John has been an accountant with dFs since 1990.  As the department has grown, his duties have expanded to included management of the fiscal department.  He is a graduate of Youngstown State University

Leslie has been the Administrative Officer of dFs since 2006.  She began her employ at dFs in 1986 as the secretary.  Over the years she was promoted to fiscal technician and administrative assistant prior to her current position.  Leslie has an associate degree in applied business from YSU.  She is a member of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Human Resources Organization of Western Pennsylvania.

Chris has been employed with dFs since 2008. She has over 30 years experience in the clerical and business fields. She stared working part time for both the HR Department and as a Medical Department Secretary. She then became full time and was the Receptionist for dFs, then was promoted to a file clerk and now has the position of HR Assistant. She enjoys taking on the challenges that each day brings.

Mary Ann began as the dFs Secretary in 2013. She has been employed by dFs since 2009 and previously worked as a Direct Care Professional.

Mary Ann's education was obtained at Mercer High School, ITT Technical Institute, Butler County Community College and Penn State where she is a RULE graduate. She has approximately 15 years experience working in an office environment.

Mary Ann is a member of several organizations: the Mercer County Master Gardeners, Mercer County Farm Bureau, Shenango Valley Corvette Club, and Phi Theta Kappa.

When asked what she likes most about her job, she replied "Being busy all the time and it's something different everyday".

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. -- Vince Lombardi

Melissa has developed her skills and grown along with our agency.  Melissa was hired as agency Secretary in 1994 and was quickly promoted to Personnel Assistant when that position was added to organization. In 1998 she was promoted to Administrative Assistant.  She became our Computer Operator in 2000 and is the computer guru for everything from the network to our web page.  Melissa has an associate’s degree in specialized business, information processing.

A couple of her favorite quotes are: “You cannot control other people BUT you can control how you react to them.”  “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Lorraine has worked in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health since 1997. Lorraine has a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Youngstown State University. Prior to joining dFs Lorraine worked as a mental health worker at Belmont Pines and a TSS at Youth Advocate Providers. Lorraine began her employment at dFs in 2002 as a Foster Care Caseworker. In 2003 she was promoted to Casework Supervisor. In 2008 Lorraine was promoted to Assistant Program Director and has had experience supervising CHAPS, Community Employment, Habilitation Services and Residential Services. She has been in her position as Program Director since January 2014. One of her favorite quotes is something that can inspire all of us no matter the obstacles we may face: "The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." -- Oprah Winfrey.

Angel was a Residential Program Worker for 10 months at the children’s group home and a Residential Program Supervisor for 4 years prior to being promoted to Assistant Program Director.  She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Youngstown State University. Angel is a State Certified Investigator, Chairman of the Restrictive Procedures Review Committee and HCSIS Point Person. One of her favorite quotes is: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about dancing in the rain.” (Unknown)

Carol Medford is an Assistant Program Director and manages the CHAPS and Community Employment service areas at dFs. She has a Bachelors of Music Education (in Music Therapy) degree from the College of Wooster. Prior to joining dFs in 2010, Carol worked for 20 years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State. She was a Regional Residential Program Director as well as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Case Coordinator, and Recreation Specialist in workshop and day program settings. Carol states, "In my role as a supervisor as well as working with the individuals we support, I like to remember a quote by Stephen R. Covey... Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs."

Stacey Cannon, R. N., has been our Health Services Coordinator since April, 2004.  Stacey previously worked as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse in various areas of the steel industry and was clinical manger at various Long Term Care facilities.  She attended Sharon Regional School and Penn State for nursing.  Stacey is a member of the National and PA Developmental Disability Nursing Association and is a certified Red Cross CPR/First Aide Instructor, Medication Administration Traininer and our A.L.I.C.E. Trainer. 

Stacey says “After being here for mor than 11 years, I enjoy seeing how much the individuals have changed and have grown in so many areas.  I especially love the look on an individual’s face when he moves into his own apartment for the first time; or when I observe an individual who had a difficult time with her behaviors improve her social skills and become productive in the community and learn new skills.  It is really nice to see individuals come into the office and tell us the good news that is occurring in their lives.” Diversified Family Services has become anothr family to me.

Deborah began her employ at dFs in 2011. Deborah is a Licensed Practical Nurse and enjoys interacting with the clients we serve.

A quote that she would like to share is "This too shall pass."

Brittanei is the agency Staff Trainer. Prior to her current position she was a Behavioral Specialist/RPS. She began at dFs as a Direct Care Professional in July 2013. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies with an emphasis in counseling psychology and a Minor in Non-Profit Organizations from Slippery Rock University. Prior to her joining dFs she worked at George Junior Republic as well as the Irene Stacy Mental Health Center. Her favorite quote is "You should always be learning. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong place". -- unknown

Michele has been a Program Specialist since July 2012. Prior to becomeing the Program Specialist, she worked as a Residential Program Supervisor since 2008.  Prior to working here she was a medical social worker for UPMC Horizon Hospital and UPMC Home Health/Hospice.  She has a bachelor’s in social work from Slippery Rock University.  Michele is a Certified Investigator. 

