Paul Bolino to Become CEO of Ravenwood Health of
Geauga and Ashtabula in February
Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (GC-MHRS) - November 19, 2025
Meeting Details: GC-MHRS Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in person only with no recording available. The agenda was available through a request to Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater by email at tslater@geauga.org and at the meeting.
Public Comment Policy: No formal policy but in practice, public comment is permitted at the end of the meeting.
Board Members Attending: Chair Steven Oluic, Vice Chair Kathy Johnson, Secretary Jimmy Lee Holden, Treasurer Reba Dykes; Board Members: Douglas Lundblad, Michael Petruziello, Mary Ruth Shumway and Patricia Varanese
Staff Members Attending: Executive Director Christine Lakomiak, Finance Director Jim Mausser, Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater, and Clinical/Compliance Manager Michelle Maneage.
Others Attending:
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Agency representatives: Kerri Luckner (Lake Geauga Recovery Center-LGRC), Michelle Bertman (Catholic Charities), Andrea Gutka (WomenSafe), Paul Bolino and Brittain Paul (Ravenwood Health), Mary Wayne-Peaspanen (Signature Health), Dianne Kellogg, Barbara Contomo and Renee Molson (Red Tulip), Suzette Miller (Generations Behavioral Health), and Angi Daugherty (Family Pride)
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Community Members: Newell Howard, Lee Miller, Linda Miller and this LWV-Geauga Observer
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Press: Kaley Richard (Chagrin Valley Times) and Brandon Lichtinger (Geauga Maple Leaf).
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call and Pledge of Allegiance occurred as listed on the agenda.
Minutes: Minutes from the October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting and the October 29, 2025 Special Board Meeting were both approved.
Chairman’s Report- Dr. Oluic reported:
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Dr. Oluic said he had a wonderful visit today at the Transitional Living Center (TLC). He felt that the work being done is excellent and noted that they are still on target to finish by early February. Dr. Oluic encouraged everyone to come see the progress. Observer Note: See current Maple Leaf article about TLC here.
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Dr. Oluic went to the County Commissioners’ meeting yesterday (November 18, 2025). Reviewer Note: See LWVGeauga Observer report for this meeting here. House Bill 96 was discussed. There were concerns about what would happen if Geauga followed the Lake County model and permitted “piggyback” taxes. Reviewer Note: The “piggyback” provision in HB96 allows County Commissioners to supplement homestead and owner-occupied property tax credits by reducing property tax distributions to county entities. The Geauga Commissioners voted unanimously not to follow the Lake County Model. Dr. Oluic indicated this means that schools and other entities collecting levies, including GC-MHRS, will be protected from having their tax revenue reduced for a while. Dr. Oluic reflected that “the voters voted for these levies” and expressed consternation that these levies are being threatened. Dr. Oluic said that GC-MHRS monies have been well spent. He stated that property taxes in the county will continue to be an issue, but the Commissioners’ decision not to adopt the “piggyback” provision protected the GC-MHRS budget for now. He indicated that this situation will need to be monitored closely.
Executive Director’s Report - Ms. Lakomiak discussed the following:
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Suicide prevention coalition had a training last week. It focused on reducing access to lethal methods that people use to commit suicide with the goal of thwarting impulsive suicide attempts. Areas of focus included: firearms, medications, and firearms storage. This initiative is through the Veterans Administration (VA), and Lindsay Macmilllion of the VA was the trainer. Ms. Lakomiak said that the training was interesting and well received, and there may be more of this training in the future. Also related to suicide prevention, Ms. Lakomiak gave the keynote for the Farm Bureau meeting in September. She was able to draw a parallel between mental health well being practices and farming. For example, nature bathing involves time listening to the birds and immersing oneself in nature. Farmers call it walking in the woods. Ms. Lakomiak said that walking the land, something farmers do daily, reduces stress, and solving problems, as farmers often must do, leads to mental resilience. Community gathering provides a healthy way to deal with loneliness. Director Lakomiak drew parallels between mental health techniques and farmers’ skills. She indicated that farmers are a high-risk population for suicide. More information is on the GC-MHRS website.
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Statewide update- The new Executive Director at the Cuyahoga ADAMHS Board is Jason Joyce.
