OPRA Committees: Get Involved, Make an Impact
OPRA’s Committees are an essential part of our work, bringing together providers from across Ohio to discuss challenges, share best practices, and shape the future of services for people with disabilities. All OPRA members are welcome and encouraged to participate—whether by attending meetings, suggesting discussion topics, or engaging in committee projects.
Why Join a Committee?
- Stay informed on key issues affecting providers
- Collaborate with fellow members, OPRA staff, and board liaisons
- Advocate for policy and system improvements
- Shape discussions by suggesting agenda topics and sharing insights
Meeting agendas, minutes, handouts, log-in information, and committee specific discussions can be accessed by clicking on the "View Committee Forum" buttons below. You will also find a place to suggest agenda items.
Committees meet virtually. Calendar invites with access information are sent in advance. If you would like to join a committee, please contact Sonya Summers to be added to the distribution list.
Member Committees
Day Array
Chairs: Anne Haning, Belco Works; Chelsea Ashcraft, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Staff Liaison: Scott Marks
A dedicated space for discussing the evolving landscape of day services, including integrated community-based options, meaningful activities, and provider challenges in delivering quality supports.
Day & Employment Services (combination of two previous committees: Day Services & Employment Services)
Chairs: Justin Blumhorst, Capabilities, Inc.; Nicole Smith, RHDD; Paul Soprano, UCP of Greater Cleveland
Staff Liaison: Scott Marks
Focused on advancing best practices, policies, and funding for day services and employment supports. This committee explores innovative approaches to community engagement, skill-building, and workforce inclusion for people with disabilities.
Healthcare
Chair: Shelly Wharton, The Society
Staff Liaison: Christine Touvelle
Addresses key healthcare topics, rules and regulations on nursing services in the waiver and ICF settings, rules and regulations that affect the DD nursing community, training, education, and best practices.
Human Resources
Chair: Michelle Madden, Independence of Portage County, Inc.
Staff Liaison: Christine Touvelle
The HR Committee examines best practices in HR, the recruiting, hiring, and training process, and monitoring upcoming new regulations that affect employment law and/or training requirements.
Marketing and Communications
Chairs: Liz Owens, The Alpha Group of Delaware and Carla McDonald, Weaver Industries
Staff Liaison: Melissa Fannon
Focuses on strategies to elevate public awareness, strengthen advocacy efforts, and help providers communicate effectively with stakeholders, including families, funders, and the broader community.
Residential Resources (combination of two previous committees: ICF & Residential Waiver)
Chairs: Susan Berneike, Help Foundation; Bob Heinzerling, Heinzerling Community; Kurt Miller, Empowering People; Jamie Steele, OVRS, Inc.
Staff Liaison: Rachel Hayes
A forum for providers offering residential services, including ICF and waiver-based models. The committee explores funding, staffing, regulatory requirements, and issues that have a direct impact on the programs and services our members offer.
Board Committees Open to Members
Policy
Chair: Scott DeLong, CRSI and Jeff Johnson, Weaver Industries
Staff Liaison: Teresa Kobelt
The Policy Committee is a Committee of the OPRA Board responsible for guiding OPRA’s policy positions and strategic direction on key issues affecting providers. In addition to Board representatives, the committee includes non-board members who reflect the diversity of OPRA’s membership, ensuring a broad range of perspectives in decision-making.
Quarterly, the Board opens the Policy Committee to all OPRA members, creating an opportunity for broader discussion and input on policy matters that impact the provider community. These quarterly meetings allow members to stay informed, share their experiences, and help shape OPRA’s direction on important issues. OPRA encourages all members to participate in these open sessions and contribute to shaping the future of the field.
More information on the Policy Committee can be found here.
