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Certificates & CEUs
Enhancing Skills. Expanding Opportunity.

Certificates and CEU Courses

Certificates and CEU Coursework

Welcome and thank you for your interest!

The Certificates & CEUs Program at Ohio University Lancaster offers lifelong learning opportunities to enhance and expand workforce development initiatives through creative activities, career exploration, student-focused and expert training.

The program goal is to create a community-wide collaborative that serves to inform, inspire, educate, and enlighten social workers, law enforcement agents, community leaders, and others and is divided into categories for personal growth/self-help, mental health/social work, community, continuing education credit, and professional development.

The program is offered free of charge to all community members, students, and university personnel through series of trainings or the following training selections.

PLEASE REGISTER TO ENSURE SPACE & MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED

Each participant will receive a certificate (these are non-CEU trainings). 

 

Coursework Overview


Bridges Out of Poverty - February 3 | 1 session, 3 hours

REGISTER

Date: ​Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Debra Smith, Bridges Out of Poverty Certified Trainer and Retired Physical Therapist and Associate Professor at OHIO Lancaster

  • Open to the community (with registration)
  • ECEE 2701 class will also be attending

Course Description


Bridges Out of Poverty was designed by Ruby Paine to address the issues of those who live without resources as they struggle to meet society's expectations. This interactive presentation focuses on discussing poverty as it relates to school, work, and societal integration. The differences between the middle class, the wealthy class and those who live in poverty are explored. Research based information fuels the discussions and allows a comprehensive review of personal, institutional and community challenges in respect to diminishing the negative effects of living without the necessary mental, physical, supportive as well as financial resources.

Social Work CEU Workshop - March 3 | 1.5 CEUs

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Date: ​Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Lisa Skeens, PhD, MSW, LISW, Associate Professor of Social Work at OHIO Lancaster

Course Description


Identify Specific Categories of Verbal and Emotional Abuse

1.5 CEUs

Verbal and Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify. Anti-bullying programs have become more prevalent in educational settings, however some categories of verb al and emotional abuse can be complex and difficult to diagnose. This workshop will focus on specific categories of abuse and will present clear-cut examples of abuse in case studies. Some of these categories include: blocking and diverting, discounting, countering, accusing and blaming, gas lighting, name calling, denial and abusive anger. Dynamics such as Trauma bonding and freezing will also be discussed. 

Lunch & Learn Series: Home Buyer Workshop - March 4

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Date: ​Tuesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: TBD

Lunch is available with pre-registration

SPONSORED BY PARK NATIONAL BANK

Course Description


 

Why Stories Matter to You, Your Work, and Your Life - March 16

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Date: Monday, March 16, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Dr. Kevin Cordi, Assistant Professor, Patton College of Education

Why Stories Matter to You, Your Work, and Your Life: A Storytelling Workshop

Course Description


Stories shape how we understand the world—not just by what is told, but by who tells it, from which perspective, and whose power is at play—and that human choice is why we cannot be replaced by AI. Students, faculty, and community members will engage in reflective activities that explore how point of view, lived experience, and intentional design turn moments into meaning. By claiming your role as a storyteller, you affirm a simple truth: stories need human perspective to matter, and your voice is what gives them life.

Learning the Skills of Resiliency - March 17

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Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

Place: Brasee 227S 

Instructors: Bridget Moore, Family Engagement Specialist, Juvenile Court & Jennifer Beckley-Watson, LPCC-S, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services

Learning the Skills of Resiliency: The Community Resilience Model

Course Description


This workshop will focus on learning the skills of The Community Resiliency Model (CRM).  This is a stabilization program designed to reset the natural balance of the nervous system. When practiced these skills can assist professionals, parents, youth, kids, and every other member of a community in reaching a more compassionate, solution-focused, and hopeful place.

The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® trains community members to not only help themselves but to help others within their wider social network. The primary focus of this skills-based, stabilization program is to re-set the natural balance of the nervous system.  CRM’s goal is to help to create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-focused” communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach.

Lunch & Learn Series: Investing and Estate Planning - March 23

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Date: Monday, March 23, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: TBD

Lunch is available with pre-registration

SPONSORED BY PARK NATIONAL BANK

Course Description


QPR: Suicide Prevention Training - March 23 | 1-2 Hours

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Date: ​Monday, March 23

Time: 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Place: TBD

Instructor: Jeanette Curtis, Executive Director, Fairfield County 2-1-1

Course Description


QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention is a 1-2 hour educational program designed to teach lay and professional ‘gatekeepers’ the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. Gatekeepers can include anyone who is strategically positions to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide (e.g., parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, caseworkers, police officers). The process follows three steps: (1) Question the individual’s desire or intent regarding suicide, (2) Persuade the person to seek and accept help, and (3) Refer the person to the appropriate resources. Trainees receive a QPR booklet and wallet card as a review and resource tool that includes referral resources

Crime Victim Rights - March 25

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Date: Wednesday, March 25

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Elizabeth Well, JD; Legal Director, Ohio Crime Victim Services 

Crime Victim Rights – An Advocacy Workshop by Ohio Crime Victim Services

Course Description


This training provides the education and tools necessary to protect victims' rights at each stage of the criminal justice process, focusing on new rights under Marsy's Law. OCVJC hopes to bring together varying perspectives within a county or region to begin a conversation on victims' rights. Crime Victim Services provides free assistance and court advocacy in juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases. Professional advocates walk alongside survivors throughout their healing process and help them with the justice process.

