VAN WERT, Ohio – Rob Davis has gained a wealth of experience and served in a variety of positions at The Marsh Foundation. His newest role is that of admissions and training specialist. Previously, he served as a clinical case manager, school family teacher and group home family teacher.

His career at The Marsh has spanned more than 20 years, but his passion for working with children began in college at The Ohio State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In Columbus, he began working with autistic children and their families as an ABA therapist before moving back to Van Wert to establish his career at The Marsh.

According to executive director of Child and Family Services, Kelly Gross, Davis’ promotion comes as a result of his exceptional dedication, hard work and demonstrated expertise in his previous role as case manager. “Rob has been an invaluable member of our team for more than 20 years, consistently exceeding expectations and contributing significantly to our success,” she said. “He has shown exceptional leadership qualities, a strong commitment to our mission, and a deep understanding of the necessary qualifications to successfully be the admissions and training specialist.”

Davis’ new position will require him to use his experience to not only review referrals and coordinate youth admissions, but also oversee staff development training. “With his wealth of experience, pre-existing connections with stakeholders, and a passion for helping others succeed, we have full confidence that he will excel in this position and make significant contributions to The Marsh Foundation’s continued growth and success,” Gross added.

Davis said he is excited to continue serving The Marsh Foundation and its mission in a new capacity. “As the admissions and training specialist, I will carry on the mission of The Marsh Foundation to inspire hope, to teach and to care for children and families.” Davis noted that he is grateful to work with a great team in an idyllic setting. “I am committed to continuing The Marsh Foundation’s legacy with all the dedicated employees on this beautiful campus,” he concluded.

Davis lives in Van Wert with his wife, son and daughter. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with them, seeing new places, visiting family or spending time at relaxing campsites. When he needs free time to himself, he almost always finds himself outdoors.  

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Rob Davis has been promoted to admissions and training specialist at The Marsh Foundation.  

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation is in the midst of creating an equine therapy program on campus. The expanded clinical program will be another tool the organization can use to assist in the healing of Marsh clients and their families.

In an effort to assist the program’s development, the Van Wert County Foundation has awarded The Marsh a grant to be used for the purchase of therapy horses. Funding for this program was provided by the John D. and Nellie S. Ault Memorial Fund through the Van Wert County Foundation. The John D. and Nellie S. Ault Memorial Fund is an endowment created to support the charitable needs of our community. More information can be found at www.vanwertcountyfoundation.org.

The Marsh is extremely grateful for the $15,000 contribution which has already been used to purchase five horses for the new program. According to Jeff Grothouse, executive secretary and treasurer, this grant is a substantial piece to creating the program on campus. “The Marsh Foundation is very thankful to the Van Wert County Foundation for recognizing that this equine program will provide a significant benefit to the families of Van Wert County and surrounding communities,” he said.

Representatives from the Van Wert County Foundation recently visited The Marsh Campus and barns. "During our recent visit to The Marsh Foundation to tour the horse barn, it was clear that the Equine Program is a high-caliber initiative that will significantly benefit the campus and the broader community,” said Laney Nofer, Director of Philanthropy. “We were pleased to gain further insight into the therapeutic and educational elements being planned to support at-risk populations. Van Wert County Foundation donors, trustees and staff are proud to contribute to such a valuable program that will have a lasting impact on Van Wert County and surrounding areas," she added.

The program has already been piloted on campus with residential youth and a community group will began this month. According to Abigail Neville, the program’s coordinator, the goal is to create an instrument of healing for The Marsh Foundation clients and their families while it builds confidence in their ability to have strong relationships. Her hope is that clients will be empowered and then equipped with the interpersonal skills they need to be successful in their schools, jobs, families and communities. “My hope is that this program opens doors and builds relationships with the community for youth to get involved in and benefit from our other programs such as Independent Living, Wellness, and Young Teen Self-Regulation and Socialization,” she added.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

The Van Wert County Foundation is creating a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for our community by inspiring, fulfilling and supporting philanthropy.

###

Photo caption: L to R: Seth Baker (Van Wert County Foundation CEO), Abigal Neville (Marsh Foundation Equine Program Coordinator), Laney Nofer (Van Wert County Foundation Director of Philanthropy) and Stephanie Hall (Marsh Foundation Barn Manager) are pictured with four of the horses purchased by The Marsh Foundation with grant monies.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation Board of Trustees has named Kelly Gross as the next executive director of Child and Family Services. After 20 years at The Marsh, Kelly took over the Child and Family Services division on July 1 following the retirement of longtime director Kim Mullins.

