Dana Howard is an Assistant Professor in the Ohio State University Center for Bioethics in the College of Medicine. She holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to coming OSU, Dana was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health. Dana’s work focuses on ethical issues that surround medical decision-making, especially the decisions made on behalf of those who cannot decide on their own. She also has research interests in the ethics of chronic pain management, clinician/patient relationships, philosophy of disability, reproductive health and research ethics.

Dr. Katie Walton is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Ohio State University and the Director of Research at the Ohio State University Nisonger Center. She completed her PhD in psychology at Michigan State University in 2013 and was a postdoctoral scholar at the Ohio State University Nisonger Center before joining the faculty at Ohio State in 2014. Her research has been funded by NIH, NSF, NIDILRR, and PCORI and focuses on (1) developing, implementing, and measuring outcomes in early social communication interventions for young autistic children, and (2) understanding how to better incorporate community member perspectives, especially perspectives of autistic or disabled people, across all stages of the research process. In working with autistic and other disabled people during various research projects, Dr. Walton has become particularly interested in how to adapt, design, and individualize research consent processes for individuals with disabilities to ensure that they are appropriately informative to participants and also empower disabled people to make their own decisions about research participation.

Stephen Beetstra, a native of Wisconsin, received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry.  He served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service for nine years in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina working with Native Americans, migrant farmworkers, and underserved populations. For his fluoridation efforts, Dr. Beetstra received an Outstanding Service Medal, the highest award granted by the Service and was recognized by the National Health Service Corps as a Healthcare Hero.

After his service in Public Health, he joined the faculty of the University of New Mexico, School of Medicine. There he created programs, state policy initiatives, and training programs focusing on medically complex and special needs patients.  Six years later he was recruited to Arkansas Children’s Hospital/ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to develop a statewide program for medically complex children and patients with special needs.  He was there for 16 years in which eleven he served as Chair. Since 2020, he is the dental program director of the Ohio State University Nisonger Center, one of the first university centers of excellence in developmental disabilities in the country.  There he manages two clinics, and has created training programs to teach dental residents, dental and dental hygiene students, graduate students and community providers to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kristy Stepp is a dedicated advocate whose commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities has spanned over two decades. Since beginning her advocacy journey in 2002, Kristy has consistently championed the rights of others, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.

For the past 13 years, Kristy has served as a statewide Project STIR Trainer, where she has educated countless individuals on self-advocacy, leadership, and understanding their rights. Her leadership extends beyond training, as she was a central figure in the Central Ohio Leader group and now continues her work with them as an ambassador, fostering the next generation of advocates.

Kristy’s passion for advocacy also includes her involvement in the DEEP program. As a co-author on a recently published book for a medical research team at OSU Nisonger, she has contributed valuable insights to the field, helping to shape resources and research that benefit the disability community.

At the core of Kristy’s mission is her love for helping people with disabilities better understand their rights and access the support they need to thrive. Her work is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, ensuring that everyone she encounters feels empowered and informed.

Outside of her professional and advocacy roles, Kristy enjoys spending time with her beloved three-year-old Toy Poodle, Winnie. Caring for Winnie brings her joy and balance, reminding her of the importance of companionship and self-care.

Kristy Stepp’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and compassion continue to make a lasting impact on the disability community and beyond.

Debra Stepp is a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother whose life is defined by the warmth and strength of her family. She has been married for almost 51 years, a testament to her enduring commitment and partnership. Debra is the mother of three brilliant daughters, each of whom reflects her nurturing spirit and wisdom.

As a grandmother, Debra is blessed with three grand divas—her granddaughters—whose energy and personalities bring joy to her life, as well as one handsome grandson.

Debra is also Kristy Stepp’s mom, provider, and guardian. She has shown unwavering support and guidance, always putting her family first and ensuring their happiness and well-being.

Through every chapter of her life, Debra Stepp continues to inspire those around her with her kindness, resilience, and deep devotion to her loved ones.

Don Stepp is a devoted husband, approaching an incredible milestone of nearly 51 years of marriage. He is the proud father of three wonderful daughters and a loving grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren. Family has always been at the heart of Don’s life, and he continues to be a caring father, provider, and guardian to Kristy Stepp.

Don’s professional journey began in the rugged hills of Eastern Kentucky, where he worked as a strip miner for 15 years. His hard work and perseverance in the mining industry laid a foundation for the values he carried throughout his life. Seeking new opportunities, Don transitioned to the home inspection field, ultimately becoming the owner and operator of his own Home Inspection Company.

Now retired, Don enjoys the rewards of his years of dedication—cherishing time with his family, reflecting on his achievements, and continuing to offer guidance and support to those he loves. His legacy is one of steadfast commitment, resilience, and the deep bonds that tie his family together.