Staff Directory

Sandy started her career serving students as an early childhood educator providing direct instruction for students with a variety of needs. Having a deep commitment and passion to support students, she continued on in a new capacity to serve students with disabilities and their families as a parent mentor for the Seneca/Wyandot County Parent Mentor Project. In 2000, Sandy began working for OCECD as an information specialist, supporting families in North Central Ohio and providing training throughout Ohio. Currently, Sandy is part of the Parent Mentor Oversight and Professional Development Project as a Statewide Preschool Parent Mentor working in the northern office.

Robin has been with OCECD since 1990 and as a consultant prior to that time. She provides information, training and support to parents in her area. Previously she provided services to families as an employee of the Southwest Special Education Regional Resource Center for ten years from 1979-1989. Robin has a love for early childhood education and has taught pre-school and kindergarten in the public school system. Robin has a hearing impairment and is the parent of a son and a daughter with learning disabilities.

Kelly began her career with OCECD in October 2018.  She is an Information Specialist and Trainer for Northwest Ohio.  She also serves as Web Support for OCECD.  Kelly holds an associate degree in Accounting.  Prior to starting at OCECD, Kelly worked for 15 years as a Program Manager administering testing in the medical field.  In this position, Kelly was responsible for approving and coordinating ADA accommodations for candidates in the testing process.  She has prior experience as a nurse’s aide in a long-term care facility and residential support staff to individuals with developmental disabilities. Kelly came to OCECD as a result of her personal experiences in struggling with the special education arena.  She has one son who has Autism and ADHD.   In January 2022, Kelly changed positions within the agency to the Grants/Fiscal Manager/Bookkeeper.  This position allows her to incorporate the hands on work that she completed during her time as an Information Specialist with the responsibilities of the new position to promote the assistance to families.  

Marbella has been with OCECD since 2006. She is currently the Statewide Multicultural Director and the Assistant Director. She is working with Dr. Lisa Hickman, the new Executive Director as of August 19, 2019 to manage staff, projects and all OCECD operations. Previously she worked with Lee Ann Derugen, as they were both Interim Co-Executive Directors since December 1, 2018.  Marbella continues to coordinate multicultural trainings and groups for empowerment and education for multicultural families, supervising and training the multicultural information specialists/trainers across the state. She translates materials for families from English to Spanish and is involved in the development of trainings that address the cultural needs in the state of Ohio. She also serves multicultural families across the state regarding information and provides individual assistance concerning their rights. She started a statewide support group which the parents have titled P.L.A.N.E.O. (Latino Parents Associated for Special Children in Ohio). Marbella currently serves on the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children and as a volunteer for National Alliance on Mental Illness in Franklin County.  Marbella is the mother of a child with special needs, as well as a gifted child. 

Nancy has been with OCECD since 2004. She provides information, training and support to parents in her area. For 4 years prior to joining OCECD, she provided advocacy services for parents as a volunteer. Nancy’s interest is in children with behavioral challenges and in empowering parents to advocate for their child. Nancy has 2 children. Her son has AD/HD and needed specialized supports when he was in school.

Kim has been with OCECD since 2005. She provides information, training and support to parents in her area. She previously worked as a Parent Mentor for Gallia County Local School District in Southeastern Ohio. She is a parent of a daughter who was born deaf and received a Cochlear Implant at the age of 3 ½ years of age.

Liliana joined the Coalition in January 2023. Liliana comes to us from Venezuela, where she brings her skills, knowledge, and experience gained from working as a Consumer Services Attorney and as the National Director for Mediation Conflict Resolution in her home country. Liliana is currently a Multicultural Specialist/Trainer for our Northern Ohio Latino Office. She will be supporting Latino parents of children with disabilities on their journey by providing them with information and assistance to better understand special education and their parental rights in obtaining an appropriate quality education for their children.

Erin works for OCECD in the West Central office as an Information Specialist/Trainer.  Erin resides in Cuyahoga County with her family.  Her responsibilities include providing resources, training, and guidance to families that have children, teenagers, and young adults with special needs.  She also attends school meetings and collaborates with school personnel to improve outcomes for children.  Erin is a graduate from North Olmsted High School and a graduate from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts.  She worked as a graphic designer and project manager for ten years.  Erin has two children; her son was diagnosed with moderate Autism at age two and her daughter had some developmental delays early in life. Navigating the medical and educational systems for both her children have been both challenging and educational.  In 2014, Erin graduated from Partners in Policy Making, a legislative class designed to teach people with disabilities and their families the power of advocacy and how to positively change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live, and work.  Over the years, Erin has helped facilitate workshops for families the with Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Transition Boosters group.  In 2015 she also founded a local support group for families in Fairview Park called Fairview Park Parents of Special Education.  In 2019 Erin ran for her local School Board and won a seat.  She is currently the Vice President of the Fairview Park School Board.

Megan Lucas joined OCECD in December 2021.  Megan is a compassionate and caring person, which has been a driving force in her life, and is reflected in her past employment in elder care and as a preschool worker.  Megan will be working as a Parent Training Assistant, preparing training materials, filling publication orders, and assisting staff in various other ways.  She has an Associates of Arts Degree with Early Childhood background from The Ohio State University.  Megan stays occupied outside of office hours being a rescue dog mom and being an aunt and godmother to her best-friend’s children.

Iliana has been with OCECD since June 2010. She is from Mexico D.F. She serves the Hispanic/Latino families in Mid Ohio regarding information and individual assistance on their rights through trainings and advocacy skills. She also supports with the coordination of P.L.A.N.E.O. (Latino Parents Associated for Special Children in Ohio), a statewide support group for Spanish speaking families. She holds a B.S. in Biology Science. Iliana has two sons, which one of them has learning disabilities.