningful life rich in opportunities and quality experiences. I envision a future where people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities have a diverse range of options that empower them to lead lives of choice, responsibility, dignity, and purpose. What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I derive immense joy from witnessing the success of those we serve. Being a leader in this field has been not just a profession but a deeply fulfilling journey. Over the course of my career, I've found profound meaning in the day-to-day interactions, milestones, and triumphs of the individuals we support. I’m grateful for the experiences that have brought me to where I am today, and I am enthusiastic about the continued journey ahead in serving the developmental services community.

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of Weaver Industries, Inc. and OPRA Board Member, District 5.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? 29 Years.   How long have you been an OPRA member? Since 2018 When OPRA expanded to support day service providers.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? 4 years.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? I wanted to support OPRA and the OPRA team with system changes to help providers throughout Ohio.   How did you get started in our field of work? I started as the Executive Director of Windfall Industries in Medina County in 1995. Like a lot of people that work in this field, I sort of fell into it, and fell in love with the great work our industry does.   What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? I hope this system can continue to support individuals with disabilities and their families with a menu of services that meets their needs while preserving choice.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I’m very proud to be a small part of what OPRA has become as our trade association, and the accomplishments and progress we have already made for individuals, families, and providers.

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Tamara (Tami) Honkala, President/CEO of Help Foundation, Inc. Foundation and OPRA Board Member, District 7.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? I have been at HELP for 36 years.   How long have you been an OPRA member? I believe we have been members of OPRA for over 40 years.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? I have been a board member for 2 years.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? I am inspired by the leadership of the OPRA staff. In my time at HELP (36 years) I feel that the OPRA staff is the best there has ever been. The advocacy efforts and support of providers is different than it has ever been under Pete Moore’s leadership. He has a vision that aligns with the needs and challenges of our system and has a clear plan on how to address change. I ran for the board because I truly felt that the OPRA team wanted to hear and engage providers and I was excited to be part of that.   How did you get started in our field of work?  I started out as an unpaid Social Work intern at HELP 36 years ago.   What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? I want people with disabilities to be able to live their best lives, and for the system to continue to evolve to support everyone with a disability to achieve that.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you?  I really look forward to being a grandma someday!

Happy Independence Day! Today we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave. Let's cherish our freedoms, honor our history, and come together with loved ones for some good ol' fashioned BBQ and fireworks. Wishing you all a happy and safe 4th of July! #IndependenceDay 🇺🇸🎆

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Today we celebrate the birth of our great nation with parades, fireworks, and lots of red, white, and blue. Let's honor those who fought for our freedom and enjoy time with family & friends. Wishing you a safe and joyful 4th of July! #IndependenceDay #USA 🇺🇸

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Mary Thompson-Hufford, CEO of The Fuse Network and OPRA Board Member, District 3.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? Since I was 18 years old...which is a long, long time ago.   How long have you been an OPRA member? Since 2018.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? Also since 2018.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? I wanted to become more helpful in advocating for system changes and knew that there was a lot that I needed to learn to become a more effective advocate. By serving on the Board, I've been able to learn from other Board members. The level of expertise on the Board is awe inspiring!   How did you get started in our field of work? Someone from my church told me about a job being a mentor to kids with disabilities that were in the foster care system. I quickly became addicted to how great it feels to help others. Later, I became a CARF surveyor and had the opportunity to travel across the US seeing other programs. Seeing the incredible, innovative programs elsewhere has been an ongoing motivator to do more back home. Then in 2010, a recruiter working for the CBDD asked me to go visit the Hopewell program and I immediately wanted to be part of it.    What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? That their dreams come true more easily. That barriers within our communities and barriers created by the system are reduced.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I'm always looking for people to collaborate with, and love opportunities to step back and gain perspective from others. 

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Stephen Colecchi, CEO of Hattie Larlham and OPRA Board Member, District 5.   How many years have you served people with disabilities? I have been employed by Hattie Larlham since 2017 but previously worked in healthcare from 1985 to 2017. I have been involved in providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during my entire career.   How long have you been an OPRA member? I have been involved with OPRA since 2017. Hattie Larlham has been a member for many more years.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? I have been a member of the OPRA Board since January 2024.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? As CEO of one the largest I|DD providers in the State of Ohio, I think it is important for me personally and for the organization to support the efforts of OPRA and work in conjunction with our colleagues in advocating on behalf of the people we serve and our employees.   How did you get started in our field of work? I was given the opportunity to provide consulting services to Hattie Larlham and that lead to an offer to join the organization as CEO.    What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? To have the highest quality and most responsive I|DD statewide provider network in place in the country to support the people we serve and allow them to achieve to the best of their abilities.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I am an avid sports fan and have attended almost all major sporting events (professional and college) including championships and finals in baseball, football, basketball, horse racing, auto racing, boxing, soccer, hockey, golf, Olympics – just to name a few. I am also a long-suffering fan of all Cleveland professional sports teams.

Get to know the dedicated individuals serving on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Provider Resource Association! Meet Timothy Neville (Tim), President and CEO of Echoing Hills Village, Inc. and At Large OPRA Board Member.    How many years have you served people with disabilities? 33 Years.   How long have you been an OPRA member? Echoing Hills has been a part of OPRA more than likely since the beginning. I have been an OPRA member at Echoing Hills since October 2011 and years before that when I worked at other OPRA provider agencies.   How long has your tenure been on the OPRA Board? Almost 1 Year.   What is one reason that inspired you to serve on the OPRA Board? I want to see lives changed. Whether that is the individuals we serve living the life they dream and desire, direct support professionals receiving the recognition for the amazing and difficult work that they do, to supervisors receiving the tools to effectively do their jobs.   How did you get started in our field of work? In the summer of 1991, my brother Steve worked at this place called Camp Echoing Hills. He thought it would be a good opportunity for me as a high school student to keep busy during the summer, make a little money, and meet some really great people. That summer changed my life! I changed my college area of study from elementary education to business management. I wanted to serve a non-profit to make sure that they ran well for the vital services that are provided. I thought I might be an accountant or a finance guy.   What's your dream for Ohioans with disabilities? For all people to live a fulfilled and enriched life.   What's one thing you'd like the OPRA Community to know about you? I love to ride roller coasters. I hope I never get too old!