Behind every resident is a team of people who care deeply about what they do. Meet the faces behind our compassionate care.
Kim brings over thirty years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. She currently serves as CEO of Brookside Extended Care, where she oversees the care of 92 residents with profound intellectual and developmental disabilities. For the past eighteen years, she has led the organization with a strong focus on regulatory compliance, growth, and resident-centered care.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from Xavier University and plays a key leadership role beyond Brookside. She also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Leaps and Bounds and as Regional Director of Operations for Cardinal Health Care Management, extending her impact across multiple systems that support individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Ohio.
Before her time at Brookside, Kim served as a Service and Support Administrator for the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities. During that time, she recognized the need for meaningful alternatives to traditional sheltered workshops and helped launch one of the first day programs of its kind in the region—an initiative that continues to serve individuals to this day.
Kim is known for her hands-on leadership, her ability to foster strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and her deep commitment to improving the lives of residents and families. Under her direction, Brookside continues to be a trusted and compassionate resource for those navigating the developmental disability system.
Kim Russell-Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Our Leadership Team
Meet Our Therapy Team
Brookside Extended Care has an in-house therapy department consisting of occupational, physical, speech, and habilitation services. Each resident is evaluated upon admission to determine areas of need, and therapists collaborate closely with QIDPs to ensure those needs are addressed in the resident’s individualized support plan. Services may include direct therapy, consultation for tone management, assistance with range of motion, communication goals, or support with activities of daily living (ADLs). Our therapy team also assists with the acquisition and maintenance of adaptive equipment as needed. This may include splints, AFOs, mealtime equipment, positioning equipment, and wheelchairs.
While Brookside provides consistent therapeutic support personalized to each individual, we are not a short-term rehabilitation facility and do not offer intensive therapy services similar to those provided in hospital-based settings. Therapy at Brookside is designed to support residents’ ongoing functional needs and ensure their individualized programs are integrated into daily care. We encourage families seeking intensive, time-limited rehabilitation to consider whether our setting matches their expectations.
Our therapy team includes our occupational therapist Marleta Kanaly, physical therapist Mary Suttschenko, physical therapy assistant Donna Lowe, speech therapist Emily Brinkman, and our two habilitation specialists, John Boll and Bailey Betz. Together, they provide the specialized support and expertise our residents need to reach their goals and build daily skills.
Case Management at Brookside
At Brookside, our case management team is an important part of how we care for and support every resident. Our four Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs) each manage a caseload of about twenty-three individuals and serve as a steady point of contact for families, guardians, staff, and outside providers. From the first day a resident arrives, our case managers begin gathering information, coordinating with guardians and agencies, and developing an individual plan that guides daily routines, therapies, behavioral supports, and long-term goals. They help shape each resident’s daily life by monitoring progress, writing and updating individual plans, and making sure goals are realistic and meaningful. They work closely with direct care staff to ensure that programs are carried out the right way. They also assist with practical needs, such as coordinating with a school district or day program or helping a resident receive specialized equipment as needed.
Brookside’s case managers build trusted connections with outside agencies such as Advocacy and Protective Services Inc. (APSI), Lifespan, Mason Early Childhood Center (MECC), Child Protective Services from multiple counties, and our day program partner, Leaps and Bounds (Mason). They work closely with nurses, therapists, guardians, and other partners involved in a resident’s care. Our case management team keeps everyone informed and ensures updates and recommendations are included in each plan as needed. They handle paperwork, assessments, and documentation to keep plans current and in compliance. Their support helps each department stay organized and focused on what residents need to live as independently and comfortably as possible.
Human Resources
Our human resources team helps make sure Brookside and Leaps & Bounds stay staffed with dedicated, caring individuals ready to support our residents and day programming participants every day. They manage hiring, training, and ongoing staff support so every team member feels prepared and valued in their role. Whether they’re guiding new hires, answering questions, or helping current staff grow, our HR team plays a vital role in keeping Brookside and Leaps & Bounds running smoothly and making sure our residents receive the best care possible.