Awardees exemplify service, dedication to children and families

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – On Thursday, Cuyahoga County Invest in Children held its annual meeting, celebrating a year of work serving young children and their families, and recognizing individuals and initiatives that have demonstrated exceptional service and impact in the field of early childhood development and education. The event highlighted key accomplishments and contributions and reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting families and children.

“Today is a reminder that it takes all of us – the public sector, private providers, philanthropy, parents, educators, and advocates, to build a system that nurtures our kids, while continuing to progress by adapting to change,” said Shawna Rohrman, Director, Cuyahoga County Invest in Children.

Cuyahoga County Invest in Children presented three awards recognizing outstanding efforts to support and advance a robust system of early childhood programs and services. Through their dedication, impact and innovation, these individuals and organizations are helping to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

The awards and honorees include:

Invest in Children Early Childhood Team Innovation Award - Cuyahoga County Public Library Preschool Club
The Cuyahoga County Public Library Preschool Club is a 5-week club where families can connect with other families for fun and playful learning activities. All activities align with Ohio’s Early Childhood Content Standards and support both a joyful learning environment for little ones and a community of support for the adults in their lives. In 2024, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Preschool Club reached 80 children and 77 families at just 2 branches, with plans to expand the program to 3 additional branches in 2025.

Invest in Children Early Childhood Champion Award - Tiffany Ashley, Director of Parent Education, Merrick House & Case Manager, MomsFirst
Tiffany Ashley is a dedicated and influential leader in the Cleveland community, with over 20 years of experience in youth development and family empowerment. She has had a positive impact on hundreds of families through her thoughtful guidance and innovative educational programming. She has played a key role in creating and leading programs that support parents at every stage of their parenting journey. Tiffany's commitment to community engagement and her passion for education have made her a highly respected figure in Cleveland's efforts to uplift and empower families.

Invest in Children Early Childhood Champion Award – Dr. Robert Needlman, Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine & Director of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, MetroHealth
For over 26 years, Dr. Robert Needlman has been the driving force behind Reach Out and Read, bringing together early childhood educators, librarians, and medical professionals to address early childhood literacy through well-child visits. Under Dr. Needlman’s vision and leadership, the program has become the standard of care in well-child visits across Cuyahoga County, providing over 345,000 books to kids. Dr. Needlman is a well-recognized champion for childhood development and literacy in Cuyahoga County. He demonstrates excellence in his pediatric practice, his teaching, his research, and his community service, instilling a sense of hope for our children’s future one book at a time.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees for their outstanding dedication and impact.

Learn more about Cuyahoga County Invest in Children.

View photos of the awards and annual meeting.