Design Made Easy: A 1-Hour Interactive Canva Workshop - April 6

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Date: ​Monday, April 6, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m

Place: TBD

Instructor: 

Kreig Prior, Interim Senior Director of Regional Campus Marketing and Partner Outreach, Ohio University

An Interactive Workshop for Creating with Canva from Flyers to Resumes

Course Description


Want to create eye-catching flyers, polished resumes, or materials that reflect you—without being a graphic designer? This one-hour, hands-on workshop will introduce you to Canva, a free and user-friendly design platform that makes professional-looking designs accessible to everyone.

In this interactive session, participants will:

  • Learn the basics of Canva’s interface and tools
  • Explore ready-made templates for flyers, resumes, social media posts, and personal projects
  • Practice customizing designs with fonts, colors, images, and layouts
  • Discover simple design principles that instantly improve clarity and impact

The workshop is designed for beginners and those with little to no design experience. Participants are encouraged to follow along in real time, ask questions, and experiment with designs that align with their own goals—whether that’s applying for a job, promoting an event, organizing life tasks, or creating something just for fun.

By the end of the hour, participants will feel more confident using Canva as a practical tool to communicate ideas, showcase skills, and improve everyday life through better visual design.

Social Work CEU Workshop - April 7 | 1.5 CEUs

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Date: ​Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Lisa Skeens, PhD, MSW, LISW, Associate Professor of Social Work at OHIO Lancaster

Course Description


Understanding Specific Anxiety Disorders in the DSMV

1.5 CEUs

This training will define and discuss specific anxiety disorders such as: separation anxiety, selective mutism, specific phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms and evidence based treatment strategies of these disorders will be discussed through the discussion of clinical case studies. This training would be helpful for professionals who refer clients for mental health treatment for anxiety and for those who want to learn more about anxiety issues that impact their clients.

Grant Writing 101 - April | 1 session, 3 hours

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Date: ​TBD

Time: 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: Dr. Carrie Brown, Fairfield County Auditor & Amy Eyman, Executive Director, Fairfield County Foundation

Course Description


This session will examine how to write a grant from beginning to end – to show best practices for grant writing.  The trainers will share their experience and expertise in securing millions of dollars in grant funding.  

Eldercare and the Law: Estate Planning - May 15

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Date: ​Tuesday, May 15, 2026

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructor: 

Jennifer Sitterley, CELA*, Sitterley Law, LLC & Kristin Glasure, LSW, APHSW-C, President and CEO, FAIRHOPE & Pallative Care, Home of The Pickerington House

Course Description


This presentation will address the role of caregiver and fiduciaries for elders and parents.  As a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and the director of a hospice agency, the presenters will elaborate on the use of Power of Attorney documents, asset protection, and the roles that loved ones often serve.  This presentation is intended to be helpful for both elders needing long term care as well as caregivers.

*Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation, Certified Specialist in Elder Law by the Ohio State Bar Association  

Adult Mental Health First Aid | National Certification

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Date: ​TBD

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructors: TBD

Adult Mental Health First Aid - ADAMH Training

Course Description


  • The ADULT CURRICULUM is for anyone who interacts with adults, including professionals such as receptionists, church staff, social service agency personnel, library employees, etc.
  • Mental Health First Aid certification, which must be renewed every three years, instructs trainees to:
  • Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury.
  • Use a five-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.
  • Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the United States and the need for reduced negative attitudes in communities.
  • Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery.

Youth Mental Health First Aid | National Certification

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Date: ​TBD

Time: TBD

Place: TBD

Instructors: TBD

Youth Mental Health First Aid - ADAMH Training

Course Description


  • The YOUTH CURRICULUM for adults is aimed at anyone who interacts with youth, such as church youth group leaders, teachers, 4-H leaders, coaches/volunteers of youth sports, etc.
  • Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavioral disorders, and substance use disorders.
  • Use a five-step action plan to help a young person in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.
  • Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in youth within the United States and the need for reduced negative attitudes in communities.
  • Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help a young person with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery.
  • Assess their own views and feelings about youth mental health problems and disorders.

