Meet Department of Human Services Director, Toni Gelsomino

Today, we invite the community to get to know long-time Lakewood resident and Mayor George’s Director of Human Services, Antoinette “Toni” Gelsomino.

There is a good chance you already know her. Toni has lived in Lakewood for 34 years where she has dedicated her career to serving Lakewood families and children. Toni began her career with the City of Lakewood as an Assistant Program Manager in the Department of Human Services, Division of Early Childhood. She served in this role for 4 years where she developed Lakewood’s beloved “Lakewood Family Room,” before becoming Program Manager in the same division.  She worked as Program Manager until 2012 when she was promoted to Director of Human Services.

As Director of Human Services, Toni oversees the Division of Early Childhood, Division of Youth, and Division of Aging. Toni, in collaboration with all of the dedicated Human Service staff, provides a continuum of responsive programs and services that enhance and promote the health and well-being of individuals, families and the community.

“For more than 33 years, I have believed that Lakewood is this unique place where we can choose to live differently than the rest of the world, that we can make wiser, more thoughtful and kind decisions in our 5 square miles,” said Toni. “In my work with children, families and older adults I have always seen hope for a better future, a new idea, a heart to make things better for all. I still believe that almost anything is possible because of the good humans of Lakewood.”

Together with her husband Tony (yep, Tony) she proudly raised 3 daughters in Lakewood. Their oldest daughter lived in Chicago for 17 years and recently moved back to Lakewood with their 3 children. Her family now resides on Belle Ave. Toni’s second daughter still lives in Chicago and her youngest is in Los Angeles.

Fun Fact: Toni attended St. Augustine Academy, now known as Lakewood Catholic Academy, when it was a high school!

To contact Director Gelsomino and the Lakewood Human Services Department, call 216-529-6685 or email HumanServices@lakewoodoh.net.