Beginning in Vance Hall as a family teacher, she has spent time working in various capacities at The Marsh. She served as lead family teacher, coordinator of admissions and training and residential and clinical specialist. This experience has been instrumental in preparing her for this new role. “Working in positions across multiple departments has provided me with a comprehensive perspective and been integral in the development of substantial organizational insight regarding the internal dynamics of The Marsh Foundation,” she said. She credits the autonomy to make independent decisions, continuous growth opportunities, supportive leadership, and experience working effectively as a team member in preparing her for the responsibilities of this position.

According to Gary Corcoran, Marsh Foundation Trustee, the succession plans put in place by Mullins were critical to the smooth transition in leadership. “Her work in this endeavor was instrumental in helping the Trustees engage the Marsh community in the selection process, identify the needs of The Marsh going forward, and ultimately determined that Kelly Gross would be the best person to serve as the next Executive Director of Child and Family Services,” he said.

“Kelly takes an enthusiastic approach to whatever job is assigned to her and welcomes change as an important element to improve the organization. The Trustees are delighted to know that Kelly's leadership as an administrator and clinician will allow The Marsh Foundation to deliver upon its mission, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and embarks upon the next 100 years, of serving children and their families,” Corcoran added.

Kelly has been dedicated to her education and career growth since her start at The Marsh. At that time, she had a portion of her bachelor’s degree in psychology completed. During her time as coordinator of admissions and training, she re-enrolled and finished her degree at The University of Toledo. Immediately following her graduation, she was accepted and enrolled in graduate school through Case Western Reserve University. Kelly graduated with a Master of Science of Social Administration degree, and after years of experience and internship, she achieved her independent social work license. “Following my licensure, my position evolved to Residential & Clinical Specialist. This change afforded me the opportunity to be the primary therapist for a small caseload of youth, also specializing in initial diagnostic assessments for incoming residents and residential admissions for the agency,” she said.

The impact of being chosen for this role is not lost on her. “I am thankful for the colleagues who have supported and worked alongside me to continue the work that our proprietor, George H. Marsh bestowed upon us,” she said. “Collectively, we will continue our pursuit to inspire hope, to teach and to provide the best care for children, youth, and families.”

“This role plays a pivotal part in the continuum of care offered at The Marsh by providing strategic leadership, ensuring quality care, and fostering community engagement to support the well-being of the youth and families served,” Gross said. She is eager to promote a greater awareness of the agency’s mission and services. “I plan to use my skills and experience to strengthen operational efficiency, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and cultivate strategic initiatives that propel the agency forward into its next century of service,” she concluded.

When Kelly is not working, she is spending time with her husband Dane and their two daughters, Katie (15) and Lauren (12). She and Dane met at The Marsh Foundation more than 20 years ago. They enjoy watching Katie and Lauren participate in their extracurricular activities, and spending time at the lake as a family.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Kelly Gross is the newly appointed executive director of Child and Family Services at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation has benefited from the expertise, compassion and inspiration of Kim Mullins for the past 29 years. On June 30, she will officially retire from her position as the Marsh Foundation’s Executive Director of Child & Family Services.

Mullins has led the Child & Family Services division at The Marsh Foundation since 2003. Prior to that, she served as a trainer/consultant for the group home and foster care divisions. She was also a certified instructor of the Crisis Prevention Institute for The Marsh for many years. Her tenure has also included family counseling and specialized assessment and counseling for sexually acting out youth.

Mullins’ career in counseling began after a stint in education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and after college was a K-12 music teacher at a private school in Louisville, Kentucky. “This is where I learned how not to respond to inappropriate behavior,” she said. She and her husband then moved into a group home as family teachers and their lives were changed drastically. “This experience was invaluable and drove both of us to get further involved in the helping profession,” Mullins said. After more than three years in that group home in North Carolina, the couple moved to Mississippi for several years to work at The United Methodist Children’s Home before coming to The Marsh Foundation in 1995.

In addition to her music education degree, Mullins also holds a master’s degree in education and allied professions, is a licensed professional clinical counselor and has been certified by The Teaching Family Association (TFA) as a family teacher. She credits TFA with teaching her an immense amount about working with difficult children. “I can’t begin to describe how much I’ve learned from this association,” she said. “I knew very little about working with youth, but they spent an incredible amount of time teaching and consulting when we moved into that group home.” Some of the key concepts she learned were; catch them being good, a consequence is only as good as the motivation, teach kids that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how we handle mistakes that counts, be empathetic, help youths feel safe and help them learn how to make decisions.

