Graceworks is honored to congratulate Deb Lyle, Administrator of Graceworks Enhanced Living, on being named a 2026 Woman to Watch!

Presented by Women in Business Networking (WiBN), this recognition honors women who make waves—often quietly, yet powerfully—through their leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving lives. WiBN’s 2026 Women to Watch bring a force of change in their communities and professions, and Deb exemplifies that in every way.

For 35 years, Deb has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—27 of those years with Graceworks Enhanced Living. Under her leadership, our programming has expanded from 16 to 44 homes across Montgomery, Greene, Butler, and Hamilton counties, in addition to two day programs, impacting hundreds of lives through compassionate, community-based care.

But Deb’s leadership doesn’t stop there. She co-founded and now chairs the Values & Faith Alliance, a statewide coalition advocating for disability policy improvements in Ohio. Nationally, she presides over the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network, representing over 40 providers across the country.

A graduate of Leadership Dayton’s 2013 class, Deb also actively supports the military community and volunteers regularly with local nonprofits, exemplifying servant leadership in all aspects of her life.

Judy Budi, Graceworks President and CEO, shared, “Over the years, I’ve seen Deb manage the complexities of leading 350 employees across 45+ locations while maintaining the same calm, steady presence in every room she enters. She has 24-hour responsibility, seven days a week and gives passionately to the individuals and staff who work to create a home and place of stability and safety for many.”

“Deb inspires me to never lose sight of the people at the center of the work we do.”

—Judy Budi

Whether she’s testifying before a city council, educating communities to dispel stigmas, or giving her time to area organizations, Deb brings humility, courage, and integrity to all she does.

We’re delighted to see her recognized for the remarkable impact she makes every day.

As a teenager, the course of life changed unexpectedly for Pegi’s brother, Tom. Tom was once on track to play baseball for the Reds, but life’s twists resulted in him suddenly needing constant care and supervision. The options just weren’t there, and Tom ended up in buildings that Pegi said felt more like institutions.

“Certainly not like home,” she said.

If you ask Pegi, the experience drained the life out of him. When Pegi and her family were frustrated and hitting roadblock after roadblock with care for Tom, the Graceworks Enhanced Living program gave Tom the opportunity to thrive.

“The experience really is incredible,” Pegi said. “I know with Graceworks, he is not a number.”

That’s because Tom now lives at home with 4 other men, within a Graceworks Enhanced Living home. They live in a house, in a neighborhood, and Pegi says it doesn’t feel at all institutional, because it’s not.

“We’ve all become friends,” she said. While Pegi lives in Florida, she says she talks daily with Tom and the rest of his Graceworks family in Cincinnati, which includes his care providers.

The whole crew visits Pegi in Florida for vacation, and they also go on vacations throughout the rest of the country, traveling to places like Wisconsin and Tennessee. They go to work; they dance; they play sports; they are active in the community.

Pegi recalls when Tom had to have an extensive surgery during Covid, how the whole group came together to help him pull through.

“When there is a crisis, they pull together,” she said. “These are good, good men.”

For Pegi, and her family, they could not have imagined a better outcome for Tom. “I thank God every day,” she said. “I don’t know how they do it.”

Thanks to the kindness of donor support, a memorial patio now welcomes visitors at the entrance to Bethany Village. Built in honor of employees who passed away while still part of our work family, the patio offers a lasting tribute to lives of service. This memorial patio would not be possible without the generosity of donors who believe in celebrating the dedicated employees who have shaped the Bethany Village community.

This space is more than bricks and stone; it is a place for comfort, reflection, and gratitude. In the center, an American flag flies with dignity. Nearby, two benches invite coworkers, residents, friends, and families to pause—whether in quiet appreciation or reminiscing of those who gave so much of themselves to the mission of Graceworks. Each name remembered here tells a story of devotion and sincere service. Their legacy lives on in the lives they touched and the community they helped build.

During the holiday season, the flagpole will be transformed into a tree of lights (like the iconic Carillon Park tree). Created as a place where love, remembrance, and gratitude live on—the Memorial Patio ensures that the lives we honor continue to inspire all who visit.

Grant funding to purchase the table will support accessibility and care for individuals with disabilities

Community Fund Ohio has awarded a $9,207 grant to Graceworks Lutheran Services’ Dayton Day Program to purchase an adult changing table and lift. The new equipment will enhance accessibility and safety for individuals who use wheelchairs and require assistance with daily living, while also allowing the program to serve participants with more complex medical and physical needs.

The Dayton Day Program provides a safe, supportive environment where individuals pursue personal goals through wellness, skill building, creative expression, and community integration. Each participant follows an individualized plan designed to foster growth and independence.

The Hoyer Advance-E 340 Lift and Smirthwaite Mobi Heavy Duty Changing Table are expected to be installed and operational by January 1, 2026. In addition to the technical capabilities of each piece of equipment, the table and lift will reduce caregiver strain, allowing care to be provided safely for both program participants and staff members.

Community Fund Ohio provides pooled special needs trust administration for individuals with disabilities, as well as nonprofit and individual grants. The grant program represents a commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and innovation across Ohio communities.

