Message From The Superintendent - January 2025

Greetings! 

Happy New Year!  I wanted to share a New Year quote from Ellen Goodman. "Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws but looking for potential."  I hope we all can do that this year and every year.

We wanted to welcome Tiffany Pluta, Christina Martella, and Madison Wade to Portage DD!! 

Tiffany is a familiar face to us. She worked with us through a contract we had with ABC Therapy. We decided to no longer contract and hire internally. Tiffany is our new Physical Therapist for the Early Intervention program. She has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and has also worked for Akron Children's and The Cleveland Clinic. Welcome, Tiffany.

Christina is also familiar to us. She has been working with us through a contract we had with ABC Therapy. Christina is our new Occupational Therapist for the Early Intervention program. She has a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has also worked for LLA Therapy and Autism Learning Partners. Welcome, Christina!!  

We have also hired a new instructor assistant for Portage DD's school outreach program, Madison Wade. We are familiar with Madison because she has been an independent provider here in Portage County for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Welcome, Madison!! 

We wanted to say goodbye and thank you to Tim Moran.  Tim has been on the Portage DD board for the last 12 years.  He served 3 three 4-year terms. A board member can only serve three 4-year terms (12 years).  His 3rd term ended on 12-31-24. We were very fortunate to have such a strong advocate and leader on the board, and we wish him well in his next endeavor.  He will be missed greatly. He served with great passion and dignity and was a very calming presence on the board.  Thank you, Tim.

We are also excited to introduce our new board member, Babette Cameron. Babette is the first person to serve on the Portage County Board, which also receives services here. Babette started her first term on January 1, 2025. Babette has a great deal of experience and worked in many different settings. She worked at Kent State University from 1992 to 2018. We are pleased to welcome Babette!

We have the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest on Saturday, January 18, at Independence of Portage County.  Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their continued sponsorship. 

Believe in People! 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.

Sincerely,

John Vennetti