Her years at The Marsh have been filled with wonderful memories and meaningful accomplishments. Throughout her tenure, the organization achieved multiple certifications from the Department of Job and Family Services, Department of Youth Services, Ohio Dept of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and accreditations from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities as well as the TFA. In 2023, Mullins received The Steve Plottner Award for Leadership in Child Welfare from the Ohio Children’s Alliance.

She notes that any accomplishments she could claim would include the members of the talented and dedicated team she works with. She credits this team as an inspiration. “While I am proud of these accomplishments, they are not about me, they are about leaders and workers who partnered together to take bold leaps to achieve courageous goals for children and families,” she said. Mullins noted that The Marsh, guided by their mission, is now serving more children, youth and families than they ever have before. “The true accomplishments happen when a child is reunited with a family, graduates from high school and/or lives successfully in a community.”

Mullins said that she will miss her Marsh family when she departs. “I am so grateful that the Lord gave me so many opportunities to serve in the helping profession,” she continued. “Praying for the organization has been a practice of mine as well as many others here at Marsh. We see so many disheartening and impossible situations. In those times I remember the words of Christ, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

She is keeping her options open after retirement and hopes that God leads her to another opportunity to serve, perhaps in a different way. “I am so very grateful for The Marsh Trustees and the leadership here at The Marsh for the encouragement and support I have enjoyed all these years,” she concluded.

A reception honoring Mullins and her years of service will be held in The Marsh cafeteria on Wednesday, June 26 from 1 – 3 p.m. All are welcome.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Kim Mullins will retire from her position as Execuitve Director of Child & Family Services at The Marsh Foundation on June 30.  A reception honoring her service will be held June 26 from 1 – 3 p.m.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation is launching a new Equine Therapy Program and has named Abigail Neville as the first coordinator of the program. Neville has worked with the horse program at The Marsh since 2016 and is looking forward to expanding on her previous roles.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities and biblical studies from Scarborough College at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Neville is also a qualified mental health specialist (QMHS) under the supervision of The Marsh Foundation Clinical Department. She also has experience in equine therapy. She has attended and holds two certificates in Greg Kersten’s (founder of EAGALA) OK Corral Series for Equine-Assisted Learning. Lastly, she has been mentored under the owners and counselors at Reins and Rainbows Equine Therapy in Wabash, Indiana.

In addition to serving as a riding instructor for the summer horse program, she has also spent a summer as the garden assistant, worked in Clymer Hall as a family teacher for two years and most recently, worked as the school’s wellness case manager since 2022.

According to Jeff Grothouse, executive secretary and treasurer, Neville brings a wealth of skills and experience to her new role. “Her knowledge and coordination skills of equine therapy, horses, and clinical services will be an outstanding benefit to The Marsh Foundation students, and the community The Marsh will be serving,” he said.

According to Neville, equine-assisted learning works and changes lives. “Horses offer a unique, nonthreatening introduction to healing relationship-building skills that have been broken. Horses give their clients the confidence to trust again,” she added.

Neville credits The Marsh employees for providing her with invaluable mentorship. She quotes George Marsh himself when speaking to the goals she has for the equine program. “George Marsh’s own hopes for the Foundation have become my anthem for this project in that it will “become an instrument of enduring and ever-increasing benefit to mankind,” she said.

Neville believes that this program will be an instrument of healing for The Marsh Foundation clients and their families while it builds confidence in their ability to have strong relationships. Her hope is that clients will be empowered and then equipped with the interpersonal skills they need to be successful in their schools, jobs, families and communities. “My hope is that this program opens doors and builds relationships with the community for youth to get involved in and benefit from our other programs such as Independent Living, Wellness, and Young Teen Self-Regulation and Socialization,” she added.

Her family has played a big role in Neville’s career and previous endeavors. “I have received unconditional support from every member of my family throughout this endeavor,” she said. Neville also credits her Christian faith as a guiding force. “I experienced a moment of God asking me to steward this opportunity as it would be a program to bring healing to many. That moment has given me confidence on the good days, bad days, and days filled with problems and doubt to know that no matter what, I am to see this through and that it will be successful,” she concluded.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Abigail Neville has been named Equine Program Coordinator at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – For the past 12 years, Elspeth McCoy has dedicated her career to the mission of The Marsh Foundation. Hired as a group home family teacher, she pursued her master’s degree in social work and has since joined the clinical department.

During her studies, she was able to complete field hours at The Marsh where she learned specifically how to work with youth with sexual behavior problems. During her last semester of graduate school, she also completed a course specializing in juvenile sex offender counseling, expanding both her interest and expertise in the topic. McCoy holds a master’s degree in social work from The Ohio State University. In addition, she has achieved independent social work licensure and her supervision endorsement.

