Staff - Meet our Team

Kelli Grisham – Superintendent

Kelli has been the Superintendent at the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities since January 2016. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Kelli served as Assistant Superintendent.

She has more than two decades of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. She has worked in adult services for both the Delaware and the Marion county boards, and at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as a regional manager of Major Unusual Incidents. She also was adult services director for the Mt. Vernon Developmental Center and an associate director for the Clearwater Council of Governments.

Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and two master’s degrees – business administration and executive management/leadership – from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University.

“One of the great joys of this job is empowering people and watching them succeed,” Kelli said. “It is our mission to provide the supports necessary to assure that success.”

Kelli is a Findlay resident.

Denise DeVault – Quality Services Director

Denise joined the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities in November 2015 as an Advocacy and Support Specialist and was named Quality Services Director in January 2016.

Prior to her current position, Denise held a variety of positions during her nine years with the Clearwater Council of Governments. As a program developer, Denise coordinated, developed and presented relevant trainings for county boards of DD, as well as independent and agency providers. Denise also spent nine years with Advocacy and Protective Services Inc., providing court-appointed guardianship services to adults with developmental disabilities.

Denise has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kent State University.

“As Quality Services Director, I oversee Provider Relations, Community Recreation, Nursing Services, Transition Youth Services, Special Olympics, Advocacy Programs, and Public Awareness. It is so rewarding to see individuals become part of their community.”

Denise grew up in Norwalk and resides in Bascom.

Nicole Bowen – Director – Service and Support Administration

Nicole was named the Director of Service and Support Administration in 2017. Since joining the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 2012, Nicole has transitioned from an SSA, to Lead SSA, to SSA Manager, and director.

Prior to joining the Board, Nicole worked at Findlay Hope House for the Homeless where she was the case manager for the transitional shelter and coordinated a permanent supportive housing program for homeless people with disabilities. She also spent several years as a youth advisor at a juvenile residential center.

Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Findlay and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Tiffin University.

“I am happy to be a part of an organization that truly embraces the mission statement. The favorite part of my position is getting to see people accomplish their goals.”

Nicole was born, raised, and resides in Findlay.

Stephen Harper – Director of Operations 

Stephen is the Director of Operations at the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Since joining the Board in 2005, Stephen also has served as Assistant Superintendent, and the Business and Medicaid Manager.

Prior to coming to Hancock County, Stephen spent 10 years working in the developmental disabilities field in the areas of Community Employment and Recreation, Case Management, Community Employment, and Workshop Production.

Stephen has a master’s degree in political science with an emphasis on public administration from Ohio University.

A native of Cambridge, Ohio, Stephen has lived in Findlay for the past 13 years.

“When I was interviewing for my first job with a county board of DD, I asked the interviewers why we didn’t try to find out what people with disabilities wanted from their lives. That approach still applies. Working closely with individuals helps me look at situations and make decisions in a balanced way.”

Linda Schurch – Director of Educational Services

Linda Schurch has been the Director of Educational Services at the Hancock County Board of Developmental Disabilities since 2018.

She has 14 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, including Early Intervention, preschool, K-12, and adult programs/service delivery. She also has held positions in public schools, serving as an intervention specialist, homebound instruction tutor, director of special education, and senior director of school improvement and intervention, and federal programs.

Linda was raised in Findlay though middle school, where her father was an Ohio State Highway patrolman and her mother worked at Cooper Tire & Rubber.

She has a bachelor’s degree in special education and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and administration from Ohio State University. Her doctorate in organizational leadership was earned at Walden University.

“I believe that every person has extraordinary value and capacity for growth,” Linda said. “Respect is the foundation of meaningful relationships and every person deserves a full measure of such. I try very hard to lead by example.”

Linda may be reached at lschurch@blanchardvalley.org