Ohio National Core Indicators Staff
NCI Administration
Emily Faherty:
My name is Emily Faherty and I am the Project Manager for the National Core Indicators Project in Ohio. I have been working on the NCI project since March 2018. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. I love that this job has allowed me to meet passionate and caring people across the state of Ohio. I am grateful to have this job which impacts the lives of people with disabilities in a positive way!
Madison McCoy:
Hi, my name is Madison McCoy and I am the Project Assistant for the NCI Project. I have been working with Emily on the NCI Project since May 2022. I have some background in education and really enjoy helping and working with others. My favorite thing about working on this project is the connections I get to make with people from all over Ohio! In my free time, you can find me reading a book, going on walks through different Columbus metro parks, and spending time with my family and friends.
NCI Interviewers
NCI interviewers are responsible for meeting with people who have been randomly selected to participate in the National Core indicators project (NCI). Each year interviewers receive a list of people selected to participate in the area in which they live. NCI interviewers come from all different backgrounds, whether they are a person with a disability, a family member (parent, sibling, etc) of a person with a disability, or someone who is a professional working with individuals who have disabilities. To learn more, or If you are interested in becoming an NCI interviewer, please email NCI Project Manager Emily Faherty at emily.faherty@osumc.edu.
Gail Basine (Not Pictured):
After I retired from Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity , I became a volunteer for National Core Project. My disabled son, who is 52 and lives in a group home near my home, taught me to look for the good in every person. Even though he is non-verbal , he communicates with everyone he meets through his welcoming smile and sweet personality. I have 2 grandsons, 10 and 8, who are a delight and keep me engaged in their lives. I also volunteer with a church to help those in the neighborhood find resources for food, rent assistance or supplies for their children. Recently I was recertified to teach senior fitness and began teaching 2 senior fitness classes which has been great fun for me. Being involved with National Core Project allows me to meet many interesting and brave people as I continue to learn every day about the needs of all people. It is an honor to serve.
Alexis Brown:
Hi! My name is Lexi Brown and I live in Sandusky, Ohio near Cedar Point and the beautiful Lake Erie with my husband and my 3 wonderful children, a daughter and two sons. I can relate to how disabilities affect the lives of all members of a family as my husband, two sons and myself learn very well from my daughter. I have a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and currently work in the education field. When I am not working, you can find me spending quality time with my family, finding new places to visit, attending my middle child’s sporting events or at home watching Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns.
Sheila Brown:
My name is Sheila Brown. After earning a degree in education, I worked for many years in professional staffing/recruiting and vendor management, then as a full-time mom, and most recently training medical students on patient engagement and counseling. I love to volunteer my time with school and community outreach organizations. I live in Dublin, Ohio, with my husband of 15 years, our two teenage boys, a crazy Maltese-Shih Tzu dog and a jealous cat. I can talk to anyone and quickly learn all about what is important in their life. Like many people today, I can relate to how disabilities affect the lives of all members of a family. That is what makes me excited to be an interviewer for NCI.
Angie Chapple:
My name is Angie Chapple, and I live in Solon, OH, with my boyfriend. My dad lives with us as well (oh, and four cats, too!). I have one son who is 25 years old and a competitive figure skater. I have been in special education for 33 years as a teacher, supervisor, transition specialist, and, most recently, a consultant with a regional state support team. I am also the big sister to my brother, Dave, who has had cerebral palsy since birth. I am an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University and a Charting the Life Course Ambassador. When I am not working, I enjoy biking, hiking, live music, watching figure skating, reading, writing, and painting.
Ruth Dodge:
My name is Ruth Dodge and I live in Columbus, Ohio. My career has focused on managing operational and clinical services to individuals with various strengths and needs, including those with developmental disabilities. I value the technical aspects of tasks as well as supporting individuals, families, and staff in the joys and challenges of life. My personal life is filled with family and friends, playing musical instruments and attending cultural events, the love of dogs, and travel. I enjoy meeting new people, applying newly-acquired information, and making contributions that are helpful to others. That’s why I’m so excited to assist in the NCI Project.
Sandy Donahoe:
My name is Sandy Donahoe. I am a former PreK – 3rd grade teacher in Lakewood, Ohio. Currently I am a lead catechist in a faith formation program. I am a disability consultant for families navigating the school age years utilizing my understanding of the educational system as both a teacher and a parent. My husband and I are parents to 5 young adults all living the life of their choosing including our youngest daughter with Down syndrome who is attending college in a post secondary transition. My advocacy training has led me to continue seeking ways for all people with and without disabilities to feel a sense of belonging in their communities. In my free time I enjoy bike riding, long walks, yoga, reading and playing pickleball.
Julie Geiger:
My name is Julie Geiger and I live in Sandusky, OH, on beautiful Lake Erie. I am the sister of an adult brother with disabilities. I am also a licensed social worker and I work for the county early intervention program through the Erie County Board of DD. When I am not working, you will find me and my family cheering on the Cleveland Guardians, or the Ohio State Buckeyes, enjoying the lake, supporting our high school music program by working in the football concession stand, or just hanging out with our kids and our border collie.
