PEP Celebrates the Beginning of the 2026-2027 School Year

On Monday, Aug. 10, PEP staff and leadership came together for the 2026-2027 Program Year Kickoff at Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland.

Laughter and excited chatter filled the room as nearly 400 PEP staff members greeted their colleagues from across PEP's programs and enjoyed a delicious, hearty breakfast.

This annual event served a dual purpose--to acknowledge the achievements and hard work of the past year, and to share PEP’s goals for the coming school year.

After inspirational words from Board Chair Michael Sheppard and CEO Eric Gordon, Gordon provided a look back at the previous year’s achievements, and an overview of PEP’s goals for the 2026-2027 year. Achievements reflected PEP’s core objectives: Optimize existing programs and services, Innovate new programs and services, and Establish a flourishing workplace.

Eric then presented an informative look at the year ahead, both its risks and its opportunities. Challenges like continuing changes to Medicaid, potential state tax policy changes, and the upcoming state elections will all bring great change to Ohio’s political and policy landscape, and will require PEP to stay vigilant, and respond nimbly. Eric pointed out that these challenges give PEP the inspiration and opportunity to innovate new programs and services.

PEP leadership showed their appreciation for the hardworking staff, who keep PEP going strong all year, with annual awards.

Eight staff from a variety of departments received the Teacher-Counselor award: Aaron Michael, Allison Nowack, Aminah Basit, Ariel Babics, Deanna Moore, Iselin Dimacchia, Lydia Clouse, and Terrence Siggers. PEP considers all employees, whether in the classroom or not, Teacher-Counselors – individuals who can build meaningful and healing connections with kids and have an active role in supporting young people to overcome and thrive.

Two additional staff received leadership awards for staff who exemplify PEP’s values and demonstrate excellence in their leadership. Special Education Supervisor Jenny Willis won the Excellence in Leadership Service award for someone in direct service leadership; and Senior Director, Clinical, Nicole Molnar won the Excellence in Leadership Support award for a leader whose role supports the work of PEP programs.