CINCINNATI – Best Point Education and Behavioral Health hosted their 162nd Annual Membership Meeting and Dinner on June 3, at the organization’s Heidt Center of Excellence. Best Point’s 2026 Annual Meeting provided a state of the organization while also recognizing staff, board members, elected officials, community leaders and trustees who have worked tirelessly over the years to serve Best Point clients.
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its 162nd annual meeting, a night filled with celebration, inspiration, and a reaffirmation of our commitment to our families and community. John Banchy, President & CEO of Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, kicked off the evening with the organization’s Mission Moment, highlighting the inspiring journey of Calea Jones, a former Best Point student who has gone on to author the children’s book Artsy Aubrey. He also provided an update on the agency’s continued growth and impact, and recognized this year’s award recipients across several categories, celebrating the individuals and partners who help advance Best Point’s mission.
Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas presented Ohio State Representative Mike Odioso with the 2nd Annual Bridge Builder Award recognizing his lasting impact by connecting at-risk families to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. In addition, the first annual Community Partner Award was presented to recognize partners whose commitment and collaboration make a lasting difference, fueling Best Point’s mission and creating opportunities for individuals and families in our community to grow, succeed, and thrive. This year’s award was given to bi3 Fund and accepted by Jill Miller, President & CEO of Bethesda, Inc.
The evening also drew a distinguished group of community and civic leaders, underscoring the broad support for Best Point’s mission. Additional notable attendees included Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, City of Cincinnati Councilmember Ana Albi and Interact for Health President & CEO Kate Schroder. Their presence reflected the strong partnerships and shared commitment to advancing the well-being of individuals and families throughout the region.
Best Point Education & Behavioral Health recognized staff and volunteers honoring them with a variety of awards.
- Presidential Award Winners: Katelyn Blake, Kelsey Carusone, Elisa Howard, Courtney Reece, Megan Thomas
- Best Point Behavioral Health Award Winners: Kayla Bross, Johnny Grimes, Amber Kubato, Stephanie Wright
- CoStar Award Winners: Connie Reed Hawkins, Cynthia Pandorf, Cassandra Watts
- Heidt Center of Excellence Award Winners: Lauren Byrd, Nicole Ripberger, David Schmidt
- Best Point Education Award Winners: Jacqueline Hernandez-Kunkel, Andrew Beard, Anna McDowell
- Spotlight Award Winners: Tiffany Waddell, Chelsey Gates, Elizabeth Maher
- Exceptional Teamwork Award Winners: Kathleen Clemons, Marcus Guenther, Amy Schafer
- Excellence in Leadership Award Winners: Morgan Chartian, Michelle Rasp, Misty Riley
- Outstanding Service Award Winners: Elise Elliott, Misty Riley, Erin Eilerman
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Greater Cincinnati Water Works “Women of Water”
About Best Point Education & Behavioral Health: Best Point Education & Behavioral Health transforms the lives of over 20,766 individuals and their families each year across 176 community locations throughout the Tri-State area. With more than 50 community and campus-based programs, Best Point offers a wide range of services including a state-of-the-art campus for autism and preschool services, comprehensive education and behavioral health programs for individuals and families, pediatric mental health urgent care, and a school-based health center. In 2025, Best Point expanded its impact by welcoming Butler Behavioral Health as a wholly owned subsidiary, further strengthening its continuum of care and extending services to individuals of all ages. www.bestpoint.org