Members Category: Founders

Ross Mason began his career in 1987 as a Direct Support Professional with no experience in the field. He learned about how important it was to serve others. His life was changed after working shifts with a man in a group home in WV. Shortly after, Ross became dedicated to advocating for children and adults who may have a disability in WV and Ohio. Some of Ross’s greatest strengths were being an excellent communicator, teacher, listener, and a role model. While working in the field with the “folks” – as he called them, Ross developed expertise in operating group homes, day programs, and waiver services. Ross only knew one-way, he would wake up each day and advocate for others. Throughout his career Ross touched the lives of many people and his legacy will live on through those people. When not at work Ross had a very close relationship with his family and cherished his time spent with them.

Ross greatly enjoyed starting new programs, to assist people in areas with minimal services. He was one of the Founders of Linx Community Services and was humbled to begin providing services that adapted to the needs of people. We will be ever inspired “Not to be too important, to be kind to others.”

My name is Norma Dawson. I am a happily married, proud mom of 6 Children, and Nana/ Mamaw of 23. My favorite thing to do is have family gatherings. I was a small business owner for many years before I began my career in the behavioral health field. I have been in this field for 18 years. I worked in the administrative offices in the billing department, payroll and bookkeeping and office management. After a very brief retirement, we began Linx Community Services in 2018. Myself and my Co-Founders take great pride in providing quality services to our individuals, as well as providing strong leadership to our amazing employees!

Jason entered the field of IDD by working in direct care as recreational staff, taking people swimming and other activities in larger group residential settings. Jason and his family have a long history of working in the IDD field. Lynch, with his long-term friends, founded Linx in 2018 to develop a company that is people-centered and that will advocate and build services around the person served. Jason has experience in growing programs, one person at a time, in the areas of day services, supported employment services, out-of-state placement services, residential services, and clinical services.

Professionally Lynch was selected as the Top Business People 40 under 40 in WV, holds various awards for children’s books and toys, and was selected as Home-Based Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration. Jason holds a Laut Honor Degree in Business Management from Wheeling University and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Ohio University.

Jason is very passionate about advocating and serving people with disabilities and developing businesses that make lasting long-term impacts on local communities in the areas of healthcare, hospitality, and tourism. “My passion is helping people overcome their obstacles, being a normal part of life with others, and embracing who they are to the fullest.”

My name is Tina Rager. I have been in the behavioral health field for 25 years. I began my career as a Direct Care Professional and have held other positions such as Program Director and Area Director. I co-founded Linx Community Services in 2018. I strongly believe in people first and I thoroughly enjoy seeing the folks we provide services to thrive and grow in their home life and in the community. I believe what we do changes the lives of many people in a positive manner. When I’m not working at Linx, I also own and operate a small pizza shop in my community. I have been happily married for 25 years! Spending quality time with family and friends is at the top of my list of things that I love to do. My home is usually filled with the sound of happy children at play.