Lunch & Learn: What to Watch for with Fraud & Scams

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Date: ​April

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Place: TBD

Instructors: TBD

SPONSORED BY PARK NATIONAL BANK

Course Description


 

Lunch & Learn: Fraud, Scams & Prevention

REGISTER

Date: ​TBD

Time: TBD

Place: TBD

Instructor: Mary Snider

FAIRFIELD FEDERAL SAVINGS

Course Description


 

Course Instructors


Instructor
Jennifer Beckley-Watson

LPCC-S, Deputy Director, Fairfield County Juvenile Court

Jennifer Beckley-Watson is the Behavioral Health Services Deputy Director at Fairfield County Juvenile Court, where she provides counseling and consultation support within the juvenile court system. 

With 10 years of experience in juvenile court and over 25 years as an independently licensed clinician, Jennifer brings a trauma-informed, resiliency-focused, and developmentally grounded perspective to understanding and supporting youth and families.

Instructor
Carri L. Brown

Ph.D., MBA, CGFM, Fairfield County Auditor

Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

After 35+ years of leadership experience in human services, financial management, and county administration, Carri L. Brown was appointed to the position of County Auditor in October 2021.  She was elected the following year. She has stated it is humbling and rewarding to serve as County Auditor in the office where she began her career in public service and drafted the first annual comprehensive financial report for the county. Her experiences as the Chief Deputy – Finance inspired her to become a Certified Government Financial Manager.  She has earned multiple financial reporting achievement awards from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Ohio University and was named Outstanding Alumna of the Year in 2022. She has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organizational Management, and her dissertation was a correlational study on the effect of organizational citizenship behavior on job satisfaction, a topic that she has presented multiple times, including in international conferences for professional social workers and governmental finance officers. Carri also holds a certificate of Business Sustainability Strategy from Harvard University. She is a recognized thought leader who ensures quality, innovation, and service commitment across business and government entities. 

In Fairfield County, she was the first woman to serve as Child Support Director and was honored as the State’s Director of the Year in 2005. She served as a Deputy Director for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, leading policy development within an organization of more than 2,000 employees. Under her direction, the agency received Ohio’s first-ever child support demonstration grants. Over the span of her career, she has managed grants of more than $160 million. 

As the first woman to serve as County Administrator, Carri supervised county department heads of multiple government functions, including Job and Family Services, Economic and Workforce Development, Human Resources, Emergency Management, Visitation Center, Dog Adoption & Shelter, Facilities, and Utilities. She managed a county budget of more than $220 million, increasing the carry-over for the $50 M+ general fund budget. Under her leadership, the county completed five major construction projects, all on time and under budget, including a complex $34M construction project for a county jail and Sheriff’s offices. She developed the county’s first strategic plan by surveying 900 county employees, defining themes, creating transformations, gathering input from citizens, and prioritizing each strategic plan element. On two occasions, she simultaneously served as the Job and Family Services Director. She was instrumental in the creation of the county’s first workforce development center.

Fairfield County has been awarded more than 60 state and national awards for programs under her leadership, including programs for county administration, customer service, workforce development, communications, technology, public safety, and civic education. She has served on multiple state and national committees focusing on concepts grounded in servant leadership and stakeholder theory.

In 2019, Carri was honored with the Athena Award for leadership by the Lancaster-Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.  She is engaged in multiple civic groups and boards, including the Visitation Advisory Council, Special Improvement District Board, and Destination Downtown District Board. She is past president of United Way of Fairfield County and has served on Ohio’s Fatherhood Commission, a Multi-County Juvenile Detention Board, the Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission, Ohio University Community Council, and more.

In 2020, Carri led the County and state in projects to communicate about and deal with the pandemic.  She managed more than $8M of local CARES Act funds and supported multiple community groups dealing with the economic effects of the pandemic, including the county’s largest employer, a local hospital.

She was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to serve on the Commission on Continuing Legal Education through 2026.  She was honored with the Jane Johnsen Women of Vision Award, an AGA Excellence in Government Leadership Award, & the Floyd Wolfe Community Service Award in 2024.  That same year, she received Recognition of Distinction from Ohio University & Recognition as a Distinguished County Auditor from the County Auditors’ Association of Ohio, and the County Auditor’s Office received the Community’s Choice Award for being the Best Place to Work.

In 2025, Carri received the Government Finance Officers Association Excellence in Government Achievement Award and an Ohio University Outstanding Community Partner Award.

Carri lives in Lancaster, with her husband, Stephen (Cork), an attorney.  They are blessed with two adult children (Corbin and Catherine) and four grandchildren:  Ava (12), Simon (11), Mia (4), and Ella (2).

Instructor
Stephen Brown

Esq.

From working at the prestigious firm Baker & Hostetler LLP to opening his own BROWNLAW practice, Stephen Brown has represented business clients, business owners and individuals for more than twenty years. Stephen is experienced in handling complex business, contract and tort litigation as well as counseling clients on business and corporate matters.  Stephen has developed a practice focus that includes majority and minority shareholder disputes, officer and director actions and fiduciary duty litigation.  Whether a case involves business counsel, contract disputes, mediation or complex litigation, Stephen understands the most effective advocacy flows from a deep understanding of the client's business combined with meticulous preparation.

