Administration
Carol J. Buckner
The owner of BEST, Carol J. Buckner, has more than thirty years of results-oriented experience in strategic market planning, job analysis, job development, contract negotiation, and client/public relations within social service and employment-related environments. When employed with the Butler County (OH) Board of Developmental Disabilities between 1996 and 2007, Ms. Buckner developed the Board’s enclave program and Customized Employment program. Since her retirement from the Board of DD, she has developed BEST to support individuals via Career Planning, job placement, customized employment, and self-employment (business) development, mostly in Butler County but also in other areas of southwest Ohio. While employed (1989—1996) by the State of Ohio, Ms. Buckner worked with job seekers and businesses to match people’s skills and interests with needs of employers, resulting in successful job placements. She is also the proud recipient of the Governor’s award (1996) for developing the most jobs for veterans statewide. Ms. Buckner received the 2014 Women of Excellence Award for demonstrating a commitment to help raise the social and economic circumstances of people who have historically been left out of community life.
Revalee Beavers
Billing Specialist Revalee Beavers has been with BEST for 5 years, first as an Administrative Assistant and then as Office Manager. Revalee has been a certified CESP for the last 3 years. She has been part of the industry for 6 years bringing with her experience as a Job Coach and Developer. Revalee is responsible for OOD communications as well as being an Employment Specialist in the field. Revalee takes joy in contributing to the success of our consumers and watching them become their very best.
Diana M. Kuhn
Diana M. Kuhn has been employed at BEST for the past 11 years and is currently an Employment Specialist. Diana has a degree in Business Associates from Northwest Technical College in Archbold, Ohio and has worked in the administrative capacity for the past 36 years. Diana also speaks Spanish. She has been involved in teaching Karate at Buckner Martial Arts for the past 22 years. Diana was also a teacher at St. Max for 18 years in the Preschool Program and the Elementary and Junior High Program. Diana enjoys helping, teaching and bringing value to people’s lives.
Service Delivery Team Spotlight
Jessica Davis
Job Developer Jessica Davis came to BEST with 20 years of experience partnering with individuals and their families for successful futures. She was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and has been a West Chester resident for 18 years. Jessica received her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in Rehabilitation. She’s had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings (United Rehabilitation Services, St. Joseph’s Treatment Center, Cornerstone Church, and Center Director of Brain Balance). As a job developer, Jessica thoroughly enjoys working with our community to match employer’s needs with employee’s skill sets and drive for independence.
Clarice Sims
Job Coach/Developer Clarice Sims has been employed at BEST for 6 years. Before her employment with BEST, she had worked in the field of helping individuals with disabilities. Clarice has been in the Military for 10 ½ years, where she had done two tours overseas. Clarice attended Cincinnati State for the Associate of Arts program.
Stacy Middendorf
I graduated from Miami University with a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology and spent much of my career working with adults in a rehabilitation setting. After COVID, I decided to pivot, and started working as an assistant preschool teacher and simultaneously, an executive function coach for a virtual platform. Currently, I work as a job developer at BEST, focusing on career exploration and career discovery clients. The common thread throughout all my years of employment is that I truly love working with people and making a difference. It is so rewarding when clients can find career opportunities that are fulfilling and allow them to reach their highest potential. I wholeheartedly believe that everyone can reach their highest potential with the right amount of encouragement and support. I hope to be that encouragement and support to my clients!
Michael Valdini
Job Coach Mike Valdini has worked with BEST for 5 years and has over 30 years of experience working with Lakota Local Schools as Transition Coordinator. Mike has a Master’s Degree in Education and enjoys woodworking and creating new and fun projects.