08/18/2026
Today, we celebrate Farrah Raines, one of the 2026 Leading Ladies of Tuscarawas County. Farrah shares her leadership role as follows:
My journey began with a life-threatening experience at the age of 11, when I survived bacterial meningitis. What was a tragic moment in my life became life-changingāand ultimately inspiring. It was during my recovery, working with an amazing therapy team who pushed me to get back to living, that I realized I wanted to help others. I knew I wasnāt going to take this second chance for granted. I went on to graduate from Stark State College, earning my associate degree in massage therapy in 2001 and as an occupational therapy assistant in 2004. Later, I pursued my bachelorās degree in occupational science from Muskingum University, graduating in 2018.Throughout my career, Iāve had the opportunity to work with individuals of all agesāfrom home health care to massage therapy alongside chiropractic care. But it was working with children, providing occupational therapy in the school setting with ECOESC for the past 22 years, that truly captured my heart. I love thinking outside the box to help children succeed in the classroom and celebrating even the smallest gains that lead to meaningful progress.
Five years ago, I was given the opportunity to develop a sensory and movement class at Lacey Pac Dance Studio for individuals with special needs, ranging from age 3 through adulthood. After three successful years, I collaborated with owner Lacey Herbert-Stephens to help open the nonprofit Lacey Pac Adaptive Movement Center. Over the past two years, Iāve been fortunate to provide programming for all agesābuilding after-school activities around childrenās interests like Harry Potter, Minecraft, and even creating podcasts together. A big part of my work focuses on helping children with sensory and emotional regulation. That passion inspired me to reach an even larger audience by writing and illustrating my first childrenās book focused on teaching regulation toolsāa dream I never thought would become a reality.
During the challenges of COVID and remote learning, I stepped outside my comfort zone once again and created my YouTube channel, Miss Farrahās Movement and Fun. Growing up inspired by positive influences like Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, I strive to bring that same sense of joy, learning, and connection to children today through read-alouds, movement activities, and fun. Iām also proud to give back to my community in Tuscarawas County by collaborating with local libraries and organizationsāoffering storytimes at summer reading programs, farmers markets, Tuscarora Park, and other community events. These opportunities, especially in the summer, are truly a blessing.
Through all of my experiences, Iāve learned that leadership is about building a strong teamāsurrounding yourself with people who bring their own strengths and empowering them to contribute in meaningful ways. My father always taught me to follow the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Kindness and respect are values I strive to live by every day. And most importantly, life is too short not to have fun. If youāre hesitant or afraid to take a leap, take it from meāI never imagined I would be doing all the incredible things Iām part of today. It took belief, encouragement from others, and learning to believe in myself. So if I have the chance to dress up as Wonder Woman, the Cat in the Hat, or any character that brings a smile to someoneās face and brightens their dayāthatās exactly what Iām going to do.
Congratulations Farrah!
Chosen as a Leading Lady by The Women's Success Series Steering
Committee, the Lucille Nussdorfer Tuscarawas County of the Year Award Committee from the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
and the Tuscarawas County Leading Ladies of 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Please continue watching our posts as we celebrate all the Leading Ladies of 2026.
