Who We Are

In her tenure, she has served on multiple statewide committees including Ohio’s Differential Response Leadership Council, Statewide Differential Response Implementation and Practice Advancement Team (co-chair), Continuous Quality Improvement Advisory team, PCSAO Legislative Committee and Functional Job Analysis Workgroup, Quality Improvement on Workforce Development Implementation Team and Streamlining Access to Information Task Force. She currently serves on the PCSAO Board of Trustees and as a Board Member for Bridges Community Action, Inc. She is passionate about ensuring effective service delivery at the local and state level as well as the development and implementation of new initiatives aimed at improving service delivery to Ohio’s children and families.

In 2012, Amy was promoted to supervisor. After serving in that capacity for seven years, Amy was chosen by the board to lead the agency as executive director beginning in August 2019. Amy began serving as a PCSAO Board of Trustees member in January 2020.

Amy is a graduate of Crooksville High School and The Ohio State University. As a lifelong Perry County resident, Amy has strong family and community ties. Amy lives in Crooksville with her husband Justin and four daughters.

Heidi began her career in 2001 as a receptionist and was promoted to account clerk and then to fiscal supervisor in 2006. Heidi’s educational degree and respective background is in accounting.

Heidi currently serves as the President of the East Central District for children services, Vice President of the East Central Ohio Director’s Association, Chair of the Morgan County Family and Children First Council, and Vice Chair of the OJFSDA Fiscal Committee. She is also part of the Job and Family Services Human Resources Association and has served on the OhioKAN Region 8 Council, along with many state government workgroups.

Heidi is very passionate about making sure that the families of Morgan County have access to the same services as the rest of the state. She has spent the first couple of years as director reaching out to the community to form partnerships and strengthen relationships.

Heidi is a lifelong resident of Morgan County, where she resides with her husband and dog Bella. Heidi has two adult children, Austin and Chloe.

Tammy Osborne-Smith became director of the Jackson County Department of Job and Family Services in December 2013. Tammy joined the quadruple-combined agency with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of human services.

Tammy commenced her career in public service as a college freshman with the Vinton County Department of Job and Family Services (way back then, it was still Human Services), where she worked inside the arenas of child support and social services. In 2002, she went on to join the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Office of Child Support. During her 11-year tenure with ODJFS, Tammy also worked within the program areas of unemployment insurance and workforce development.

Tammy currently serves as an officer or member of several boards, including: Secretary of the Public Children Services Association (PCSAO), member of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership Board, Lead Trustee for the PCSAO Southeast District, current President of the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association (OJFSDA), Treasurer for the OJFSDA Southeast District, and a member of the OhioSE Board of Managers.
While working full-time, Tammy earned both a master’s degree (M.A.) in sociology and a bachelor’s degree in business and interpersonal communications, with a minor in psychology, from Ohio University. Tammy is grateful for the opportunity to serve her community while promoting the safety and well-being of children, strengthening families through comprehensive services and reducing barriers to economic growth through workforce development opportunities.

Melanie spent just over a year as the Assistant Director before being appointed as the Director. Prior to that, Melanie spent over 20 years in children services, beginning her career as a child welfare caseworker and eventually being promoted to supervisor. Melanie is an avid advocate for families, children and the child welfare team finding ways to collaborate with community partners and other county agencies in innovative ways.

Melanie also serves on several boards: Child Abuse Prevention Committee, FCFC Executive Board, Domestic Violence Task Force, Sandusky County Health Partners, Homeless Coalition, and the Public Transportation Board. Melanie is part of the state development team for Tiered Treatment Foster Care.

Melanie graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in criminal justice. She is also very involved in her community, investing time volunteering on boards and coaching. Melanie resides in Sandusky County and has three adult daughters and a son in middle school.

Kristen has participated in state-level initiatives over the years, including the Protective Services Rule Review Team, County Reviewer for the Child and Family Services Review, ProtectOHIO Consortium member, Kinship and Family Team Meeting Manual Groups, and Children’s Trust Fund. In addition, Kristen serves as the Chair for the Lorain County Children & Family First Council.

