NOTABLES: Disability Services

Movers & Makers reached out this month to organizations working within the disability space, asking them to help us showcase their notables, recognizing individuals making a difference within Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit ecosystem.

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Beth Rielly expands help for students with learning differences

Beth Rielly is the co-founder and board president of OptimALL Services, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students with learning differences in religious and non-public schools. Under Rielly’s leadership, OptimALL has expanded its services from an initial budget of $60,000 to $2.5 million. Rielly was instrumental in launching the direct service program, which has now extended to 12 schools and 200 students. She is passionate about meeting the needs of all students and ensuring they can connect with the community around them. As board president, she also serves as an education adviser and a significant donor. With a background in special education, Rielly has influenced the landscape for students with diverse learning needs. When she’s not working or volunteering, she loves to do water activities with family and friends. She also loves to dance to 1980s music.

Jim Steffey guides Envision through COVID and beyond

Being at the helm of a nonprofit organization over 60 years old in a swiftly evolving field like disability support isn’t an easy task. Jim Steffey has guided Envision to meet the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities while fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for staff. When emerging COVID protocols shut down several day programs supporting adult individuals in Greater Cincinnati, Steffey established an innovative day program that was not only able to operate under those unique circumstances but has continued to grow and flourish with new community integration elements. Under Steffey’s leadership, Envision is financially stable and provides staff with the tools and support to provide the high-quality care, tailored to each individual, that has characterized Envision since 1963. Steffey likes to unplug in the outdoors, camping, fishing and touring on his motorcycle.

Mother led Kelly Lusk into service for blind and visually impaired

Kelly Lusk received her master’s and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in special education and has worked with children who are visually impaired and blind for over 20 years. In 2011, she helped start the Pediatric Low Vision Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and is now the director of program services at Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired. She and her staff support children with blindness or low vision through an Adaptive Sports and Leisure Program, multiple summer camps, the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge and the Boldly BVI podcast. When Lusk is not working, she enjoys traveling to France and spending time with her children, Elle and Anne-Marie, and husband, Todd. Lusk’s mother, Connie, is blind and was her inspiration for entering the field of blindness and visual impairments.

Seana Higgins empowers artists with disabilities to lead and teach

For the past six years, Visionaries + Voices’ education department has been led by artist and educator Seana Higgins. In V+V’s Teaching Artist Program (or TAP), candidates with disabilities are trained to develop, prepare and present lessons based on their artwork. The lessons are taught in the classroom and/or community-based educational settings. Higgins, who is passionate about inclusion in arts in all stages of life, recently spoke at a seminar for educators about the importance of trauma-informed arts education. One major takeaway that Higgins has observed through trauma-informed teaching is that people just want to feel welcome. If you can communicate acceptance and warmth to your students, belonging is assured. As a part of her personal art practice, Higgins creates functional art and framable work. She recently exhibited a mixed media sculpture in “Out and Through” at Wave Pool Gallery.

Erin Barnes brings Point Arc’s mission to community

Erin Barnes has worked at The Point Arc as a case management supervisor for 12 years. She ensures the well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while spreading the organization’s mission to her community. Barnes quietly fills service gaps, securing scholarships and offering her time after hours. Her team and agency partners appreciate her caring, selfless leadership. Barnes is a prominent advocate for Medicaid waivers in Kentucky. She serves on the Kentucky Association of Private Providers, a statewide committee focusing on waiver redesign. Outside work, Barnes is the mom that every kid deserves. You might catch her at a country concert or planning her next Disney trip with her husband, but you’re more likely to see her at her son’s travel baseball games or a performing arts showcase for her daughter.

Jenny Arena makes success of Bloom, Stepping Stones’ biggest fundraiser 

Jenny Arena has been a key member of the planning for Stepping Stones’ largest fundraiser, Bloom, for the past few years. In 2024, she served as the event chair for the most successful Bloom to date and she is returning as chair in 2025. Arena first became involved with Stepping Stones in 2022, when her family moved from Los Angeles. Her youngest son, Holden, is autistic and they found Stepping Stones while researching recreational programs for him. After her son’s first day, Arena had an immediate desire to support him and got involved. Her passion for the organization and community shines through. She works hard year-round on Bloom, ensuring that it is the best that it can be. In her free time, Arena enjoys hiking with her family, going to soccer games and working out at F45 with her husband, Kenny.