Stephen understands the practice of law from a client's perspective.  Stephen made headlines when the Ohio Supreme Court protected a significant jury verdict and award he obtained as trial counsel on behalf of one of the oldest corporations in Ohio.  Stephen believes there is no substitute for dedication and passion in advancing client goals, and he provides the same work ethic and creative advocacy for all his clients.  Since 1998, Stephen has represented clients in courtrooms, in contracts, and in complex negotiations and always applies the same philosophy:  listen carefully, think creatively, act wisely. 

Instructor
M.J. Clark

M.A., APR, Fellow PRSA Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

As vice president of Integrated Leadership Systems, where she’s worked since 2006, M.J. Clark provides leadership consulting, leadership and management training, and executive coaching. She helps leaders and managers better manage stress, become more assertive, develop emotional intelligence and fine-tune leadership and management skills.  ILS is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has provided services for hundreds of nationally recognized companies all over North America.

M.J. has a master's degree in organizational communication from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Ohio University.  She is the author of three leadership books.

Instructor
Janet Cooper

Leadership Development Specialist, Fairfield Medical Center

Certified Gallup Clifton Strengths Coach

Certified EQi-2.0 Practitioner

Janet Cooper is a leadership development professional, facilitator, and coach based in Lancaster, Ohio. She is the Founder of Janet Cooper Co., where she partners with individuals and organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, build high-performing teams, and foster workplaces grounded in clarity, trust, and accountability.

In addition to her coaching practice, Janet serves as a Leadership Development Specialist at Fairfield Medical Center, where she designs and delivers leadership programs that support talent development, team effectiveness, and organizational success within a complex healthcare environment. Her work bridges strategy and practice, helping leaders navigate change, strengthen communication, and lead with confidence.

Janet brings a strong foundation in health services administration and leadership studies. She holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Central Michigan University, a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Ohio University, and a Certificate in Women in Leadership from Ashland University.

Known for her engaging facilitation style and practical approach, Janet excels at connecting leadership theory to real-world application. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, hiring and talent selection, HRIS, team building, and public speaking. Through her work, Janet is committed to helping leaders grow intentionally and organizations thrive.

Instructor
Kevin Cordi

Ed.D., Associate Professor of Patton College of Education

Dr. Kevin D. Cordi knows the value that comes from deep listening to improve better telling.  He listens to students, prison officials, animators, restored citizens, parents, and even people paying for gas when he was a gas station attendant.  Each person helps him listen and tell better. He has served many roles, student, professor, high school teacher, grill cook, busboy, gas station attendant, author, and coach.  He draws on this skill and his doctorate in storytelling and education and his degree from over 25years of telling and traveling in over 45 states, English, Japan, Scotland, Singapore, and Qatar.   teaches storytelling, education and literacy classes as an Associate Professor at Ohio University Lancaster. 

He has authored storytelling collections including You don’t Know Jack: A Storyteller Goes to School and Playing with Stories: Story Crafting for Writers, Teachers, and Other Imaginative Thinkers.   His first stories came from his West Virginia parents regaling tales for him and his five brothers and sisters. Since then, he has presented for the International Book Festival, Qatar Foundation and being commissioned for work from the JFK Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

He believes the spice and glue of stories resides in play, practice, and power.  We invite you to come and join with Kevin as he shares the how and whys of this strong tradition. Walk out a better teller and listener by attending his workshops or hearing his performances. 

Instructor
Jeannette Curtis

Executive Director, Fairfield County 2-1-1

Jeannette Curtis is the Executive Director of Fairfield County 2-1-1, where she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen the county’s information, referral, and crisis-response system. Under her leadership, Fairfield County 2-1-1 has significantly expanded its impact, providing tens of thousands of referrals each year and connecting residents to critical resources that improve stability, safety, and overall well-being.

Jeannette has driven major improvements in service coordination, data-informed decision-making, and community partnerships. She has overseen enhancements to call-center operations, streamlined referral pathways, and built strong collaborations with nonprofits, schools, health systems, and local government to ensure households receive timely, effective support.

In addition to her work with 2-1-1, Jeannette co-facilitates the Fairfield County Suicide Prevention Coalition, helping lead community-wide efforts to reduce suicide risk, strengthen awareness, and expand access to behavioral health resources. Her leadership supports training initiatives, cross-agency coordination, and targeted strategies that build a more resilient and responsive support network.

Jeannette also facilitates the Fairfield County Hunger Coalition, aligning more than 40 partners around shared goals to reduce food insecurity. Her leadership has contributed to increased access to food resources, improved data collection across the network, and coordinated initiatives that support families facing economic hardship.

Known for turning challenges into opportunities, Jeannette leads with accountability, compassion, and a clear focus on measurable community outcomes. Her work ensures Fairfield County 2-1-1 remains a trusted, high-performing resource for residents seeking help, and a critical partner in building a healthier, more connected community.