Kristen is proud of the strong partnerships Lorain County Children Services has with fellow child-serving agencies. Lorain County takes pride in its strong sense of collaboration and philosophy that Lorain County’s children are all our children.

Kristen obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from John Carroll University and her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

Tania is a life-long resident of Ashtabula County and believes strongly in giving back to her community. She is a current board member for the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency and the vice president of the Henderson Memorial Public Library board. She has been chair of the Family and Children First Council and sits on many of its committees. She is also a member and past president of the Ashtabula Kiwanis Club and is involved with Ashtabula County 4-H as a club advisor.

Tania holds a Master of Social Work degree from Cleveland State University and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Julie worked at Butler County Children Services for 22 years and held various roles including caseworker, supervisor, administrator, and director.

Julie is passionate about child welfare and believes children and families are best served through strong community collaboration and wraparound service coordination. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including but not limited to the Butler County Elderly Services Program Advisory Council, Head Start Policy Council, Family First Prevention Services Act Leadership Advisory Committee, PCSAO Rule Review Committee, Family and Children First Council Executive Committee and Administrative Council, and currently serves as President of the PCSAO Southwest District.

Julie graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and political science and a Master of Science in Social Administration. She is also a Licensed Social Worker.

Kellijo has 25 years in county public service. Prior to coming to Portage JFS, she was employed by Stark County Job and Family Services for 20 years. She has also served for 10 years as an adjunct instructor with Stark State College, where she teaches a variety of social work courses. Kellijo obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Akron and a PhD in human services from Capella University. She is also a certified mediator.

Additionally, Kellijo serves as the Family and Children’s First Council Chair and has memberships in the following: Golden Key National Honor Society, Portage County Child Advocacy Center Board, Portage County Community Corrections Board, Portage County Emergency Food and Shelter Board, and Stark State College Advisory Board; she is an alumni of Leadership Portage County. Kellijo is a resident of Perry Township in Stark County and a proud mother of 16-year-old twins.

Randy previously served as an Attorney Supervisor 1 for the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services, where he prosecuted child abuse and neglect complaints on behalf of the Children Services division. Prior to entering public service, Randy spent five years in the private practice of law, serving in various roles such as counsel for parents and children involved in the juvenile justice system and as Guardian ad Litem.

Randy is Lead Counsel for PCSAO’s Amicus Brief project and has served two prior terms as a Trustee for PCSAO. He currently sits on PCSAO’s Legislative Committee and has served on several statewide ad-hoc committees such as the Ohio Supreme Court’s QRTP Oversight Committee; he is currently on the ODJFS Legal Structures Committee.

Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kent State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law. He resides in Dalton with his wife, Kim, a child welfare caseworker for the Summit County Children Services Board. Randy and Kim have two adult sons, Joey and Jordan.

Deanna has worked in the government and not-for-profit sectors throughout her career. Her areas of passion and focus have been child abuse, domestic violence, and nonprofit fundraising. Previously, she was the accreditation coordinator for the National Children’s Alliance and the executive director for Wayne County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Wayne County is noted for its strong community approach in serving children and families. The agency is a committed partner in this work. The agency is humbled by the community’s dedication to walk alongside the agency in serving children and families. Deanna obtained her social work degree from Kansas State University.

Prior to becoming director, she served as assistant director in Seneca and Sandusky counties consecutively. Before that, she supervised workforce development programs in Seneca County as an administrator. Prior to employment at SCDJFS, she worked in the Job Training and Partnership Act Program in Ottawa, Seneca, Sandusky, Erie and Huron counties. She was also an emergency services and family therapist.

Her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology is from Heidelberg College (now Heidelberg University). Her Master of Education is from the University of Toledo. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio. She was one of the first certified child care workers in the state of Ohio when working for a local child placement provider.

She began her career with Job and Family Services in 1989 as a social service aide, and from there has held several positions including child care eligibility/certification worker, children services ongoing caseworker, independent living worker, WIA Youth Program coordinator, and WIA/OMJ/child care/y\transportation supervisor.