Graceworks Director of Marketing & Advancement Dana Lynch has been selected to participate in the 2026 class of Leadership Dayton, alongside organizational leaders from throughout the Miami Valley.

Leadership Dayton, a premier leadership development program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, is designed to identify, educate and connect community leaders while expanding their capacity to serve the Dayton region.

Over the course of 10 months, members of the Class of 2026 deepen their understanding of the region by examining multiple industries, from government to health & human services, through a social servant lens. Program participants live, work and serve in Darke, Butler, Clark, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren Counties.

Dana is driven by guiding people through big decisions, from finding a new retirement home to witnessing passion projects come full circle. She’ll soon join the ranks of eight Graceworks Lutheran Services leaders who have graduated from Leadership Dayton.

After surgery in 2022, Dr. Carroll didn’t follow the usual path of getting a physician’s opinion for physical therapy through a home health agency. He didn’t need it; his sister highly recommended Bethany Village Home Health Care. That decision led him to meet physical therapist Doug Fitzsimmons, and a trusted partnership in healing began.

Doug speaks with admiration about Dr. Carroll’s many accomplishments: two PhDs in Physiology Health Sciences—one from Ball State and another from The Ohio State University—his leadership as Acting Chairman during a major college transition, and his service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Dr. Carroll is just as quick to highlight Doug’s impact. Dr. Carroll always requests Doug as his therapist. He credits Doug’s care, compassion, and focus on wellness and prevention as essential to his recovery. “After one of my surgeries, I couldn’t walk, bathe myself, or care for my basic needs,” Dr. Carroll shares.

“Now, thanks to Doug and the Bethany Village Home Health Care team, I can walk with a walker, take care of myself, and live more independently.”

Dr. Carroll, Bethany Village Home Health Care client

Doug believes their success also stems from Dr. Carroll taking an active role in his own care. “He stays informed, asks questions, and really invests in his health,” Doug says. Dr. Carroll laughs, modestly attributing that to “guilt” over having had to close the Physical Therapy program at Ball State. Doug gently adds, “What he’s not saying is that he personally helped every student find a new program so they could continue their education. That’s just the kind of man he is.”

Ongoing physical therapy helps Dr. Carroll to continue living independently in his Xenia home. Bethany Village Home Health Care brings in-home nursing care and therapy services to Dayton and six surrounding counties, allowing people to work toward their individual goals in the comfort of a familiar setting.

What began as a professional connection has grown into deep mutual respect. The supportive relationship of Dr. Carroll and Doug is a testament to the kind of care where healing is personal, and meaningful work leads to fuller, more fulfilling lives for everyone involved.

Interacting in new ways with individuals who have dementia can be rewarding yet challenging. Finding compelling activities takes creativity as families seek ways to connect with their loved ones. Bethany Village Memory Support staff work tirelessly to find new and clever ways to bring remarkable experiences to residents with dementia.

 

Options for resident engagement now include games from a specialized console called the Tovertafel. This device, known by staff as the “Tover,” is a special projector mounted to the ceiling that sends interactive light projections onto a table. Its interactive games are proven to support cognitive, physical, sensory and social function in persons with dementia.

The Tover has had an instant social impact, creating an inclusive environment for residents with varying cognitive abilities. Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager at Bethany Village, described a group sitting around the table, playing a game of soccer with their hands. “We found that some of the residents were encouraging their peers to play. It was incredible to witness the sense of accomplishment and purpose residents felt by helping their peers participate.”

These games, and the involvement of the staff, have brought residents together in remarkable ways as they can play one-on-one or in groups, with caregivers, or with family members.

“For grandchildren, it feels like a video game. They can pick it up quickly and engage with their family members through the Tover. It’s helping to facilitate connections that otherwise might not happen.”

The Tover has also been a springboard for activities to reach residents on a deeper level. One popular game has residents “rake” leaves on the projector table. Staff brought fallen leaves from outside to have residents see, touch and smell as they played the game, and asked questions inviting residents to share their memories and autumn experiences.

“We can ask questions along with each game and talk about their memories,” said Brande’. Their faces light up with recognition and the confidence of the players grows as they play the games and share memories.

“Part of the challenge of dementia is that residents are overwhelmed and may struggle making choices. The Tover gives more opportunities to exercise cognition and keep skills longer. Now, we have more options that give them the power of choice. There’s a sense of fulfillment for residents in being able to decide how they’re going to spend their days.”

Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager, Bethany Village

Funding for the two Tovertafels at Bethany Village was made possible by Premier Health, the Mary Mikesell Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Cincinnati, the Dayton Rotary Foundation, Dayton Foundation and Brighter Tomorrow Foundation.

See more stories in Graceworks’ 2023 Annual Report: Remarkable People

 

Several adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in Graceworks Enhanced Living homes have resided with us for more than a decade. The houses have become their homes and staff have become like family. For many individuals served, that also means they prefer to be able to live their entire lives in their homes and have the ability to receive therapy, medical care, and even hospice support in a familiar environment.