Instructor
Mandi Custer

MA, Certified ADHD Life Coach, Founder of Beyond Scatter, LLC

Mandi founded Beyond Scatter, LLC as a passion project with a mission to greatly enhance and improve the academic and professional lives of those with ADHD. 

She believes that no one should suffer feelings of shame, rejection, and failure because our neuro-typical world is not designed for how the neuro-diverse brain works. At Beyond Scatter, Mandi partners with individuals, and children with their parents, to break down the basics of how the frontal lobe of the brain, executive functioning skills, and the neurotransmitter system play a role in the daily struggles associated with ADHD. 

Using accredited coaching techniques, and her ADHD coaching tools, Mandi meets her clients where they are in their journey with ADHD and together, they develop systems and strategies to better navigate our neurotypical world. 

Mandi’s educational background includes a BA from DePauw University, MA in organizational communication from Ohio University, ADHD coaching certification from The Executive Function Coaching Academy, and her life coaching certification from Coach Training EDU. She also is pursuing her International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation.

Instructor
Amy Eyman

Chief Executive Officer, Fairfield County Foundation

Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

Amy Eyman is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fairfield County Foundation and has been with the Foundation since 1999.

The Fairfield County Foundation serves all of Fairfield County, awarding grants to non-profit organizations, scholarships to students graduating from high schools in Fairfield County, working with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals and non-profits to build endowments.  The Fairfield County Foundation will celebrate 37 years of serving our community in April 2026.

Amy is a native of Lancaster, a graduate of Lancaster High School and a proud graduate of Ohio University, Athens.  In March of 2022, Amy received the Jane Johnsen Women of Vision Award from Ohio University.

Amy is completing her 19th year as a member of the Lancaster City Schools Board of Education and currently serves as the boards Vice President.  In addition, she currently serves on the Central Region Committee of the Ohio School Board Association.  Amy serves as Past Chair of the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce Board; is a founding member of the Rivet Society, whose mission is to bring strong women together to foster empowerment in themselves and others. She is a member of the Lancaster Festival Board, a member of the SID Board, a member of the Lancaster Rotary Club Board, and serves as Treasurer of the Philanthropy Ohio Board of Directors and a member of the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio.  

Instructor
Kristin Glasure

President & CEO of FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care

Kristin Glasure was born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio, and graduated from William V Fisher Catholic High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has been a licensed social worker for the past 32 years. Throughout her career, she has worked at New Horizons with school-age children as an intervention specialist. She has also worked as a social worker in long-term care, with extensive experience in discharge planning, admissions, and marketing. Throughout those many years, she has gained knowledge in Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance billing and regulatory guidelines in the healthcare industry.

Kristin currently serves as President & CEO of FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care, Home of the Pickering House. Before becoming the CEO in July 2021, she worked at FAIRHOPE for over 7 years and held the Vice President role for two and a half years.

She is involved in the Lancaster Rotary Board, serving as a member of their scholarship committee, and is also a member of the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce Board and the Chase Haley Project Board. Kristin is a past graduate of the Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program and has continued to be a mentor with the program for the past two years.

When she's not leading at work or in the community, Kristin finds solace in her personal interests. Her family, including her husband, Steve, two bonus boys, Nick and Andrew, and two boys of her own, Casey and Clark, are her anchors. She also finds joy in nurturing her garden and cherishes the time spent with her children, sisters, and husband.

Instructor
Andrea Inverso

Trainer, Leadership Summi

A Women's Empowerment Coach and Speaker, Andrea Inverso offers a safe space built on 30 years of leadership and small business expertise. She specializes in helping you leverage your inherent strengths and master the soft skills needed to confidently use your voice and lead with purpose.

Instructor
Angela Krile

President & CEO, Krile Communications Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

Someone once called her a “human suggestion box” – just full of ideas. Angela Krile has been full of ideas since she was a child – some amazing, some ridiculous. Today, as a professional, she is able to take a little amazing, a little ridiculous and a whole lot

of strategy to develop creative, yet practical communications ideas that get results. Angela has more than 25 years of experience in helping to develop and implement strategic communications efforts for organizations that range from small, non-profit organizations to large, international corporations.

Her career has taken her backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show; behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil; to meetings with CEOs of Fortune 500 corporations; and inside the offices of local, state and national lawmakers. Angela has a keen understanding of effectively harnessing both the small-town grapevine and the power of big-city “PR,” allowing her to help any size organization communicate to any size audience to meet their communications objectives.

A native of Sugar Grove, Ohio, Angela received her degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, being named a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. She has served on Ohio University’s National Alumni Board and as past chair of the Ohio University Lancaster Coordinating Council. In 2021, Angela received the Jane Johnsen Woman of Vision Award from the campus.