Becky has served on numerous committees and boards in the community including Christmas for Kids, the Council on Aging, Next Step Living Sober Living House, Wares Chapel United Methodist Church, Workforce Policy Board, Preble County Development Partnership, Preble County Chamber of Commerce, and the Miami Valley Council Boy Scouts of America. Becky has also spent many years leading both Girl Scout troops and Boy Scout troops in the community.

Becky has an Associate of Applied Science degree in human service technology from Edison State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in organizational management from Ashford University.

Chip has always had a passion for child welfare and strongly believes that meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations – particularly abused and neglected children – is a community responsibility. This has been his impetus to develop and strengthen partnerships with entities such as Franklin County Juvenile Court, the Community Shelter Board, Columbus City Schools, Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services and the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

He also serves on numerous community boards and committees including the Franklin County Opiate Action Plan Task Force and the Franklin County Commissioners Youth Homelessness Task Force.

Chip is continuing efforts to keep FCCS at the forefront of child protection by implementing initiatives designed to sustain a strong and stable workforce and ensure family-like settings for all children in agency care. Intertwining both efforts will yield positive outcomes for children and better equip those mandated to serve them.

A graduate of Ohio University, Chip has a bachelor’s in health care and a master’s degree in health care administration.

Prior to working for Union County, Sue worked for Delaware County Job and Family Services as the assistant director over children services for eight years. Sue worked for Franklin County Children Services as a caseworker and supervisor in the intake department for 11 years. Sue has work experience in the private sector as well, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Child and Family Advocacy as the parenting program manager and statewide network coordinator as well as at Lutheran Social Services as the director of community programs.

Sue holds a Master of Science in Human Services Management from Franklin University and a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and criminal justice from The Ohio State University.

In 2001 Jerry joined Stark County Job and Family Services as a staff attorney. In that position he was responsible for prosecuting dependency, neglect and abuse actions while also being responsible for the agency’s appellate docket. In 2007 he became the attorney supervisor of the Children Services Division. In 2013 Jerry was named chief legal counsel for that division. In May 2016, he became the assistant deputy director of legal services for Stark County Job and Family Services. In this role he oversees legal services for the triple-combined agency.

Jerry has been a member of the PCSAO Legislative Committee since 2013. In December 2017, he was named chair of the committee. Jerry is also a member of the PCSAO Rules Review Committee.

He grew up in Orrville and graduated from Orrville High School. He attended the University of Akron, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and a Juris Doctor degree.

Prior to joining PCSAO in August 2014, Angela simultaneously held three positions with the State of Ohio. She served as Chief of the Bureau of Children and Families for the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; served as Project Director for the department’s four-year federal SAMSHA system of care grant; and retained her governor-appointed position as the Director of Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council, a post she held throughout her state government career of nine years under three administrations.

Prior to her appointment at the state, Angela was an independent management consultant working with state and county children services agencies throughout the country on system transformation strategies and, locally, formed a nonprofit to reduce infant mortality in Columbus. Angela began her career as a caseworker and supervisor for a private foster care agency in Cincinnati.

She currently serves on the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Alumni Society Board, Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Accelerating Suicide Prevention in Real-World Settings Community Advisory Board, various state agencies’ advisory councils and boards, and Ohio’s Team for the 2023 National Leadership Academy for the Public’s Health – Cohort 12.

Angela graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management and a Master of Social Work in Social Administration.

He leads efforts related to communications, human resources, member benefits and services, as well as modernization efforts related to race, equity and inclusion.

Scott moved to Ohio in 2002 from his native West Virginia, where he had spent seven years as program development officer for the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. In 2002, he became executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, a statewide advocacy and voter-education organization. Scott then spent a year at The Columbus Foundation and, after a four-year hiatus as a stay-at-home father, at Advocates for Ohio’s Future, a statewide coalition of health, human service, and early care & education programs, including PCSAO.

Born and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Scott is a 1993 graduate of Drew University in New Jersey.

