Bernadette “Bernie” Bilick, a servant of Christ Jesus, is a Physical Therapy graduate of The Ohio State University who has spent 41 years serving countless local children and their families at the NEO Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Howland, Ohio. Bernie has a lifelong love of helping children, and does so by instilling hope, teaching children to move through life (literally!) at their highest potential and by empowering parents and caregivers, too. The ‘light bulb” moment (when you can see the recognition of progress and growth in the smiles, eyes and face of each child served) is something Bernie works for and is something that Bernie kindly and skillfully elicits. Along with invaluable service, Bernie was instrumental in acquiring “Universal Exercise Units” and other equipment used daily at the Center, enabling staff to better serve children through specialized routine treatment.

Bernie attends North Mar Church, and in all that she does, seeks no personal recognition or reward and instead gives glory to God. Not one to remain idle, Bernie also volunteers her time at Joni & Friends Family Retreats, “Buddy Break,” church camps, at “Night to Shine” and is a legal guardian of a longtime friend. Bernie has a generous heart and is a longtime supporter of Warren Family Mission, Compassion International, World Vision, Remember Nhu and United Way of Trumbull County. You can often find Bernie attending concerts and sporting events of the many children she has helped and to whom she remains devoted. When she is not treating or volunteering, Bernie enjoys hiking and admiring God’s creations.