Angela is currently serving on the Vice President’s Advisory Council for The Ohio State

University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. From 2016 to 2024, she was a governor-appointed commissioner with the Ohio Expo Commission, serving as chair of the Commission and was inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame. She is a member of Lancaster Rotary and the Fairfield Medical Center (FMC) Board of Directors. She received the Sandy Maholm Award from FMC in 2023 for outstanding service to the hospital and community at large. Angela is a life-long 4-H volunteer, winning the 2022 Ohio 4-H Alumni of the Year Award, the 2018 “Friend of the Jr. Fair” award for the Fairfield County Fair and the Fairfield County Outstanding Alumni Award. She has served as a board member of Fairfield County College Bound, the Lancaster Festival and Fairfield County Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is past chairman of the Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce and was named the chamber’s 2013 Young Professional of the Year and the 2018 Athena Leadership Award 

Instructor
Alex Lape

Sheriff, Fairfield County

Sheriff Lape began his Law Enforcement career in 1992, after completing the basic peace officer academy.  He was then commissioned by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, serving as an Auxiliary Deputy.

In 1994, he was hired as a full-time deputy assigned to the Jail Bureau. He later transferred to the Patrol Bureau, where he served as a SWAT deputy and fatal crash investigator.  In 2002, Sheriff Lape was promoted to Sergeant, and served in the Patrol and Jail Bureaus. In 2005 Sheriff Lape assumed command of the SWAT team and was also transferred to the Community Services Unit. In 2010 he was assigned as the Commander of the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.

In 2012, Sheriff Lape was promoted to Lieutenant and became the Patrol Bureau Commander where he served until promoted to Chief Deputy in 2017.
In 2021, Alex Lape was elected Sheriff by the residents of Fairfield County.
Sheriff Lape resides in Violet Township with his wife Sherry and has three children.

Instructor
Laurie Lach

Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations & Campus Partnerships

Laurie Lach serves in Development at Ohio University, where she is dedicated to building meaningful relationships that advance the university’s mission and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and programs. With a strong commitment to philanthropy and engagement, Laurie works closely with alumni, donors, and campus partners to connect shared values with lasting impact.

In her role, Laurie supports fundraising and development initiatives that strengthen academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth. She is known for her relationship-centered approach, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate effectively across campus and with external stakeholders.

Laurie’s work reflects a deep appreciation for the transformative power of higher education and the role philanthropy plays in shaping lives and communities. Through her efforts, she helps foster a culture of generosity and stewardship that supports Ohio University’s long-term vision.

Instructor
Rick Maddox

Financial Services Leader, Bread Financial

Richard Maddox is a financial services leader at Bread Financial, based in Columbus, Ohio, with extensive experience supporting business operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational performance within large, complex enterprises. Known for his thoughtful leadership style and collaborative approach, Richard brings a strong commitment to clarity, accountability, and results.

At Bread Financial, Richard contributes to initiatives that strengthen operational effectiveness, customer experience, and long-term business strategy. He is valued for his ability to work across functions, translate business needs into actionable outcomes, and support teams navigating change in a fast-evolving financial services environment.

Richard’s professional approach is grounded in relationship-building, sound judgment, and a deep understanding of how financial institutions balance innovation, risk, and customer trust. His work reflects a steady focus on continuous improvement and responsible growth.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Richard remains engaged in work that advances both organizational success and the broader professional community.

Instructor
Andora Marshall

Trainer, Advisory Team Leadership Summit

Andora L. Marshall is a retired senior leader from American Electric Power (AEP) with more

than 25 years of experience advancing large-scale change, cybersecurity awareness, and organizational transformation across complex enterprise environments. Throughout her career, Andora was known as a strategic and creative change agent who helped organizations navigate risk, compliance, and transformation while keeping people—not just systems—at the center of the work.

At AEP, Andora served in leadership roles spanning Change Program Management and Cybersecurity Programs and Awareness. She led enterprise-wide initiatives in cyber risk mitigation, regulatory compliance (including NERC CIP), stakeholder engagement, and business continuity planning. A trusted advisor to Customer, Distribution, IT Risk, and Operating Companies, she frequently guided cross-functional teams through high-impact projects using PROSCI change management methodology.

Andora was also a recognized communicator and educator, designing and delivering security education, training, and awareness programs for audiences ranging from frontline employees to executive leadership. She managed AEP’s highly successful Security Champion Program—growing participation from 50 to more than 275 employees in one year—and oversaw the development of enterprise communication campaigns reaching over 22,000 employees and contractors.

Her work blended strategy with storytelling: translating technical and regulatory requirements into clear, engaging messages that built understanding, trust, and commitment. Whether leading special initiatives such as customer information system benchmarking, authoring white papers, or developing enterprise toolkits and training programs, Andora consistently drove operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Now retired from AEP, Andora brings with her a legacy of leadership grounded in collaboration, clarity, and service—and a career defined by making complex change achievable and meaningful for the people it affects.

Instructor
Delainey McIlwain

Wealth Advisor, Park National Bank

Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

Delainey McIlwain is a Wealth Advisor & Trust Officer at Park National Bank. She has been recognized for her role as a Young Professional of the Year by the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce. 