Anthony has been a Maintenance Repairman here at dFs since 2009. He is a graduate of Sharpsville High School and is a Journeyman Millwright as well as a Journeyman Die Cutter. When Anthony was asked what he likes most about his job, his response was "Our clients."

Bryan has been a Maintenance Repairman at dFs since 2010. He has many years experience and has previously maintained rental homes as well as maintenance at the Mercer County Courthouse. Brian's specialty is bricklaying and plaster work. One of his previous accomplishments of which he is most proud is installing the 3 arches that overlook the banquet hall at the Corinthian in Sharon.

Kathy was hired as an SSA and was promoted to Residential Program Supervisor in 2011.  She has a bachelors degree in criminal justice and is currently working towards a masters degree at Slippery Rock.  Kathy  worked as an SSA with autistic individuals and also worked at a girls group home prior to her employment here.  She says she enjoys the satisfaction of helping an individual succeed with a goal and the look on the person’s face when he knows he has done it.

Valerie started at dFs in 2011 as a Direct Care Professional. In February 2016 she assumed the role as a Residential Program Supervisor.

Valerie has a Bachelor's in Social Work from Edinboro University.

What she likes most about her job is working with the clients and the helping staff.

Here most meaninful quote is "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world".

Felicia started at dFs in August 2013 as a Residential Program Worker.  In August 2015 she assumed the role of Residential Program Supervisor.   Prior to dFs she acquired experience as a TSS worker at Vocational and Psychological Services.  Felicia has her B.A. from Laroche College and is currently working on her Master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Kent State University.   Felicia likes that she can come to work and continue to help people live a better life.  “Having a soft heart in a cruel world is courage not weakness.”

 

Karen is our most experienced Residential Program Supervisor, having been in her position since 1996.  Karen started working for dFs in 1996 as a therapeutic staff support worker.
Karen has a degree in special education and elementary education from Slippery Rock University.  Prior to her employment at dFs she had her own childcare preschool and worked as a substitute teacher for IU#4.  Karen is a Medications Administration Trainer and experienced Lifesharing Program Specialist.  She enjoys spending time with the clients she works with and says the following quote helps her in her work & personal life: “ MOOMBA —My Only Obstacle Must Be My Attitude.”

Matt started at dFs in August 2012 as a Residential Program Supervisor. Prior to that Matt worked as a Direct Care Professional here at dFs. In addition, Matt also has previous experience working direct care in Clarion for 2 1/2 years and also volunteering in autistic and special education classrooms.

Matt has a Bachelor's of Science degree from Clarion University in secondary education for English.

Matt states that the rewarding part of being in this position is watching clients succeed and grow every day and, no matter how small their accomplishment may be, it makes me proud to be a part of it. Matt also stated that he loves the interaction with the clients and helping make a difference in their daily life and services they are provided.

A meaningful quote, to Matt, is "You can't move mountains by whispering at them" -- Pink

Tom joined dfs in early 2014 as a Residential Program Supervisor. He has a Bachelor's Degree in psychology and philosophy from Youngstown State University. Prior to dFs, Tom was a counselor at George Junior Republic as well as a Therapeutic Staff Support in Lawrence, Mercer, and Crawford Counties. He most enjoys being able to make decisions that have positive outcomes for the individuals with whom he works.

Tom's favorite quote is "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" -- Anais Nin

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Jennifer is the Job Development Specialist for the Community Employment and CHAPS Programs. She started as an intern at dFs in 2005 and worked as a foster care caseworker for two years before assuming the position of Therapeutic Activities Aide Supervisor. Jennifer graduated from Thiel College with a BA in Psychology. She is a Certified Investigator and CPR/First Aide Instructor. "What likes behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." -- Henry Stanley Haskins

Paige became a Therapeutic Activities Aide Supervisor in 2015.  Previously she worked as a Residential Program Worker here at dFs.  She has her Bachelor’s degree in Health Policy and Administration with a minor in Sociology from Penn State University.  When asked what she likes most about her job she stated “I like that the work is meaningful and I like helping others.

 

Ellen has been a Therapeutic Activities Aide Supervisor since 2012.

Ellen has a B.S. in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from Taylor University.

She has experience as a Habilitation Specialist and also as a Direct Care Home Health Aide.

When asked what she likes most about her job she stated the interaction with the clients.

A meaning quote, to her, is -- Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. - Franz Peter Schubert

Amanda joined dFs in 2014. She brings with her 8 years of experience as a TSS and also 3.5 years experience as a Service Coordinator for individuals with physical disabilities. She has a degree from Thiel College in Philosophy and Elementary Education.