“Many of the individuals we serve don’t have outside family,” said Jack Wooldridge, Graceworks Enhanced Living Services Manager. “We serve many residents for years and we become their family. That comfort of having people around them that love and serve them is important to us all.”

Arminta Gautam and Jack Wooldridge

Arminta Gautam takes that creed to heart, making sure that every individual served can age safely and with dignity. Arminta has been the group home manager at the Greenleaf home in Dayton for the last six years and has a remarkable way of building more than a team among the staff of direct support professionals — she’s built a family.

Douglas Sword, a longtime member of that Greenleaf family, loved making the staff laugh and enjoyed spending his days at the Greenleaf home trying new foods, completing word puzzles, and listening to rock music. Greenleaf was the place Doug felt comfortable.

As Doug’s health began to decline, Arminta stepped in to advocate for him. And when he needed more support, Arminta brought hospice care into the Greenleaf home so he could remain in a familiar setting surrounded by the people who care, enabling him to live out the last weeks of his life as he chose.

“We kept him secure and happy by providing for his needs in the home instead of moving him elsewhere,” said Jack. “Whenever he was at the hospital or appointments, he couldn’t wait to get home. Once we were able to put needed services in place, we advocated for him so he could stay home where he was most comfortable.”

From making sure the right equipment was in Doug’s room to preparing homemade dinners for Doug and those supporting him, Arminta went above and beyond to ensure Doug was able to spend his final days in safety, comfort, and – most importantly – knowing he was loved.

“The culture Arminta has created in the home keeps the staff highly engaged,” said Jack. “She provides that level of care that really can’t be taught. Her staff sees her willingness to go the extra mile and they want to provide that, too. She’s an excellent example of a home manager who wants to provide remarkable experiences for others every day.”

“We become the voice for residents when they no longer have that. Doug was his own guardian and was a good advocate for himself, but it was an honor for me to advocate on his behalf. I knew him and his wants and his needs, so being able to advocate for our individuals is an honor.”

Arminta Gautam, Home Manager, Graceworks Enhanced Living

See more stories in Graceworks’ 2023 Annual Report: Remarkable People

On April 20, 2024, a group of 13 esteemed veterans from our Bethany Village community embarked on an unforgettable journey as part of Honor Flight Dayton. This mission, dedicated to taking veterans who served from WWII through the Vietnam Era to visit their memorials, offered a poignant and heartfelt experience for those who served our country with valor.

The trip, originally planned for last September, presented a profound opportunity for these veterans to connect with their past and reflect on their service. Visiting the memorials dedicated to their sacrifices made for many memorable moments…take a look below.

Upon their return, Bethany Village Independent Living Life Enrichment staff hosted a Welcome Home reception to celebrate the incredible journey they took alongside the group of veterans:

• • Tom Angotti

• • Teb Baines

• • Gary Baker

• • Dennis Barber

• • Fred Berta

• • Tom Broadwell

• • Lew Hann

• • John Linville

• • JD Livesay

• • Jerry Swain

• • Donald Weckstein

• • Jack Wilson

• • Fred Witwer

“We are immensely proud of our veterans and their service to our country,” said Leigh O’Brien, Life Enrichment Coordinator. “Seeing them have this opportunity to visit the memorials and be celebrated for their sacrifices is truly heartwarming.”

We are honored to have such remarkable people living in community at Bethany Village. Their courage, strength, and dedication continue to inspire us all.

Graceworks is proud to congratulate Holly Artkamp, Chief Nursing Officer at Bethany Village, on being honored with the Dayton Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award!

This list recognizes the region’s brightest young business leaders who have demonstrated success in their field before age 40. More than 150 professionals from around the Miami Valley were nominated for their career drive and achievement in their career pursuit.

Holly is no exception. She has spent the entirety of her 16-year nursing career in aging services, where her compassion and collaborative talents were quickly recognized. In her first role as a nurse aide at Bethany Village, Holly became passionate about serving older adults. She went on to become an LPN, then RN, and had the opportunity to experience hospital healthcare. From there, she returned to Bethany Village and continued her career from nurse, nursing supervisor, rehab unit and long-term care manager, to her appointment as Chief Nursing Officer in 2019 upon earning her BSN.

In 2020, her leadership role demanded more of her clinical knowledge as she took on navigating the logistical difficulties of resident care during the pandemic—researching ever-changing government safety regulations and ultimately seeing lower resident and staff Covid cases than many providers experienced—all while carrying a child. She now capably handles her responsibilities as CNO, wife and mother of two with ease.

Today, Holly empowers her teams to provide care for complex needs with confidence. Her commitment to mentoring individuals in the field recently led her to launch an onsite nurse aide training program to help introduce others to healthcare careers in the long-term care setting.

“She is not content performing at status quo.” Lauren Coyle, Class of 2023 honoree and Administrator of Bethany Village, adds, “Holly’s constantly looking for ways to make life better for her teams, from providing encouragement and support to creating a sense of camaraderie across multiple departments.”

Her consideration for the daily interactions and experiences of families, residents, and staff is an example of how authenticity and genuine passion for our work helps shape not just our culture throughout Graceworks, but the stories and heart of the region.