A graphic with a spotlight and a headshot with text that reads, "Congratulations Ava Kinkopf, December Employee Spotlight of the Month."

December’s Employee Spotlight of the Month: Office Assistant Ava Kinkopf

Join us as we pay tribute to the incredible staff, we have here at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities (BCBDD) through our appreciation series called “The Employee Spotlight of the Month!” Every month, we will spotlight a new employee so that we can share with the community the wonderful things our employees are doing every day!

Congratulations to Ava Kinkopf, December’s Employee Spotlight winner! Ava was born in Northern Ohio and graduated from the Ohio State University with a Bachelors in Family Relations and Human Development. After graduation, Ava taught preschool and then worked as an administrative assistant in a hospital. Ava took a break from her career for several years so that she could stay at home and raise her 5 children, who she also homeschooled for 10 of those years.

“My most recent job was working as an administrative assistant for a reinsurance company,” Ava said. “The pandemic closed the office where I had been working, and I was fortunate to get the job here at the Butler Country Board of DD. I have been with the Board of DD for 2 years.”

Once Ava began her position as an Office Assistant at the BCBDD she immediately began to have a significant impact on the office and those that visited.

“Ava was one of the first employees I met when I began my position at the BCBDD,” a BCBDD employee said. “From the moment I met her I could tell how passionate she was about those we served as well as those surrounding her at the office. She knew everyone by name and always had a big smile on her face!”

Ava said he favorite part of her job is the people especially having the privilege of greeting everyone as they enter the BCBDD building.

2 women indoors in front of window smiling for photo
Ava and her supervisor, Tracy Boraz Shepherd

“Giving them a smile, and making them feel welcome makes my day,” Ava said. “In general, I enjoy finding ways to help others.”

Another BCBDD employee said they couldn’t agree more that Ava has an unbelievable welcoming and helpful nature.

“As soon as you walk into the office, Ava always greets you with a friendly smile and energetic hello,” the BCBDD employee said. “She assists every single employee at the office and also makes sure those that visit the office are comfortable and taken care of. She has helped me execute so many different tasks with urgency and precision! BCBDD would not be the same without Ava!”

Ava says working at the BCBDD has increased her appreciation and respect for the individuals, families, and providers.

“How they care for one another and work together with one another to achieve a common purpose is just amazing,” Ava said. “I have also developed a real appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice that the SSA’s put into their jobs. They are fantastic!”

We are so thankful to have you on our BCBDD team, Ava!

Is there someone from the BDBDD that has changed you and your family’s lives? Submissions for January’s Employee Spotlight of the Month are due by Friday, January 5!

Employee Spotlight – BCBDD

Your Name
Employee you are nominating(Required)
Please give specific details about why this person is an outstanding Butler DD employee and deserves recognition.