She said she is no stranger to overcoming challenges and plans to use that to her advantage as she continues to grow her career. McCoy acknowledges that working in the group homes as a family teacher was challenging. She also said it was very rewarding and is appreciative of the experience.

“I have persevered through many difficult times in the different positions I’ve held. I strongly believe in the mission of The Marsh Foundation, which is to inspire hope, to teach, and to care for children and families,” she said. She went on to say that the most important part of the mission, to her, is hope. “Hope has helped me to remain working in a difficult job and hope is what I try to inspire in the clients I work with. Now, it is time to pass this on to the people I supervise.”

McCoy is excited to bring her growth ideas to the clinical department and has several goals for her new role. “We have really great counselors and case managers already and I would like to add more clinical staff so we can focus even more on our existing and developing programs,” she said. In addition to the department’s more traditional one-on-one and group counseling sessions, the department is also expanding to include Equine-Assisted Learning, Animal-Assisted Therapy, CrossFit, Horticulture and Independent Living. 

In closing, McCoy said she’s excited about this opportunity. “Being a supervisor will allow me to bring everyone together and grow our clinical program to serve children and families in more diverse ways.”

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Elspeth McCoy has been promoted to Clinical Supervisor at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – The Marsh Foundation has named Lindsay Bailey the newest program manager at Clymer Hall. She has worked as a family teacherfor four years and was promoted to a lead position. She has gained great experience and knowledge along the way that has prepared her for this new role.

According to director of residential services, Elizabeth Truxell, Bailey brings a wealth of leadership, communication and organization experience to the position. “She has been immersing herself into learning more of the Teaching Family Model and she will use her strengths to benefit Clymer Hall and The Marsh Foundation,” Truxell said.

Bailey credits her mentors and trainers with impacting her and inspiring her to pursue a leadership role at The Marsh. “I have experienced one on one coaching and encouragement from all of my supervisors from day one,” she said. “My program managers especially played a huge role in my professional development and without them I would have never gained the skills I needed to help our youth be successful,” she admits. “I am excited to be able to carry on this work.”

As the program manager of Clymer Hall, Bailey’s ultimate goal is to see youth complete the program and leave successfully. To do this, she acknowledges the role of family teachers. “I look forward to helping shape and grow our family teachers to be successful in accomplishing this goal.”

In her free time, Bailey practices martial arts and recently earned the rank of Shodan in Eugue Ryu. She is a lover of animals, borrows other people’s dogs and makes friends with every critter she meets. She has also been known to share her ice cream with bees and attempts to live by the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which means continuous improvement.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Lindsay Bailey has been promoted to the Program Manager at Clymer Hall at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – Austin Eutsler has accepted the role as the next program manager at The Marsh Foundation’s Marsh Hall. As a family teacher for more than a year, Eutsler has assisted with the interviewing, hiring and training of new staff.

He is excited about the new role and his increased potential to impact youth. “Over a year of working directly with our youth, I have witnessed first-hand their needs and what contributes most to their success,” he said. “The continuous feedback from my supervisors has given me every opportunity I could ask for to learn and grow, contributing greatly to where I am today.”

Eutsler has local roots and graduated from Crestview in 2009 before joining the United States Army after high school. Since his service, he has held a variety of trade jobs before joining The Marsh staff. After a year of employment at The Marsh as a family teacher, he earned his certification accredited by the Teaching Family Association.

According to director of residential services, Elizabeth Truxell, Eutsler has excelled at his role as family teacher. “He has consistently demonstrated outstanding skills and dedication in his role. Families and consumers have consistently praised his patience and ability to connect with their children,” she said. “His contributions to the team have been invaluable, including volunteering to assist with interviews for potential new hires,” she continued.

Eutsler said that as a family teacher he has learned the importance of structure and organization when it comes to helping the youth feel confident, secure and successful. As program manager, he hopes to continue to maintain processes that help the staff and youth be as successful as possible. “Being program manager allows me to play a bigger part in maintaining future success for our staff and our youth,” he said.

As program manager, Eutsler’s goals include strengthening communication. “I want to continue a good line of communication between our youth and our families so those relationships can continue to grow,” he said. He is looking forward to the opportunity to continue to grow his career at The Marsh Foundation and plans to pursue a college degree in the near future.

According to Eutsler, he has a very supportive partner, Lexi, who has continuously encouraged him to pursue what he thought might never bepossible. They have two girls, Novaleigh (age 6) and Presley (age 7). In his free time, he enjoys motorcycle trips, gathering with friends and family and watching his children smile and have fun. In closing, he said, “Always pursue your dreams. We all have something to offer no matter where or what we come from. Joining The Marsh Foundation team has truly been life changing and I’m beyond grateful.”

