Welcome to the Carroll County Board of DD

May 2026 Success Story

Amy Jo's Success Story

At the 2026 Annual Developmental Disabilities Banquet, Amy Jo Pennock was proudly honored for an incredible 35 years of dedicated employment with Pizza Hut. Her journey began in 1990, when she was a 17‑year‑old student at Carroll Hills School during a time when community workforce inclusion for individuals with disabilities was just beginning to take shape.

With the encouragement and vision of her teachers, Zoe Gingrich and Gayle Gotschall, a pioneering work program was created to help students build independence and confidence through real‑life job experiences. Students gained hands‑on skills at Kishman’s IGA Carrollton, a locally owned pet store, and a greenhouse at Carroll Hills School that sold spring plants. Though these businesses are no longer operating, the impact of those early opportunities lives on, especially in stories like Amy Jo’s.

Those experiences opened the door for Amy Jo’s start at Pizza Hut. Local resident Amy Rutledge, the manager at the time, took a chance on a young student eager to work and 35 years later, Amy Jo is still going strong. She remains a beloved member of the morning crew, faithfully serving as a dishwasher and bringing positivity, pride, and warmth to every shift. Her dedication reflects not only a strong work ethic but a genuine love for what she does.

After moving from her family home to St. John’s Villa, Amy Jo also spent several years working in the St. John’s Villa restaurant, continuing to share her talents.

Amy Jo’s story is one of perseverance, community support, and the lifelong impact of meaningful employment, and her journey is far from over.