I grew up in Delaware, Ohio and graduated from Hayes High School. After high school, I began my college journey at the Ohio State University, studying psychology, before transferring to Otterbein University as a nursing major. Ultimately, I found my passion in photography and earned both my portrait and commercial degree from the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology. 

Shortly after graduating, I began my career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, working in the photo lab. I later transferred to the Department of Public Safety's Visual Communications department as a photographer. In January 2024, I stepped into a videographer role. I am currently in my 19th year of public service with the division.

I am the proud parent of three amazing children - Wyatt, Rowan, and Riley - as well as two energetic goldendoodles, Winnie and Teddy. Life is anything from boring and quiet, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Much of my time is spent cheering on the kids at sporting events, hiking, and exploring new activities together.

What was the first job you ever had?

While still in high school,  I held my first job working with elementary students in an after-school program. Each day after my final class, I would go to the elementary school to help younger students with their homework, pass out snacks, and assist with activities.

Do you have a mentor that has helped you with your career?

During my time in college, I had a very influential professor who became an important mentor to me. He consistently challenged me to think outside the box and cautioned me to be adaptable, open, and creative in my work. I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from him, and I am grateful that I have continued to stay in contact with him since graduating.

Do you have a favorite work memory?

I have been fortunate to have an entire career of favorite memories full of meaningful and unique experiences. This job has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, in the best way possible, and because of that I have grown exponentially. From repelling off towers, climbing to the tops of firetrucks, hanging out of helicopters, and moving vehicles, this career has continually pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. What stands out most, as I look back, is not any single moment, but the incredible people I have worked alongside and the growth that has come from every challenge.

What are your hobbies in your free time?

I enjoy gardening, watercolor painting, and taking on DIY projects. I love building and creating within my home, from custom built-in bunk beds for my boys to fireplaces, and I am currently working on building corner cabinets for my dining room. I also find fulfillment in giving back to the community. Winnie and I are a certified therapy team, and we volunteer together as often as we can.

On Day 2 of the summit, a luncheon honored 14 agencies who recently achieved accreditation through the Ohio Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, or OCLEAP.  Each of these agencies met 32 professional standards established by OCLEAP, which is the only free accreditation program in the country. State-sponsored accreditation is the best measure of an agency’s compliance with and dedication to the highest and most advanced law enforcement standards and practices. It also shows the community that an agency is committed to providing the best service possible and is being transparent about how they operate.

Agencies that achieved accreditation and were honored at the summit included:  

• Beachwood Police Department (Cuyahoga County)
• Beaver Township Police Department (Mahoning County)
• Boardman Township Police Department (Mahoning County)
• Bridgeport Police Department (Belmont County)
• Cleveland State University Police Department (Cuyahoga County)
• Delaware County Sheriff's Office
• Gallia County Sheriff's Office
• Hamilton Township Police Department (Warren County)
• Independence Police Department (Cuyahoga County)
• Medina Police Department (Medina County)
• Miami County Park District Police Department 
• Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
• Summit County Sheriff's Office

Awards were also presented in several areas of outstanding achievement:  

• Innovation Award: Hamilton Township Police Department
• Chief Deputy Adam R. Clark Memorial Award for Exceptional Accreditation Manager: Chief Eric Datillo, Beaver Township Police Department
• Mentorship Award: Assistant Operations Director/Ranger Dan Weaver of The Miami County Park District Police Department
• Director’s Award: Tom Vaughn, Program Director, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police
• Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award: Medina Police Department

Ohio BMV Self-Service Kiosks Celebrates One Million Transactions

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) announced its self-service kiosks have surpassed one million transactions, marking a major milestone in expanding customer convenience and reducing wait times statewide. “Reaching one million kiosk transactions is a testament to how much Ohioans value speed, simplicity, and convenience,” said Registrar Charlie Norman. “Whether you renew your registration at a kiosk in minutes or take care of it from home at BMV Online Services, our goal is the same: deliver a great experience, every time.”

BMV self-service kiosks are located in select deputy registrar agencies and participating retail locations. Most transactions take less than two minutes and print your registration and stickers on the spot. As a reminder, many services can be completed online through BMV Online Services. Online BMV services includes kiosks to print license plate stickers, transferring a title online, more locations to take the driver exam, and taking the driving knowledge test online.

Motorcycle Ohio Presents Three 'Saved by the Helmet' Awards in Sidney

Motorcycle Ohio presented two “Saved by the Helmet” awards at Sidney’s Blessing of the Wheels event on April 25. The award is given throughout the year to riders who survive serious crashes while wearing a helmet.

16-Year-Old Gage Thiel of Upper Sandusky was riding with his 14-year-old brother Dalton on Crane Township Road 121 in Wyandot County on March 15, 2026. They were riding at 49 mph when they struck a deer in the roadway, and they were both thrown off the motorcycle. They were taken to the hospital with road rash injuries but likely survived because they were both wearing motorcycle helmets.

Those honored received certificates of recognition and a new replacement helmet. Riders over 18 are not required by Ohio law to wear a helmet, but Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of motorcycle helmets. 

Ohio Strengthens Statewide Preparedness Through Collaborative Training Exercise

Ohio continues its commitment to building a safer, more resilient state. On April 21, Ohio EMA coordinated with agencies from across Ohio for a large‑scale preparedness exercise designed to strengthen coordination during complex emergencies.

This effort was developed through close collaboration among numerous state, local, federal, and healthcare partners.

Working together, these partners tested and improved Ohio’s ability to communicate, share information, coordinate resources, and support communities during rapidly evolving emergencies. This exercise reflects Ohio’s ongoing commitment to preparedness and its dedication to protecting the health and safety of all Ohioans.

DPS Recognized Employees

The Ohio Department of Public Safety recognized 15 employees who work in support service sections at a senior staff meeting on April 28. The Director’s Office tasked support service section managers with identifying critical personnel who often work behind the scenes yet perform great work on behalf of the agency.  Managers each spoke a few minutes about their employees’ vital contributions to the success of their sections and to the agency as a whole.  A few honorees also spoke about their years of service and how they enjoy the work they do. Each honoree received an Ohio Department of Public Safety Director’s Award Challenge Coin.  The following people – and their section – received recognition.   

• Ryan Schoen (Information Technology)
• Taylor Elder and Stephanie Morris (Human Resources)
• Patty Clark (Visual Communications)
• Amber Griffith and Steve Pontius (Fiscal)
• John Long, Wes Frost, Steven Gunter (Facilities)
• Hilary Stai and Jeff Barker (Compliance & Transformation)
• Joe Kirk (Legal)
• Chris Corder (Legislative Affairs)
• Cari Maines and Lori Lark (Director’s Office)

BMV Court Conference

On April 22, the Ohio BMV held our annual BMV Court Conference. This annual event is to further foster cooperation and alignment between the courts and the BMV. This year’s topics closely covered important topics such as CDL masking, Oral Fluid Testing, Human Trafficking Expungements, and reinstatement programs offered by both Franklin County and Delaware County Municipal Court.