Investing in their roots: Kyle and Samantha Quillen help kids in Tuscarawas County

Kyle and Samantha Quillen give, and encourage others to give, to services that help people in their county.

Kyle and Samantha Quillen have a deep love for Tuscarawas County, Ohio – the place where they grew up and now live, work and raise their son. This rural county boasts good schools, hardworking people, an interesting mix of businesses and a tight-knit community where people support each other through the good and bad.

The Quillens, who own multiple businesses including Wilkshire Golf Course in Bolivar, started the Zoar View Foundation in 2022 to support the needs of people in their county. Zoar View Foundation recently made a grant to expand behavioral health services at the Akron Children’s location in New Philadelphia.

“A friend introduced us to Dr. Mike Bigham, chief quality officer and pediatric intensivist. He impressed us, as has everyone we’ve met at Akron Children’s,” said Kyle. “We also experienced their care firsthand with our son. This is a stellar organization.”

The couple is particularly interested in expanding mental and behavioral health services in their area. Samantha, who is a nurse practitioner, said kids in rural communities are often underserved. “Akron Children’s commitment to Tuscarawas County and the families in our community is hard to find. We want to make sure the kids in our area continue to have access to the care they need,” she said. “Treating kids is special, and we’re blessed to have specialized pediatric care here.”

Behavioral health needs on the rise

Pediatric behavioral health services are in demand in every community served by Akron Children’s.

Dr. Eva Szigethy, director of Pediatric Psychiatry and Psychology and the Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry

In 2024, Akron Children’s saw about 19,000 children and adolescents for behavioral health concerns, both inpatient and outpatient. This year, Dr. Eva Szigethy, Lois C. Orr Endowed Chair in Pediatric Psychiatry and the director of Akron Children’s Behavioral Health Services, expects a 15% increase in volume in the inpatient unit and a 9% increase in outpatient visits.

“Our regional facilities, like the one in New Philadelphia, offer a variety of treatment options including partial hospitalization, intensive services, medication management and one-on-one therapy,” said Dr. Szigethy. “Our Bridge Clinic provides a safety-check visit within 7 days of a child’s emergency room discharge for a behavioral health crisis. This ensures they stay connected until they can see a behavioral health provider.”

Sarah Burgess, a mental health therapist based in New Philadelphia, said rural communities are more difficult to serve because of transportation challenges. “We need to add counselors who work with patients on mental health. Also, we need case managers who help families get to appointments and access food and basic needs.” Currently, the New Philadelphia location sees behavioral health patients as young as age 5 until early adulthood.

A celebration of giving

This year, the Quillens will host their fourth annual “Sparks of Giving” celebration on Sept. 13. Local businesses will give a day’s worth of proceeds to a local cause of their choice. The day ends with a party at Wilkshire Event Center, featuring multiple bands and an amazing fireworks display for the community.

“We want to inspire other people to think about their neighbors and band together to make a difference,” said Samantha. “We also like to challenge our peers to look for ways to help strengthen this community.”

“We’re hoping that our gift to Akron Children’s also will inspire other medical providers to come to our county and see the opportunities,” Kyle said. “Sometimes, we focus on our part of the world. It’s important to see other communities’ challenges and achievements.”

Dr. Szigethy believes investments made by donors like the Quillens are critical to helping our youngest generation. “The rate of depression, anxiety and suicide among youth continues to grow at alarming rates. Donor funds can maintain optimal, high-quality care,” she said. “Funding allows us to help families with barriers get the mental health care they need and allows us to introduce innovative therapeutic programs.”