Pioneer Center Welcomes New Board Members

Article Presented By McDonald’s…

(Chillicothe) – The Pioneer Center, otherwise known as Ross County Board of DD, recently appointed Amy Beam and Dan Riddle as their newest Board Members. Board Members serve four-year terms and may serve no more than three consecutive terms.

Amy Beam has recently stepped into the Parent Mentor position with Zane Trace Local School District. She is a graduate of Chillicothe High School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University. Beam has been living in Chillicothe since 1995 with her husband, Wayne, and their five children. She served three years of active Duty in the Navy Nurse Corp from 1988—91, and since has been a substitute school nurse while raising her children where she homeschooled four out of five over the course of 17 years. During this time, the family was navigating their oldest son’s education from early intervention in central Florida, to our local Carver Community Center, to Pioneer School, and finally the Pickaway Ross Career and Technology Center. Beam states, “Alex (their oldest son) happens to have Down Syndrome, but our life with him as been way more UP than Down!” She volunteers and sits on the Board at Hope Clinic, Ross County Social Service Council, and the Family Children First Council. Beam is active in her church and enjoys cooking, crafting, reading, gardening, and being a grandparent. Beam also stated, “I have been fortunate to have many heroes in my life who have encouraged me to use my God given talents to serve others, and I hope to be that for the people I serve in my new roles.”

Dan Riddle is the Director of Special Programs with Huntington Local School District and has been employed with the district for 37 years where he has held several positions. He is a lifelong resident of Ross County with his wife, Chris, sons Jeremy (Ella) Weaver, Brad (Julie) Weaver, and his four grandchildren. Riddle graduated from Southeastern Local High School, received his bachelor’s degree at Ohio University, and his master’s degree at the University of Dayton. He has been active in several community organizations such as the Ross County 4-H program, Ross County Junior Fair Board Advisor, all Chillicothe Masonic bodies, and the Ross County Shrine Club. Riddle states, “Through my professional career and these organizations, I do whatever I can to help develop and advance young people in our community.” If he can find spare time, he enjoys camping, golfing, and helping family members with projects.

In addition to Beam and Riddle, Mike Thompson, Bob Armstrong, Baylee Butler, Katie Guba, and Mike Wilbanks also serve on the board. Board Meetings are open to the public and are typically held the second Thursday of each month. For more information, please visit our website at www.rossdd.org.

The Pioneer Center supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families, through early intervention, school services, employment services, social, recreational, residential, service coordination, and other programs.