Bri Wilkerson brings innovation to work at reducing barriers

Bri Wilkerson’s 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and her seven years of service at May We Help demonstrate her leadership and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Wilkerson’s successful implementation of May We Help’s programs – including Adaptive Equipment, Halloween Costume Builds and Festival, Tinker Toys and the SOAR Expo – showcase her innovative thinking and commitment to the organization’s growth. Her vision for a world with fewer barriers for people with disabilities, where inclusion and accessibility are embraced, is incorporated into all aspects of service delivery at May We Help. Wilkerson’s passion for building relationships with volunteers, community partners and the people May We Help serves is at the heart of her work. Outside of work, Wilkerson enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, supporting them in their sporting activities, and cheering for the Bengals.

Sally Quilligan steps up to lead Hearing Speech + Deaf Center 

Sally Quilligan is notable for her exceptional growth, commitment and leadership during the nearly six years she has been with the Hearing Speech + Deaf Center. HSDC celebrates its 100th anniversary this April, and Quilligan has been a driving force in its mission of empowering individuals and families with communication tools and opportunities through advocacy, excellence and inclusion. She began as a hearing instrument specialist and quickly demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of underserved communities. Quilligan transitioned to director of operations. Quilligan has stepped up as interim CEO, which highlights her dedication to the trajectory of HSDC into its next century. Outside of work, her favorite thing to do is travel. She attended the University of Alabama and is an avid Crimson Tide fan.

Deanna Brunsman leads growth of Learning Center at New Perceptions 

Deanna Brunsman has been the dedicated Learning Center manager at New Perceptions since 2021, spearheading the growth and innovation of the program. Under her leadership, the Learning Center has expanded its offerings, providing new opportunities for participants with intellectual/developmental disabilities to develop their skills and knowledge. Passionate about lifelong learning, Brunsman is committed to creating an engaging and supportive environment for all who enter the center. She is noted in the education and training sector for her leadership in expanding and enhancing Learning Center programs. Her commitment to fostering growth and engagement has had a positive effect on countless participants, making her an invaluable asset to the organization. When she’s not working, Brunsman loves to travel, especially taking cruises to explore new destinations. She has been playing Dungeons & Dragons monthly for 30 years, showcasing her creativity and love for storytelling.

Aaron Wagner of Easterseals Redwood leads work for those with disabilities

Aaron Wagner is executive vice president of disability operations for Easterseals Redwood and was instrumental in merging Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati and Redwood in 2022 as Redwood’s chief operating officer. Wagner’s advocacy for adults and children with disabilities has fueled partnerships and expansion to multiple sites throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Wagner balances a range of responsibilities, overseeing operations, agency accreditation, compliance and Assistive Technology Services, which expanded into Ohio. Previously, Wagner was chief administrative officer at Transitions Inc., a drug and alcohol treatment center, and served as a police officer for seven years. Next on his agenda is advocating for legislation to bring the Medical Childcare model of Kentucky to Ohio. A self-described country boy, Wagner can be found on his farm tending his vegetable garden and fishing whenever he can.

Emily Feuchter develops new ways to help people with disabilities

Emily Feuchter has both a passion and a gift for creating lasting impacts on the lives of others. It is evident in everything she does at Ken Anderson Alliance, working tirelessly to further KAA’s mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work and engage in their communities. Feuchter has excelled in many roles at KAA, from director of day services to HR and compliance to her current role as director of community and work programs. She is constantly developing effective and innovative ways to provide employment support services and evening outing programs for adults with disabilities. These programs help participants build social connections, increase their self-sufficiency and contribute to their community. In addition to being an accomplished guitar, ukulele and cajón player, you can find her on Sundays in the fall cheering on the Bengals with her husband and children.

For 50 years, Jerry Doerger has worked to support St. Rita School for the Deaf 

Jerry Doerger has been a dedicated supporter of St. Rita School for the Deaf for over 50 years and has served on the Board of Limited Jurisdiction for the past 15 years, currently holding the position of board chair. His commitment to the school’s mission extends beyond leadership – he actively volunteers at events, offers guidance and leverages his network to support students and staff. Doerger’s passion for St. Rita stems from his belief in creating opportunities for every child, regardless of their communication needs. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren. Doerger played football for LaSalle High School, the University of Wisconsin and the Chicago Bears.