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

Mike has worked for dFs since 2000, maintaining our group homes, the office and the agency vehicles.  Mike obtains the bids for our subcontracted projects and assigns work to the other maintenance workers.  Mike has worked in the building trades since high school.

Laurie Bowser, LPN, joined dFs in January 2012. Previously, Laurie worked as an LPN at Hospitality Care and John 23 Nursing Home. Laurie attended and received her certifications from Hickory High School and the Mercer County Career Center. Meeting our clients through CHAPS and in their own homes is what Laurie likes best about her position.

Andrea has been the Quality Improvement Coordinator for dFs since January, 2001.  She is also one of the original Founders of the agency and has volunteered on the Board of Directors as Board Secretary since 1988.  Andrea is a Senior Level Certified Instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute and provides Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training to our employees.   Prior to working at dFs, Andrea contracted with Sharon Regional Health System to provide various services including: bereavement counseling, parenting classes, and facilitating various support groups including Parents of Children with Special Needs.   Andrea has a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  One of her favorite inspirational quotes is -- “I must do something” always solves more problems than, “Something must be done.” (Unknown)

Andrea says, “I love when I see our dFs family come together for a cause, whether to benefit a group of people or to make a difference in the life of one individual.”

Shereen has been an Accountant at dFs since 2009.  She is primarily responsible for processing payroll, monitoring purchases, and controlling inventory.  Shereen obtained a bachelor’s in business administration in 2007 and a MBA in 2008, both from Youngstown State University.  While attending college Shereen was a graduate assistant for the accounting and finance departments and worked at Jade Financial Services doing tax preparation and bookkeeping. Upon completion of graduate school Shereen worked at National City Bank prior to her hire at dFs.  Shereen is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society.

Alena is a Residential Program Supervisor who first worked as a Residential Program Worker in 2004.  Alena has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Westminster College.  Prior to working as an RPS at dFs, Alena was a Family Advocate at Mercer County Head Start and a Therapeutic Staff Support for Comprehensive Children & Family Services.  A quote which is meaningful to her is, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”- Socrates.

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.

“Over the 11 years as the IT person here at dFs there are many things that I have been especially proud to have been a part of: the first network and internet connectivity; surviving Y2K; network expansion; electronic information; MITC just to name a few!” Two of her favorite quotes, “You cannot control other people BUT you can control how you react to them.”  “If it is to be, it is up to me.”

Carly has been a Residential Program Supervisor since December, 2010.  Prior to that she worked at our children’s group home as a RPW.  Carly has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in elementary education from the University of Pittsburgh.  She worked for Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic’s early intervention autism program, where she developed expertise in working with children and adults who are on the autism spectrum. Carly says, “I greatly enjoy helping to make our individual’s lives as fulfilled and happy as possible.”

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.

Michele has 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 and Medications Administration Trainer. 

Bob Jackson, LPN, is the afternoon shift residential program supervisor.  He worked previously for dFs as a Residential Program Worker.  He has worked in various management positions in different fields.

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.

Tiffany has been a Residential Program Supervisor since 2006, currently working in the  Habilitation Aid Service.  From 2003-2006 she was a Vocational Service Worker Supervisor for our Community Employment program.  Tiffany has a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.  Prior to working at dFs, Tiffany was a TSS and also had work experience at Orange Village Care Center working with mentally/physically challenged individuals.  Tiffany is the advisor of our Client Advisory Committee and is also a HCSIS Point Person.  She is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW.

Marilyn Klemens is one of the Founders and the Executive Director of dFs.  She and two
partners started dFs in 1985 by working out of their homes with a budget of $7,000.  In 1988 they dissolved the partnership and dFs was  formed as a nonprofit corporation.   Marilyn has extensive experience in nonprofit management and leadership.  One of the accomplishments of which she is most proud was the capital campaign and construction of the administrative building in 2006.  dFs is in the process of building for the future as we will be starting construction on an addition to our building in the fall of 2011.  This additional space is needed due to the growth of CHAPs our adult training facility.
 

Marilyn is a graduate of Indiana University of PA with a degree in education.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and The Provider Alliance.  She has been a member of the American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities since 1985.