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Austin Eutsler has been promoted to the Program Manager at Marsh Hall on The Marsh Foundation campus.

VAN WERT, Ohio – Ben Marsee has been named a consultant at The Marsh Foundation. Since 2008, Marsee has been employed at The Marsh as a group home family teacher, lead family teacher and then program manager. He is looking forward to the new role.

Marsee is focused on using his years of experience to help others succeed. “I hope to assist family teachers in performing their job duties at a high level resulting in them achieving certification in their respective model the first time, every time,” he said. Ultimately, he wants to impact the clients served by The Marsh. “By preparing the family teachers to perform their duties at a high level, we will be able to assist more children and families and have a greater impact on those that we serve.”

Marsee credits his years of experience in the Teaching-Family Model and consistent and effective supervision and guidance from administration as being critical to his career growth.

According to Elizabeth Truxell, director of residential services, Marsee has been a valuable asset to The Marsh Foundation, consistently exceeding expectations in his role as program manager. “Due to his extensive knowledge, he has taken on additional responsibilities beyond his current role,” she said. “His dedication and contributions over the past 16 years have been instrumental in improving transporter efficiency, consistency of the on-call schedule of our family teachers and providing CPI training to our staff several times a year,” she added.  “These examples are just a mere smidgen of what Ben has accomplished.  Ben has many positive qualities mentioned by coworkers and consumers alike, such as being efficient, a good listener, and helpful to the needs of children and their families.” 

In his new role, Marsee will serve as consultant to Vance Hall. “My role as a consultant will allow me to assist family teachers in developing the necessary skills to implement the Teaching Family model with integrity and accuracy,” he said. He added that his hope is that others rising in the model will be able to advance and eventually provide guidance to other family teachers as he has. 

Marsee is currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Columbus State University, expecting to receive his bachelor’s degree in May 2026. His hobbies include woodworking, watching sports and being outdoors and playing with my children. He is married to wife Kendra and has three children; Braelyn, Reed and Sawyer. Marsee credits his family for being very supportive and understanding through his growth at The Marsh Foundation and while navigating life as a full-time employee, student, father and husband.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Ben Marsee has been promoted to consultant at The Marsh Foundation.

VAN WERT, Ohio – Effective February 15, Elizabeth Truxell has been named the newest director of residential services at The Marsh Foundation. Since 2014, Truxell has been employed at The Marsh as a group home consultant. She is excited to take on her new role.

“I enjoy working with the youth, families, staff and community members,” Truxell said. She said that this position has been a professional goal of hers. “Watching the growth of our youth is always rewarding. I am looking forward to the chance to continue the great tradition and vision of The Marsh Foundation.”

Truxell graduated from high school in Norwalk, Ohio. She went on to obtain a bachelor of arts degree in criminology from The Ohio State University where she minored in sociology. In addition, she holds a master of science degree in criminal justice from Everest University and a graduate certificate in criminal behavior from Tiffin University. Her work with youth and the Teaching Family Model led her to earn a certification through the Teaching Family Association of Consultation and Evaluation.

Truxell said that she is committed to the success of The Marsh’s youth and families. “In this position, I will strive for this as well as to achieve Teaching Family Association accreditation.” She has worked with high-risk youth since 2003 and the Teaching Family Model for 14 years. Truxell has worked in residential settings in Georgia, Virginia and Ohio. “With the amazing staff we have working with our youth individually and as a team, I am excited for the future possibilities at The Marsh.”

She is no stranger to education. Truxell was raised by two parents who were educators and helped shape the minds of young people. “I learned by example from two brilliant, caring and inspiriting people what it meant to help others through different ways of teaching. It's not always in the classroom. Because of them, I'm passionate about helping young people reach their potential.” Truxell also credits her husband Scott with being her constant and unwavering supporter. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places with Scott, gardening, playing with her two dogs and cat and thrifting midcentury items.

The Marsh Foundation is a not-for-profit children's services agency that provides services for youth

and families in a variety of settings. Services include residential care, family foster care (ages 0-17),

adoption and independent living services. Located in Van Wert, Ohio, the organization is licensed to

provide on-campus services for up to 30 children, offers an on-campus school for grades 2 – 12, and

provides a variety of clinical services to campus residents, foster care children and community

members throughout western Ohio.

###

Photo caption: Elizabeth Truxell has been promoted to director of residential services at The Marsh Foundation.