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ROSS TWP. — What began as a simple inquiry to shadow a national speaker has opened doors for Chelsey Schlembach's future.

"I just like working with people," said the sophomore at Ross High School. "I want to know how the brain functions."

Chelsey, a 16-year-old who lives outside of Shandon, seized the opportunity to spend two days with Dr. Dennis Embry when he was the guest speaker at the Butler County United Way's "Youth will grow into Successful Adults" summit earlier this month.

"It wasn't difficult. My total interaction took no more than 45 minutes," said Embry, a scientist and child psychologist who is chief executive officer and president of the PAXIS Institute in Tucson, Ariz. "That should be happening all the time."

Chelsey's mother, Sue, attended a county commissioner's forum last October and heard Embry speak. It was there she thought of having her daughter shadow Embry at the summit.

"I was very much impressed with some of the work he's done with youth," Sue Schlembach said.

Chelsey visited several groups that met during the summit, where people brainstormed ideas for programs to help improve children's lives. Between group discussions, Embry explained to Chelsey the importance of social justice and science, particularly regarding brain development among children.

Chelsey said she developed an interest in psychology from reading her mother's science magazines and other literature. Chelsey intends to stay in contact with Embry as she plans to study psychology

in college and make it her career.

Sue Schlembach also attended the summit because of her work with babies and toddlers at Help Me Grow in the Janet Clemmons Center on Fair Avenue in Hamilton.

"Dr. Embry doesn't do it for himself. He does it to make the community better," Sue Schlembach said. "I was really proud of (Chelsey) for wanting to comment and just being able to talk to Dr. Embry. I never got that chance."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2180 or ch

ubbard

@coxohio.com.