McIlwain is celebrated for her servant leadership, advocacy for young professionals, and dedication to the community. She has been involved with nonprofits and local organizations, coordinating charitable giving, volunteer efforts, and bank events. 

McIlwain's work has been recognized with multiple community awards, including the 2023 Young Professional of the Year and the 2023 Emerging Athena Award. Her commitment to giving back to the community and serving others is a significant aspect of her professional life. 

Instructor
Bridget Moore

Family Engagement Specialist, Fairfield County Juvenile Court

Bridget Moore is a Family Engagement Specialist with the Fairfield County Juvenile Court in Lancaster, Ohio, with over 25 years of experience serving at-risk youth and their families. 

Her background includes work with Athens County Children Services and the Fairfield County Juvenile Court. She is known for her genuine, direct approach and strong advocacy for the youth and families she serves, emphasizing accountability, trust-building, and collaboration to achieve lasting, positive outcomes.

Instructor
Kreig Prior

Interim Senior Director of Regional Campus Marketing and Partner Outreach at Ohio University

Kreig Prior is the Interim Senior Director of Regional Campus Marketing and Partner Outreach at Ohio University. With a background in library science, publishing, international relations, education, marketing, and communications, Kreig Prior has over 20 years of experience in these fields. 

His work at Ohio University focuses on building partnerships, elevating institutional narratives, and advancing the University’s mission through strategic communication and collaboration. 

Kreig Prior holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Sociology and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. He has served as a lead photographer and writer for academic communications, capturing and crafting stories that highlight institutional impact, student success, and community partnerships. 

His professional focus is on applying strategic communication, creative leadership, and data-informed marketing to strengthen communities and advance institutional missions.

Instructor
Cheri Russo

Senior Director of Development, Scripps College of Communication

Cheri Russo is the Senior Director of Development for Ohio University Scripps College of Communication in Athens, Ohio. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in 1996. 

After graduation, she worked as a commercial TV news reporter, producer and anchor in Rhinelander, WI; Mansfield, OH; and Youngstown, OH before coming to work in a public media newsroom at WOUB in 2004. Russo reported and produced news for both radio and TV, while also producing local TV documentaries. 

While working in the WOUB newsroom, Russo completed her master’s degree in journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in 2007. In 2012, Russo became the marketing and public relations manager at Ohio University’s Lancaster Campus. 

In 2015, Russo accepted the marketing and public relations director position at Ohio State Newark and Central Ohio Technical College. In 2019, Russo returned to WOUB to use her skills in marketing, public relations, storytelling, and event management to build a community engagement and membership program.

Instructor
Lisa Skeens

Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Work

Dr. Lisa Skeens is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Ohio University-Lancaster.  She has been a psychotherapist for 25 years and specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, recovery from emotional/verbal abuse, multicultural therapy and guided imagery and narrative therapy techniques. 

She is also a national trainer and consultant for mental health topics for agencies, educational settings and health care settings. 

Lisa has conducted research with children and ADHD non-medical interventions, mental health needs of Latino and migrant farmworker populations, evidence based spiritual interventions and pedagogical strategies for college students with disabilities. 

Instructor
Jennifer H. Sitterley

CELA*, Sitterley Law LLC

SITTERLEY LAW LLC

Jennifer@SitterleyLaw.com

Certified Elder law attorney – founder of Sitterley Law in Lancaster, Ohio which focuses on estate planning, asset protection long-term care and special needs, guardianships, and trusts and estates.  Experience includes the following:

  • Certifications:
    • *Certified Elder Law Attorney by National Elder Law Foundation
    • *Certified Specialist in Elder Law by Ohio State Bar Association
    • Juris Doctorate from University of Akron
    • MBA from Ellis MBA College
    • Bachelor of Science from OSU’s Fisher College of Business
  • Awards:
    • 2019 -2020 Rising Star, Super Lawyers
    • 2022 -2026 Best Lawyers in America in Trusts and Estates
    • 2024 -2026 Best Lawyers in American in Elder Law
    • 2024 Small Business of the Year – Chamber of Commerce
    • 2025 Athena Award – Lancaster-Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce
  • Professional involvement:
    • Ohio Chamber of Commerce Health Benefit Program board member and investment committee member
    • Past President of the Ohio Chapter of NAELA
    • Past President of the Fairfield County Bar Association
  • Community Involvement:
    • President of the Fairfield County Meals on Wheels board
    • Vice Chair of the Fairfield County Foundation and investment committee
    • Trustee for Greenfield Township
    • Treasurer of the Executive Committee of the Fairfield County Republican Party
    • Past Chair of the Fairfield County United Way Board of Trustees
    • Past President of AHA Children’s Museum Board of Trustees
    • Past President of the Southeast Ohio Sight Center
Instructor
Debra Smith

Certified Bridges Out of Poverty Instructor, Retired Associate Professor

Advisory Team, Leadership Summit

Debra has served on multiple community boards and is currently serving on the Fairfield County Foundation Board.  She is a certified Bridges Out of Poverty instructor and provides Bridges training to multiple organizations.

