The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) welcomes a new board member, Heather Kantzer, who was sworn in last month to fill an existing term to expire in December of 2022.
Kantzer, Special Education Coordinator at River Valley Local Schools, brings a wealth of professional experience advocating for those in our community with developmental disabilities. She earned a Master of Education in Administration from Ashland University, and her Bachelor’s degree in Early and Special Education from Heidelberg College.
“I have worked with children with disabilities and their families in many capacities over the years. My hope is to bring my experience to the board.” Kantzer said of her new appointment. “I plan to lead the educational community toward the resources offered by MCBDD and create awareness of support for the life-long services that are here for those in need.”
Kantzer has many interests in the community outside of her role at River Valley Schools. She and her family are deeply involved in the Marion County 4-H program and she enjoys educating 4-H youth in shooting sports. She has been a 4-H advisor, an adult staff for 4-H Camp in Marion County, and is also a National Rifle Association (NRA) Range Safety Officer. Kantzer also volunteers for Waldo Sportsman’s Club youth Shooting Sport events.
Kantzer was born and raised in Marion county and attended Pleasant schools. She moved to Sunbury, Ohio her sophomore year and graduated From Big Walnut High School. She is proud to have the opportunity to now live and work in Marion. She has strong family roots in Marion County reaching back eight generations.
“I’m so pleased with our current slate of board members; all are engaged and wonderful advocates for MCBDD. Adding Heather to the list only strengths our reach into the community and the schools,” Cheryl Plaster, superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said of Kantzer’s appointment.
Kantzer, her husband, Fred, who is a Marion City Fire fighter and her five-year-old son, Wyatt, enjoy camping, kayaking, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
