From Richland Newhope
The Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Richland Newhope) is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board: Angela Tagg, Melissa Tommelleo, Mike Bichsel, and Dan Barwick. Angela Tagg and Melissa Tommelleo were appointed by Judge Kelly Badnell, while Mike Bichsel and Dan Barwick were appointed by the Richland County Commissioners. Board members are eligible to serve up to three four-year terms. Each new member brings valuable professional experience, strong community ties, and a personal commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities.
Angela Tagg
Angela Tagg joins the Richland Newhope Board, bringing both professional and personal experience in supporting people with disabilities. A retired educator with 34 years of service, she worked with students in kindergarten through eighth grade, including typical learners and students with disabilities. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grove City College and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Intervention Specialist from Ashland University.
Angela is active in her community through Crossroads Church and Grace Church in Ashland, volunteering with several local ministries, including the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, golfing, spending time with family, and traveling with her husband and son.
“Richland Newhope’s mission of supporting people to be valued members of their community and to live the life they desire reflects the same goals our family has for our son and others in the disability community,” Angela shared. “I am passionate about promoting independence, choice, and inclusion, and I am honored to serve in a role that aligns so closely with those values.”
Melissa Tommelleo
Melissa Tommelleo is a lifetime resident of Richland County and a partner at Weldon, Huston & Keyser, LLP. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1997, earned her undergraduate degree from Ashland University in 2001, and received her law degree from Capital University Law School in 2005.
Melissa has a strong history of civic engagement, having served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Ohio and Third Street Family Health Services. She has also been an active member of the Richland County Bar Association Executive Committee since 2009, serving as President for two terms (2011–2012 and 2021–2022). Melissa is married and has three children; she enjoys traveling with her family.
“I am very excited and honored to be appointed to the Board of the organization where I began my professional career in 2001 as a Resource Specialist,” said Tommelleo. “It is meaningful to return and serve in this capacity.”
Mike Bichsel
Mike Bichsel is a New Philadelphia native who has called Richland County home for the past 20 years. He is employed with OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Kent State University and a master’s degree from Adelphi University.
Mike has three children: Allison, Patrick, and Gavin. His decision to move to the area was strongly influenced by the availability of essential services for his daughter, who has disabilities. Mike is deeply involved in the community, volunteering with organizations such as Resurrection Parish, scouting programs, ILCNCO, and local youth leagues. He also coaches cross country and track and field at Lucas High School.
“I am thrilled to join the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities,” said Bichsel. “A mission of my life has been dedicated to caring for my daughter, which has fueled my drive to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. I look forward to using my life experiences to advocate for the youth and adults we serve.
Dan Barwick
Dan Barwick is a lifelong Richland County resident who lives in Mansfield with his family. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and The Ohio State University and currently works as a Commercial Loan Officer with Mechanics Bank.
In addition to serving on the Richland Newhope Board, Dan is Treasurer of the Richland County Historical Society Board and a member of the Mansfield Historic Preservation Commission. Outside of work and community service, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing and listening to music, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes, and, by his own admission, lamenting the Cleveland Browns.
“I love this community, and serving on the Board is especially meaningful to me as a parent of a child receiving services from Richland Newhope,” Barwick said. “I am excited to contribute to its success and help improve the lives of the people it serves.”
Richland Newhope supports more than 1,300 Richland County residents through a wide range of services, including early intervention, transition services, day services, supported employment, residential services, therapy, and other family support programs.
