Meet Our Member Award Winners

2019 – Deb Dennis, Director of Special Education, Avon Local Schools

Ms. Dennis was the first recipient of the Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award for her

2020 – Angela Macwhinney, Director of Special Education, Delaware City Schools

“I am honored to receive this award and I thank OAPSA for this prestigious recognition… I share this award with my current and former colleagues who work tirelessly to serve students with disabilities in highly engaging, meaningful, and creative ways. I am truly thankful to work in this wonderful profession.”

2021 – Kristina Hulse, Director of Special Education, Pickerington Local Schools

“When faced with the pandemic and the same struggles we all faced this year: panic, uncertainty and distance from everyone and everything we rely on, Kristina did what all administrators seek to do: Lead. Kristina didn’t shrink in the face of a challenge; instead, she thrived and provided a powerful model of what leadership looks like during adversity that we can all aspire to. And she had 44 OAPSA members that were in the mentoring group she coordinated.” – Jacob George, OAPSA Scoring Team Workgroup

2022 – Deidre Parsons, Director of Special Education, Barberton City Schools

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. There as so many deserving colleagues. I am truly blessed to be working with so many caring and talented people. Thank you for this wonderful honor!”

2023 – Rebecca Furbay, Director of Special Education, Centerville City Schools

“I am incredibly honored and thankful to be the recipient of the Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award.   I share this award with my entire team and countless colleagues who are so dedicated and passionate about our work! Thank you, OAPSA!”

2024 – Melinda Vaughn, Director of Student Services, Newark City Schools

“I am truly humbled by this award. Without the support of my family, my team of coordinators, admins, administrative specialists and my superintendent, I would not do this job. If it were not for the Intervention Specialists, para-professionals and all the related service providers and families who work so hard for the kids we would not ve able to do the great work we do! It is truly a team endeavor! Thank you to OAPSA for this recognition!”

April 2026 – Jennifer Crum, Director of Student Services, Mid-Ohio ESC

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to you and the OAPSA leadership for this incredible honor. Being selected for the John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award is truly meaningful to me, and I am deeply humbled to be recognized among such dedicated professionals in our field.

I will never forget receiving your call and the emotion that came with that moment—it is one I will carry with me for a long time. Thank you for your leadership in recognizing and celebrating the work of student services administrators across Ohio. OAPSA has played such an important role in my professional journey through its networking, conferences, and commitment to advancing our work.

I am truly grateful for this recognition and for all that OAPSA does to support and elevate our profession.”

2024 – Dr. Sarah Wilson, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services, & Transportation, Mt. Healthy City Schools

“I am deeply honored to receive this award! This recognition reflects the collective efforts and unwavering support of my team, whose dedication and collaboration inspire me daily. Mt. Healthy has the most amazing students and staff, which makes it easy to remember and lean into my ‘why’ each and every day. Without all of them, the great work we do in our district would not be possible. Many thanks to OAPSA for this Recognition.”

April 2026 – Jessie Dible, Life Skills Programing Director, Wood County ESC