Hopkins-Locke Staff Member Mourned

Staff at LCCAA Head Start at Hopkins Locke are mourning the unexpected loss of a colleague and friend.

Shayna O’Neal died Feb. 3. She had been an Early Childhood Service Worker at the center for three years.

Hopkins Locke Site Administrator Alicia Risner said the staff was truly shocked at the news and has taken every opportunity to express the love and respect they had for Miss Shay.

“It’s a day by day thing,” she said. “I’m very thankful that we have each other to lean on.”

“She’s been a part of us for a long time,” added Family Service Worker Supervisor Sharon Henry.

In 2018, Shayna was among a group of parents who prepared for future work at LCCAA Head Start by taking a class with Director Shauna Matelski. She had just received a TEACH Scholarship to work toward her Child Development Associate credential.

“Shayna was a bright, kind, and caring employee,” said Human Resources Director Carla Rodriguez. “She loved working with children and helping others. Her beautiful smile and charm will be missed by many at the Agency.”

Counselors from Ohio Guidestone were made available for both staff and students. Services were private.