February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month
Turner syndrome is a genetic condition that affects females when one of the two X chromosomes is missing or partially missing. It can impact growth, learning, and sometimes heart health. While each individual’s experience is unique, many girls and women with Turner syndrome face challenges that shape their resilience and strength.
Somer Sherman, Job Developer and Coach at RTC, is among the small percentage of individuals with Turner syndrome who live largely typical lives. She believes her experience gives her a meaningful and unique perspective in her work within Employment Services.
“I believe it gives me more empathy, grace, and compassion,” Somer shares. “I am so proud to be part of such a supportive community at RTC.”
Somer was diagnosed just two weeks before her second birthday. She really didn’t feel different until she noticed she was being pulled out of class more often than her classmates. She had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) through middle school and was the first student at Jackson Center Schools to be diagnosed with Turner syndrome.
Like many young women with Turner syndrome, Somer faced challenges with math, building friendships, body image, and fitting in. However, she says the most difficult aspect of her diagnosis has been navigating infertility.
“Being a mom has always been a dream,” Somer says. “I know it won’t happen naturally, and I’ve learned to be okay with that.” She remains hopeful and informed, knowing that adoption, embryo donation, and egg donation are options when the time is right.
Today, Somer views Turner syndrome as part of what has shaped her perspective and purpose.
“It brings a unique understanding to my job and how I interact with clients,” she explains. “Living with Turner syndrome has strengthened my empathy, grace, and compassion for others.”
As we recognize Tuner Syndrome Awareness Month, we celebrate Somer and clients Sarah Morris, Danielle Wells, and Katie Peterson, honoring their resilience, courage and the meaningful impact they have within our RTC family.
Champion of the Month: Jaime Hill
Jaime Hill, Transportation Supervisor, brings a big heart and significant organization to RTC’s Transportation Department. One of Jaime’s favorite parts of her job is the clients:
“They make coming to work enjoyable and more fun, it’s not even like a job I have to do every day,” she says. “It’s great to see the clients grow and flourish in RTC’s environments.”
Outside of work Jaime gets one of her greatest joys spending time with her granddaughter Penelope, her “little p-bug.” She loves to cook when she can. Her most interesting hobby by far is with her husband, they are paranormal investigators. That means they have been to several haunted locations, and they’ve spent the night in a few haunted hotel rooms.
Jaime is proud of the driver’s she supervises. “They are the most amazing and hardworking driver I could ask for!”
She wants everyone to take time to thank the drivers for all their dedication and hard work for our clients.
The Talent Show is Thursday!
We are thrilled to showcase the incredible talents of RTC clients and associates this Thursday night and can we just tell you, you are in for a treat!
Enjoy close to 50 pieces of artwork on display, along with 24 performances featuring 27 clients and associates. The musical lineup spans classic rock, movie themes, country, and more. Add in river dancing, comedy, and impressions, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable evening.
This event is made possible thanks to our generous sponsors: The Holland Theatre, Slagle Mechanical, McGill Electric, and Peak of Ohio TV. Peak of Ohio will be live streaming the event, with a replay available afterward. A special thank you to Chad Wilkinson, our MC for the evening.
Join us Thursday, March 5, at the Holland Theatre. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Orion Reams from School of Rock Dublin will perform at 6:40 p.m., and the remaining performances begin at 7:00 p.m.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Cheryl Mundhenk, Star of the Month
We are proud to nominate Cheryl Mundhenk as our Star of the Month!
Cheryl brings joy wherever she goes. Her one-of-a-kind smile and cheerful spirit brighten the day for staff and peers alike. She loves talking about kitties and is always ready to share her happiness with those around her.
Cheryl enjoys working on peg boards and has learned to sort colors and create her own patterns. She also has a deep love for music and singing along to her favorite songs, which brings so much joy to everyone nearby. And when a dance party starts, Cheryl is the first to join in, especially if staff are dancing with her!
She enjoys staying active, whether it’s taking walks around the building or wheeling herself around the room to see what everyone is up to.
Congratulations, Cheryl, on being our Star of the Month! Your positivity and joy make RTC a brighter place.
Hero Moment
Community Engagement outings are always a highlight for participants, but one recent snowy day brought an extra dose of excitement.
While delivering Meals-on-Wheels along her Tuesday route, Ashlee Brommer, Youth Employment Specialist, found herself stuck in a snowdrift, with a bus full of Community Engagement participants aboard. As she worked to carefully free the vehicle, Bryan LeVan of the City of Bellefontaine Street Department noticed the situation and stepped in to help. thanks to his quick assistance, the group was soon back on the road.
But his kindness didn’t go unnoticed.
The following Tuesday, participants made it their mission to track Bryan down and personally thank him, complete with donuts as a small token of their appreciation.
It was a simple act of kindness that turned into a meaningful moment of gratitude and community connection.
Night to Shine
Oh, what a night! Once again, Cornerstone church in Huntsville and all of the volunteers hit a homerun for the Night to Shine in Logan County. Many of RTC’s clients and associates went. They looked amazing and had such a magical time.
RTC’s goal is to support clients in achieving the independence they envision for themselves. Often, those goals include building skills in cooking, cleaning, laundry, and employment.
Currently, Pos+Abilities and LifeWorks are placing a strong emphasis on cooking and volunteering. Cooking serves as a catalyst for developing many important skills, including reading recipes, practicing logical thinking, and safely handling both hot and cold foods. Volunteering helps clients build transferable skills that can lead to community employment opportunities.
Each program hosts at least one cooking day per month. This month, LifeWorks prepared grilled cheese and soup, while Pos+Abilities made pizza roll-ups and pinwheels.
Both programs are also partnering with the Lions Club on a meaningful community project. Clients are sorting donated eyeglasses by condition, color, and usability, including separating broken glasses and individual pieces.
Through hands-on learning and community involvement, clients continue building skills that support greater independence.
