CELINA, Ohio (3-26-26) — The Mercer County Board of DevelopmentalDisabilities (Mercer DD) is proud to recognize Board Member, Tori Heck, during National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Heck, a person served by Mercer DD, began her term on the Board at the start of the year, marking a historic milestone as the first person served by Mercer DD to hold this role.

Tori Heck, first person served on the board, stands with the proclamation for DD Awareness Month.

On Tuesday, Heck, along with Superintendent Shawn Thiemanand Heck’s Service and Support Administrator (SSA) Tawnya Uhlenhake, met with the Mercer County Commissioners, Dave Buschur, Rick Muhlenkamp and Brian Miller, where she was presented with a proclamation on behalf of Mercer DD recognizing March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The proclamation highlights the importance of inclusion and celebrates the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. 

Heck, of Mendon, is an employee of Reynolds and Reynolds in Celina and an advocate for those with developmental disabilities. Heck was appointed to the Board by the Mercer CountyCommissioners and was sworn in by Mercer DD Board President, Teri Spoltman.

The Mercer County Board of Developmental Disabilities is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors. The Board consists of volunteer community members, one of whom must be a person eligible for DD services and two who are family members of a person eligible for DD services. Five members are appointed by the Mercer County Commissioners and two are appointed by the Mercer County Probate Judge.


Mercer DD representatives with the Mercer County Commissioners accepting a proclamation for March as DD Awareness Month. (Left to Right): Shawn Thieman, Superintendent; Tori Heck, Board Member & First Person Served; Brian Miller, Commissioner; Rick Muhlenkamp, Commissioner;  Dave Buschur, Commissioner; and Tawnya Uhlenhake, Service & Support Administrator for Mercer DD (Tori’s SSA).

 Shawn Thieman, Mercer DD Superintendent

“This is a significant milestone in our Board’s evolution towardscommunity inclusion. Tori brings personal experience and knowledge of the services we provide, offering a firsthand perspective for the Board. This will strengthen our Board’s ability to make well-informed and meaningful decisions that positively impact the entire community,” Thieman continued. 

Mercer DD also welcomed new Board member, Jacque Leverette, at the beginning of the year. Leverette resides in Fort Recoveryand was appointed by the Mercer County Commissioners. Other Board Members include: Teri Spoltman, President; Mike Linton, Vice President; Mona Berning, Secretary; Karla Butler, and John Werling. Each Board member is appointed to a four-year term.

Mercer DD serves approximately 500 eligible children and adults in Mercer County through a wide range of programming, supports, and services. For additional information, visit www.mercerdd.org.