KAYLEY COLETTA 2023 Jennifer Leigh Kynkor Scholarship Awardee

Maggie Michael 2022 Jennifer Leigh Kynkor Scholarship Awardee

Maggie Michael is an Ohio native, growing up in Granville.  Like our other scholarship recipient this year, Maggie went to Butler University and majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Various factors led Maggie to her career and education choices, but the springboard was a friend named Jordyn.  Jordyn and Maggie played field hockey together in high school and formed a wonderful friendship.  Jordyn has Down syndrome.  As their friendship developed, Maggie witnessed first-hand the challenges Down syndrome presents.  Communication is one of them and led Maggie into the field of speech-language pathology.  As Maggie wrapped up her undergraduate studies she worked and trained as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Kid's Count Therapy, LLC (you'll see that name again in the other bio).  Working as an RBT for individuals with autism proved to be both challenging and gratifying.  Seeing her patients take on and accomplishing tasks has been very, very rewarding.  Maggie will be a tremendous resource for children and families with disabilities, specifically autism, for a very long time.  We're very proud to welcome Maggie to the Jennifer Leigh Kynkor scholarship "family" and look forward to continuing our relationship in the years to come.

Bailey Spears 2022 Jennifer Leigh Kynkor Scholarship Awardee

Brownsburg, IN is Bailey Spears' home town, and as mentioned above, Butler University is where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Her track to this career path actually began in middle school, working in the Special Education classroom.  She kept on working there through high school.  As she completed her work at Butler, Bailey became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while working at Kid's Count Therapy, LLC.  Sounds familiar, right?  Her work there was with children 2-16 years of age who were on the autism spectrum and/or developmental disabilities.  Bailey went on to work directly with a nonverbal child with autism who depended on a communication device to help express wants, needs etc.  Helping children find their "voice" is her goal and what a goal that is!  Once again, the JLKF is blessed with another outstanding young lady to join the professional field and help us carry on Jenny's legacy!