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Connecting for Kids has recognized the following individuals with its 2023 Board Awards.
Parent, Educator & Professional of the Year Awards
These awards are given to those that exemplify the mission of Connecting for Kids to provide education and support to families concerned about their child. The following individuals have been recognized:
2023 Parent of the Year
Patricia Parker, resident of Olmsted Falls
Patricia Parker has partnered with the Mother 2 Mother Community Inclusion Council, a group that provides education and support to minority families, to tackle issues of accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families within the community of Cleveland. She worked with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in adding additional accessibility features to its website and to allow a caregiver for a person with a disability to obtain free Zoo admission, which would include tickets or a caregiver membership pass. Patricia is the co-author of the book, We Dare Be Brave, which shares her story as an African American parent to an individual with a disability. This book provides a much-needed voice in the disability community because it offers the perspective of those who aren’t typically heard.
2023 Educator of the Year
Heather Lahoski, MEd, resident of Sharon Center and Intervention Specialist at Keystone Middle School
As an Intervention Specialist, Heather Lahoski has always been an advocate for students but her nomination indicates how she went above and beyond to help families during COVID: “Mrs. Lahoski was my son’s teacher when COVID started. We tried virtual learning then and it was a fail. She ended up leaving boxes of books on our front porch along with other treats on numerous occasions so that he could continue learning in some manner and to help avoid meltdowns in our household as libraries were closed.” This year, Lahoski worked library field trips into her student’s day. Students walk to the library, check out their own books and do book reports. The nomination also indicates how she is teaching students life skills that will help them as adults: “Mrs. Lahoski has gotten my son into baking! They bake and make coffee and then sell coffee and pastries to staff members.”
2023 Professional of the Year
Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, resident of Westlake and President & Founder of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake
Lisa Ruman, LISW, CHt, of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, has logged countless volunteer hours with Connecting for Kids over the years as a program facilitator. Her nomination points out her integral role in the organization’s family support groups: “What makes Lisa an exceptional nominee for this year’s award is not only her ongoing dedication to Share & Support Group programs, but also her willingness to train the organization’s next generation of facilitators. In addition, she has contributed to the design of the “Explosive Child” Book Club and to resources on the CFK website.” Lisa Ruman has been a longtime supporter of the local resource fairs and other programming hosted by Connecting for Kids.
The Kathleen Louise Nash Board Member Award
The Kathleen Louise Nash Board Member Award is named in honor of the founding president of Connecting for Kids and awarded annually to a board member who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication to the mission of the organization.
2023 Recipient – Stephanie McNamara, JD, resident of Bay Village and Guardian Ad Litem at Voices for Children
Over the past 12 months, Stephanie McNamara has successfully recruited, interviewed and onboarded 11 new board members. In addition, she created a new orientation process for board members to ensure better integration into the organization. During COVID, Stephanie actively took a leadership role, helping Connecting for Kids navigate the return to in-person programming safely. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors and is a member of the strategic planning, programming, governance and bowling committees. According to her nomination, “Her level-headed advice helps the entire board communicate more effectively and ensures strong leadership as the organization continues to grow.”
About Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.
For more information about Connecting for Kids, visit: www.connectingforkids.org, email: info@connectingforkids.org or call: 440-570-5908, para espanol: 440-907-9130.
