Connecting for Kids honors 2 local residents
Connecting for Kids has recognized the following Westlake and Bay Village residents with its 2023 Board Awards. These awards are given to those that exemplify the mission of Connecting for Kids to provide education and support to families concerned about their child.
2023 Professional of the Year
Lisa Ruman, a resident of Westlake and president & founder of The Child & Family Counseling Center of Westlake, has logged countless volunteer hours with Connecting for Kids over the years as a program facilitator.
Her nomination points out her integral role in the organization’s family support groups: “What makes Lisa an exceptional nominee for this year's award is not only her ongoing dedication to Share & Support Group programs, but also her willingness to train the organization’s next generation of facilitators. In addition, she has contributed to the design of the 'Explosive Child' Book Club and to resources on the CFK website.”
Lisa Ruman has been a longtime supporter of the local resource fairs and other programming hosted by Connecting for Kids.
The Kathleen Louise Nash Board Member Award is named in honor of the founding president of Connecting for Kids and awarded annually to a board member who exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication to the mission of the organization. The 2023 recipient is Stephanie McNamara, a resident of Bay Village and Guardian Ad Litem at Voices for Children.
Over the past 12 months, Stephanie McNamara has successfully recruited, interviewed and onboarded 11 new board members. In addition, she created a new orientation process for board members to ensure better integration into the organization. During COVID, Stephanie actively took a leadership role, helping Connecting for Kids navigate the return to in-person programming safely. She currently serves as the vice president of the board of directors and is a member of the strategic planning, programming, governance and bowling committees.
According to Stephanie's nomination, “Her level-headed advice helps the entire board communicate more effectively and ensures strong leadership as the organization continues to grow.”
Connecting for Kids provides education and support to families with concerns about their child.
Lorilynn Wolf
Lorilynn Wolf serves as the Communications Director for Connecting for Kids.