My husband and I reside with our three children who have severe disabilities. Our lives are busy and at times stressful, but very meaningful. We always know, at the end of any hectic or challenging day, that we are doing the right thing with our lives. As we look at the smiling faces of our special children, we know we are truly blessed.”

About Life Start

Our Philosophy
To create services which enable families and people with disabilities to live in a home environment with the same life choices as a person without disability.

About Life Start Inc.

Life Start Inc. is a private, not-for-profit agency providing foster care and adoption services to infants, children, and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and fragile medical conditions. Since 2001, we have primarily served the Columbus Ohio area, including Franklin County and neighboring counties.

Our Founder

The founder of Life Start, Mary K. Hall, LSW, has been an administrator of intellectual/developmental disability services since 1978. Mary raised three children who had severe disabilities as well as fragile medical conditions.

Meet Our Team

Our highly-trained staff has decades of combined experience in social work, nursing, and related support services. Click below to contact a team member via email, or reach our directory by calling (614) 478-5448.

Lawanda Stewart
LISW-S, Director
Katherine Phillips
LSW, Assistant Director
Jennifer Foster
LISW-S, Intake Coordinator
Michelle Thum
MSSA LSW, Licensing Coordinator/Social Worker
Gabrielle Tufo
LSW, Social Worker
Shelia Carrell
LSW, Social Worker
Juanita Higgins
RN, Foster/Adoption Nurse
Pamela Overly
RN, Foster/Adoption Nurse
Jonathan Samuel
Business Manager
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