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For some time now, the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH) has had the goal of making sure every child has access to mobile crisis services. Now that services for children are a reality, mobile crisis services for adults is the next priority. ODBH issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Adult Mobile Crisis services. Ms. Lakomiak said this is a pilot program and there will be 6 pilot programs funded across the state. Agencies and Boards will be able to apply; Signature Health and Coleman (in the GC-MHRS catchment area) are applying. Ms. Lakomiak explained that, while the GC-MHRS Board could apply, there are others (one is a partner) already applying; the GC-MHRS Board could partner with an agency or another Board. She said that this opportunity has come up quickly, so agencies and Boards have asked for a pause asking for more time to plan and respond. RFPs are due Nov 24.
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TLC (Transitional Living Center) update. Ms. Lakomiak said that the amount of space at the TLC will be wonderful. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is coming (next week) to inspect where residents will be moving to in the new wing. This will then allow updating the older part of the TLC, which is stage two of this project. There will be an Open House once the project is completed.
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Ms. Lakomiak said there is a continued effort to host trainings here, noting the advantage to local professionals to have training held in the county. She said it also brings potential employees to Geauga. She said that the GC-MHRS Board has a great partnership with CWRU. Several trainings are coming up in the next few months.
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Signage for Parks. The GCMHRS-MHRS Board has developed a number of signs with messages such as “Hope has a number. 988.” and “Hope is within reach. Call 988.” Director Lakomiak has met with several township and parks administrators, and the signage has been well-received. The cost of these 18 x 24”metal signs is $5 each, and no one has declined the signs so far. Various township and county parks are participating.
Paul Bolino, President and CEO of Ravenwood Health of Geauga and Ashtabula (effective February 2, 2026)
Paul Bolino was introduced as the current President and CEO of the Community Counseling Center of Ashtabula. He has been with the agency since 2013. Ravenwood Health and The Community Counseling of Ashtabula will become one entity on February 2, 2026. The merging (acquisition) of these agencies (Ravenwood and Community Counseling) is the result of a long due diligence process and even longer partnership. Ashtabula staff will become Ravenwood employees on February 2, 2026. Mr. Bolino said that Community Counseling bought a building in Ashtabula long ago and the Ashtabula MH Board has been the tenant. The Ashtabula Board is moving on to their new offices, and Community Counseling staff will move in to the building they own in February/March 2026. Mr. Bolino will spend time at both the Geauga and Ashtabula campuses, but he will primarily work from the current Ravenwood Health office. He said it will be a busy time, moving offices and merging 120 employees. Mr. Bolino said that this has been done thoughtfully, and this move will enable them to provide excellent services more efficiently by structuring to scale. Mr. Bolino lives in Warren. He has his BA from Ohio State and an MA in counseling from YSU (Youngstown State).
Board Review Action Items -
Resolution 25-11-1 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Behavioral Health Disaster Preparedness Projects Grant Award
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (ODBH) has awarded $20,500.00 of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) funding to the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services (GC-MHRS) to guide the enhancement of school emergency preparedness plans and integrate the behavioral health system to help offset the lingering effects of traumatic experiences such natural disasters, mass shootings, and other large-scale manufactured, terrorist or other violent events. The GC-MHRS Board will utilize this award to ensure that school districts have updated their emergency management plans, informed by the youth voice and influenced by behavioral health professionals. The plan will establish the necessary statewide and local partnerships, policies, procedures, and protocols that create the systemic changes necessary to deploy the essential behavioral health supports and resources in the aftermath of such tragedies. The funding period is from October 1, 2025 to September 29, 2026.
Motion to accept the $20,500.00 awarded to the GC-MHRS to be used to develop, enhance, and continue initiatives that are aligned with the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Discussion followed: Mr. Petriziellio asked if funding goes to Chardon Schools. He asked if there will be a duplication of services, as Chardon has funding for Safety. Ms. Lakomiak and Ms. Maneage answered his questions, saying that if they are asked to help Chardon update their Crisis Plan, this money would not be duplicative. So far, Chardon Schools have not asked.