Fawn previously served as associate director and clinical supervisor of the Family and Youth Law Center at Capital University.

Fawn received her bachelor’s degree in marketing magna cum laude from Xavier University and her Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School cum laude, concentrating in children and family law. Outside of work, Fawn loves to spend time with her husband and two children. She is an avid Xavier University basketball and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Mary coordinated HPIO’s legislative outreach and worked with multiple stakeholders to lead the organization’s work to assure Ohioans have timely access to comprehensive, integrated and appropriate health services.

Prior to that, Mary was director of health policy for Voices for Ohio’s Children, advocating on behalf of child and family health issues with state legislative and agency officials. She also has served as health advocate for Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio and as director of policy and programs at the Association of Junior Leagues International.

A native of Ohio, Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Akron and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. She also holds a certificate in theological studies from The School of Theology at Sewanee (Episcopal).

His leadership led to rapid expansion in Kinnect’s programming related to family finding, kinship navigator services and permanency for older and LGBTQ youth. During his time there, Mike spearheaded five highly regarded statewide convenings designed to bring vision and transformation to the children services system.

He is also a sought-after trainer, coach and speaker.

A 2000 graduate of Bowling Green State University, Mike previously worked at the Cleveland Heights School District and Northeast Ohio Adoption Services. He is a past president of Family Builders Network, a national professional child welfare membership organization, and former board member of Voice for Adoption in Washington, DC.

Lisa worked at Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio lobbying office for more than 10 years before the birth of her son. She then worked from home for 15 years as a bookkeeper and legal assistant while raising her son. She spent five years as the office manager/membership manager with the League of Women Voters of Ohio and three years as a management analyst for the Reproductive Health and Wellness Program at the Ohio Department of Health. In 2012, she joined a commercial property management company as the tenant services manager.

Lisa grew up on a farm west of Columbus and now lives in Victorian Village with her husband, son, and three stepchildren. She has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She enjoys gardening, pets and DIY home projects.

Jennifer’s previous experience includes a blend of 20 years with behavioral health agencies and child welfare. She recently came from Hamilton County Children Services as a project manager; previous to that position, she served as the Director of Quality Improvement at St. Joseph Orphanage.

Jennifer received her Master of Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys kayaking, baseball and hiking. She is the mother to three fabulous furbabies!

Jen has a variety of experience working for nonprofit organizations serving children, families, and adults in central Ohio. In the last several years she has held leadership positions in mental health, foster care, and medical social work. Jen is passionate about meeting the needs of vulnerable Ohioans.

Raised in central Ohio, Jen received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from The Ohio State University. Jen enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and dogs. She spends most of her spare time at ice rinks, where her children keep her busy with their hockey schedules.

Anne is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in English language arts education. While in school, she held on-campus positions in alumni engagement and served on a leadership team that fundraised more than $2 million for the university.

As a central Ohio native, Anne plays an active role in her community. In her free time, she can be found performing at open mic events, reading, and playing golf.

Christine previously worked for the Family and Youth Law Center (FYLaw) at Capital University, where she spent nearly 17 years in information services, communications and projects. Her work there involved program support for the Ohio Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative as well as creating and maintaining websites and community relations.

Prior to joining PCSAO, Lysette worked for Groundwork Ohio – a research, policy and advocacy organization focused on the prenatal period to age five. She worked under the “Center for Family Voice” where she supported strategic initiatives to include family voice in the policymaking process. Lysette was an integral part in building out Groundworks “Family Action Network”, a powerful coalition of 65 families from across the state of Ohio. Prior to Groundwork, Lysette was a project manager for a drug policy non-profit that worked to reduce the stigma associated with drug policies. Lysette managed their “anti-stigma project,” where she educated the public and policymakers to treat people who use or used drugs with respect and without judgment.

Lysette was born and raised in the South Linden area of Columbus and now lives in Blacklick with her partner and pet dog. Lysette earned her bachelor’s degree in public leadership, management, and policy from the Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. She specialized in race and public policy, served in the Public Affairs Multicultural Student Association, and worked for multiple social change organizations while at Ohio State.