Tara Kamann (Not Pictured)
Vicki Kelly:
My name is Vicki Kelly and I live in Columbus. I am fortunate to have had two roles in my experience, as a therapist and as a family member of someone receiving services. I appreciate the varied perspective both have given me. I am an Occupational Therapist, now retired. I loved so many things about my career especially my time with children and adults with developmental disabilities, my time with their families and caregivers, and working with all of the people who supported and cared for them. I also love being retired and being able to do other things I care about too. I especially love having time with my four grandchildren, and time with family and friends. I like to hike and be in nature, watercolor, read and journal, garden and do tai chi. I am excited to be an interviewer for the NCI project. I look forward to helping people share their thoughts and ideas about the services they receive and how they live their lives day to day.
Katie Mills:
My name is Katie Mills. I have worked for 25 years for Clermont County Board of DD. I have a Masters Degree in Education and am a Developmental Specialist for Early Intervention. I have been married to my husband for 30 years and we have 3 children. Our two daughters are married and our son is in his 3rd year at Xavier University. Our family loves celebrating birthdays, going to sporting events, and Sunday dinners together.
Our oldest daughter, Sophie, is married to a wonderful man she met through UC’s residential program (college) for young adults with special needs. She and Sam reside on their own, have jobs and attend most sporting events taking place in the city.
I have loved working with children and families throughout my career. I also have experienced much of what my families are having had a daughter of my own with special needs. I am grateful for the relationships and experiences I’ve had the last 25 years.
Krista Moore (Not Pictured)
Traci Nash:
My name is Traci Nash. I live in Sandusky, Ohio with my husband, youngest son, who is a Junior in College and two dogs. We have two older, adult children (a daughter and son) who are both married and live in the surrounding area. I am also a Mae, Mae (Grandma) to one adorable granddaughter and a few more blessings on the way! I am a Licensed Social Worker and currently work for the Ohio Veterans Home where I have been employed for the past 7 years. At the beginning of my career, I worked as a Program Coordinator for an agency providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. I was employed with the Erie County Board of DD as an Early Intervention Specialist, working with children and families for most of my career. I am pictured above with my Guide dog, Carver. I have no peripheral vision and am considered legally blind. I do still have functional central vision. In my free time I enjoy camping, hiking, reading, going on vacations and spending time with my family.
Ann Prenger:
Hello! My name is Ann Prenger and I currently live in Columbus, Ohio. I was born and raised in Auglaize County and still have many friends and family there and enjoy going back to the area visiting them as often as possible. I do not have any children of my own but have 33 nieces and nephews, and I get great pleasure from attending as many of their sporting events, music or drama performances as I can, I worked for over twenty years with adults with developmental disabilities in sheltered workshops and day programs, on the East Coast and in Franklin County, both before and after I earned my Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Currently, I am working for an Educational Service Center as an SLP in a public school system, working primarily with students from 4th-12th grades. In my free time, I greatly enjoy travel, reading, movies and Broadway shows and of course spending time with family and friends. I have been with the NCI project since May 2018. I have enjoyed meeting new people and talking to them about their lives and their thoughts about their services. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to assist in the NCI Project.
Ashley Poling:
Hello, my name is Ashley Poling. I am 29 years old and I live in Dublin, Ohio. I work at Target in the beauty department and I have been with Target for 2 years. I am also a person with a disability and also a self-advocate as well. I have been involved with Project STIR for the past 6 years as both a participant and the past 2 ½ years I have been as a Project STIR Trainer. I have been involved at the Ohio State Nisonger Center with Various medical/research projects for the past 6 ½ years. In my spare time I like to go out in the community, spend time with my family, listen to music, watch tv/movies, and cook.
Missy Sauer (Not Pictured)
Pat Schwinn:
Hello, My name in Pat Schwinn. I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, but Columbus has been my home for over 46 years.
I am a retired Speech-Language Pathologist. For the majority of my career I have worked with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. My specialty was working with people who needed speech generating devices. I enjoyed the technology and all the advancements that were always happening throughout my career, but most of all it was the people I worked with. I am enjoying retirement, and my days continue to be busy enjoying my family, which include10 grandchildren, volunteering at Ohio Health Hospice, gardening, reading and continuing to meet new people.
Carmen Shelton (Not Pictured)
Jody Stanley:
Hey everyone! My name is Jody Stanley. I am married, have two beautiful children, and a little 3lb Yorkie. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, have worked as Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA therapy to children on the spectrum, and have worked for many years with individuals with disabilities in a school and home setting. Currently I am an Independent Provider serving Morgan and Muskingum counties. I love what I do and I love helping individuals advocate for themselves. When I’m not working I enjoy hiking, movies, spending time with my friends and family, exploring new things, and traveling. I am a third-year interviewer and am so appreciative for the opportunity given to me by the Nisonger Center to conduct these interviews and to meet all of the amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to speak with.
Derek Topola:
Hi! My name is Derek Topola and I live in Independence Ohio. I have had Cerebral Palsy since birth. I currently have a Master’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education (4-9) in Science, Social Studies, and Reading. I love helping people advocate for themselves. I am currently serving as Chair on Leadership Council for the Cuyahoga Board of DD. I am honored to be working with the Nisonger Center and being a member of their NCI team. In my free time I like solving Sudoku puzzles, watching TV, playing video games, and reading.
Angie Watson (Not Pictured)