Roll call vote: Ayes: unanimous
Resolution 25-11-2 FUNDING TRANSFER FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS RESERVE FUND
The GC-MHRS Board Geauga County Board established a Capital Projects Reserve Fund, pursuant to O.R.C. 5705.13(C), with Resolution 22-09-1 in order to pursue capital grant projects requiring matching funds for the purpose of the acquisition, construction, and/or improvement of fixed assets. The Board is requesting authorization to transfer $450,000 from the 2001 ADAMS Board Fund to the 4034 Capital Projects Reserve Fund. Money shall not be accumulated in any of the above referenced funds for more than 10 years after the date of Resolution 22-09-1 establishing the fund. If the Board has not entered into a contract for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of fixed assets for which money was accumulated in such fund(s) before the end of year 2032, the Board shall transfer all money in said fund(s) to the fund or funds from which that money was originally transferred or the fund that originally was intended to receive the money. GC-MHRS Board has the authority, by resolution, to rescind any or all of the capital projects fund(s) established by this Resolution. If any capital projects fund is rescinded, money accumulated in the fund shall be transferred to the fund or funds from which the money originally was transferred.
Motion: The Board does hereby request that the Board's Finance Manager initiate this $450,000 transfer to the 4034 Capital Projects Reserve Fund as described above pursuant to and as permitted by O.R.C. 5705.13(C).
Discussion: This is a transfer to the Capital Reserve Fund. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health has had a lot of turnover. While the GC-MHRSB Board was awarded this grant, the funding has not yet been received. The contract had to be redrafted by ODBH. This resolution to transfer these funds will allow the GC-MHRS Board to balance out at year end. Money will come from the state, but not until 2026. Once the funds are received, the transfer will be reversed. There are appropriations now and at year end, and there must be enough money in the Capital Reserve Funds to cover the appropriations. This transfer avoids having to “deappropriate” projects that have already been appropriated and then having to “reappropriate” them in 2026. The name change to ODBH and various staff changes at the state level caused contracts to have to be revised and signed again.
Roll call vote: Ayes; Unanimous
Financial Reports -
Mr. Mausser reported the October totals as follows:
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The Board SFY2026 (7/1/25-6/30/26) office budget is through October, and they expended 31.8% of the budget.
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The County calendar year (1/1/25-12/31/25) Budget Performance Report shows they have expended just over $6.9 million through October.
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The Auditor's Fund Balance: The October unencumbered balance is just over $2.83 million.
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Voucher recap #712 for October: $1,275,399.29.
Old Business -
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Update on the Digital Sign- Plans are moving forward. Staff met with Millstone today. GC-MHRS received a quote of $1,150 to remove brush, so the sign will be visible.
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Update on Administrative Building Roof. A quote of $2,000 was received for wiring that will address the icicles. Staff continues to work with vendors to solve the roof problems. After the wiring is installed, there may still be other remedies needed. Plans are moving forward.
New Business -
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Use of Levy Dollars to Fund Smaller Agencies Discussion. Ms. Shumway works with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). In particular, she addressed the needs of two programs: Passport to Parenting and the Draft Horse project. CASA is seeing a huge rise in custody cases. For example, Passcode to Parenting is working a case with one parent in Columbus and one in Geauga. The Draft Horse program is effective with older teen males, who often are reluctant to engage with women therapists. Most therapists and CASAs are women. Equine therapy ($9,300) is particularly effective for this group and for youth in the juvenile justice system. There is also a new virtual intervention for young children using crafts ($1,300). Ms. Shumway asked if funding could be provided. Ms. Maneage asked if Ms. Shumway had a list of supplies. Ms. Maneage offered that grants could be written for funding. Ms. Shumway agreed to send Ms. Maneage a list of needed supplies. Ms. Lakomiak shared that Job and Family Services has a contract with GC-MHRS for Passcode to Parenting. Family First Council funding for Passcode could also be accessed through the Children and Family First Council. Ms. Lakomiak asked if CASA has applied to Children and Family First. Ms. Shumway responded they have not, but she will pursue this. Ms. Lakomiak stated the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) required that all programs be certified. Ms. Shumway stated that it is not feasible for some of the small agencies to become certified. Ms. Maneage said families could access funding through Children and Family Services. Again, the GC-MHRS Board cannot fund a program that is not certified. Ms. Lakomiak offered to speak with small agencies about options other than GC-MHRS funding. Commissioners’ funding might help support such projects. Ms. Lakomiak will reach out to the Commissioners.
Public Comments: Public comments were solicited. None were offered.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:54 pm.
Board Minutes: Available at https://www.geauga.org/board-minutes/
Next meeting: There will be no December 2025 GC-MHRS meeting. The next meeting will be the Regular Meeting on January 20, 2026 at 6:00 pm. Meetings are held at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH 44024.
More Information: https://www.geauga.org/
Observer: Kathy Franz
Editor: Gail Roussey
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: December 3, 2025
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