Debra Smith is a retired Associate Professor of Health at Ohio University Lancaster, where she served for 15 years. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Ohio University, a degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s degree in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. After 26 years of practicing physical therapy, Debra went on to serve as Program Director for the Physical Therapy Assistant program at Central Ohio Technical College, as well as Assistant CIO and CIO at Central Ohio Technical College/Ohio State University Newark. She has also worked as a national lecturer specializing in wrist and elbow rehabilitation. 

Actively engaged in her community, Debra has served on multiple boards and currently serves on the Fairfield County Foundation Board. She is a certified Bridges Out of Poverty instructor and provides Bridges training to a wide range of organizations.

Instructor
Candice Thomas-Maddox

Ed.D., Professor of Communication Studies, Scripps College of Communication

Dr. Candice Thomas-Maddox (Ed.D., West Virginia University) is a Professor of Communication Studies at Ohio University Lancaster, where she is passionate about helping students explore interpersonal, family, and organizational communication. She’s the co-author of four textbooks: Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding RelationshipsQuantitative Research Methods for Communication: A Hands-on ApproachCommunicating in Your Personal, Professional, and Public Lives; and Family Communication: Relationship Foundations.

A dedicated educator, Candice has been honored with the Eastern Communication Association’s (ECA) Ecroyd Teaching Award and Teaching Fellows designation, as well as the Ohio Communication Association’s (OCA) Ohio Outstanding Scholar Award. She has served as President and Executive Director for both ECA and OCA, held leadership roles with the National Communication Association (NCA), and currently chairs NCA’s Finance Committee. At OHIO Lancaster, she enjoys mentoring students and advising organizations like Phi Theta Kappa Honorary and Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity.

Always seeking innovative ways to enhance student learning and career preparation, Candice incorporates Team-Based Learning (TBL) in her courses to strengthen collaboration skills and engages students in community-based learning projects that provide real-world applications of course content.

When she’s not teaching or writing, Candice loves curling up with a good book, traveling to sunny destinations, or cheering on the OHIO Bobcats, West Virginia Mountaineers, and the Columbus Crew.

Instructor
Elizabeth Well

J.D., Legal Director, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center

Elizabeth Well is a Columbus-based attorney and currently serves as the Legal Director for the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center. A leading advocate for victims’ rights, she played a key role in the passage of Marsy’s Law in Ohio and has dedicated her career to advancing justice for underserved communities. 

Elizabeth also serves as an adjunct professor in the Paralegal Studies department at Columbus State Community College. Her legal work focuses on representation for crime victims, consumer protection, and LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to her legal practice, she is a member of the Board of Trustees for Stonewall Columbus and has trained thousands of criminal justice professionals on victims’ rights. 

Elizabeth earned her Juris Doctor from the Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law.

Overview


The OHIO Lancaster Non-Credit Certificate & CEU Program is a semester-long series of professional training opportunities designed for students, educators, workforce professionals, and community members across Fairfield, Hocking, Licking, Perry, and Pickaway Counties. Participants attend specialized workshops led by experts and earn a non-credit certificate or Continuing Education Units (CEUs), depending on the session. The program serves: higher education students (undergraduate and adult learners); professionals seeking CEUs (law, nursing, social work, education, etc.); community members pursuing personal or professional growth; workforce leaders, supervisors, and nonprofit staff; and individuals preparing for or considering career transitions.

The program serves to expand community partnerships, support regional workforce needs, and strengthen experiential learning opportunities for community members in the region.

Vision Statement


To cultivate a skilled, diverse, and community-connected workforce by providing accessible, high-quality, non-credit education that inspires career exploration, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.

Mission Statement


To provide meaningful, affordable, and professionally led training opportunities that strengthen connections between Ohio University and surrounding communities; support regional workforce development; showcase both university and community expertise; and empower participants in their educational, professional, and personal lifelong learning journeys.

Program Goals/Objectives


Participants who attend sessions offered through the Non-Credit Certificate & CEU Program will achieve different learning outcomes depending on the specific workshops they select. Overall, the program’s objectives are for participants to:

* Identify new skills, career pathways, and professional opportunities across multiple career fields and community service sectors.
* Analyze contemporary workplace challenges, including diversity, leadership development, cross-generation communication, artificial intelligence, grant-writing, etc.
* Apply foundational knowledge gained through training to real-world community, workplace, or educational contexts.
* Demonstrate increased awareness of regional workforce needs and the requirements for entering high-demand careers.
* Engage in professional development opportunities that strengthen employability, leadership, and civic readiness.
* Collaborate with community professionals, educators, and peers through experiential and direct learning activities.

For more information, contact:


Dr. Pamela Kaylor
1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH  43130

Phone: 740.681.3372
Email: dawes@ohio.edu