Courtney joined our staff in 2009 as a Residential Program Supervisor.  She has a degree in human development and family studies from Penn State.  Prior to coming to dFs she worked as a therapeutic staff support at Comprehensive Children & Family Services.  Courtney is a HCSIS point person and Medication Administration Trainer.  She recently completed training in S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse from Everybody) and will be bringing this new resource to dFs and our community.  One of her favorite quotes is “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,”- Mahatma Gandhi.

Lorraine has been an Assistant Program Director since 2008. Prior to that she was a counselor & supervisor in our children’s services department.  Lorraine has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and worked as a mental health worker at Belmont Pines prior to her employment here.  Lorraine is a Certified Investigator and Medications Administration Trainer.  She is Vice President of the Mercer County Human Services Council.  One of her favorite quotes is “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.

Stacey has been part of our dFs family for over 10 years.  She started in 2000 as our agency secretary and was promoted to Personnel Assistant the following year.  Stacey has an associate degree in information processing.  She has attended many human resources seminars over the years to develop her knowledge and skills.  One of her favorite accomplishments has been her participation in our Celebrity Doodles auctions and Reverse Raffles to benefit our clients and our agency.

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 trained 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.”

Chris has been the Medical /Human Resources Clerk since 2008.  Chris uses her 30 years of clerical and bookkeeping experience to assist our HR department and our Health Services department.  Chris is certified in First Aide, CPR and NCI.  Chris always does an excellent job with the layout of our agency newsletter.  Chris enjoys talking with the clients, “There is a client who is very shy and does not acknowledge people.  After months of encouraging her to say hi to me, we now wave hi each time we see each other.”

Carol Medford manages the CHAPS and Community Employment service areas at dFs as well as overseeing staff orientation & training and oversight of ISPs. Prior to joining dFs Carol worked for 20 years in the field of developmental disabilities in New York state.  She was a regional residential program director overseeing four group homes.  Prior to that she worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, case coordinator, and recreation specialist in workshop and day program settings.  She is a Point Person for HCSIS incident management. 

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.”

Jackie started at dFs in February 2012. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development & Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to dFs Jackie was a Supports Coordinator for BHC, Camp Counselor for Fun in the Sun camp, and volunterred at Whole Life Services and MCAR.

Jacki is a member of the National Organization of Human Services and a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jackie stated that she enjoys helping individuals succeed in their lives, as well as making sure it is a fulfilling and happy one too. Jackie would like to share the following "I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you are not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again" - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Nick Morio joined dFs  in 2011 as a Residential Program Supervisor.   Nick has eight years of teaching experience, seven of them working with students with disabilities.  He has a degree in education and disabilities teaching certifications.  Nick says what he likes most about his job is the gratification he obtains helping others and making a difference in their lives.  One of his favorite quotes is,  “It’s a shame we too easily forget what it is like to be a child.”

Cathy has been an Assistant Program Director since 2005.  She came into the position with extensive experience in the field of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.  She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Thiel College.   Cathy worked 3 years as an RPW, 7 years as a RPD, 13 years as an Assistant Residential Director and 3 years as a Residential Director at another provider agency.  Cathy is a Certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trainer, a HCSIS Point Person, and a State Certified Investigator for HCSIS.   She has a quote by Henry David Thoreau on the window sill in her office—“It is something to paint a picture or to carve a statue and so to make a few objects beautiful.  But it is far more glorious to carve and paint the atmosphere in which we work to affect the quality of the day.  This is the highest of the arts.” Cathy states, “The work atmosphere here at dFs is the best of any work atmosphere I have encountered."

Cortney joined dFs as a Residential Program Supervisor in January 2012. Prior to dFs Cortney worked at George Junior Republic in the Special Needs Unit working with juvenile offenders. Cortney sited an accomplishment he is most proud of as seeing youth rise to the challenge of changing their negative habits around and making something positive out of them. When asked what he likes most about his job he replied " Serviing others so they can learn, change, and become a more positive member of society though everyday functions".

Cortney obtained his Bachelor's in Psychology in 2009 from Gardner-Webb University. His favorite quote is "If you are afraid to fail, you'll never success" -- Dan Gable

Elaine has been the “Face of dFs” since 2008 as she warmly greets everyone who enters our office.  Elaine graduated from Wilmington High School and attended Slippery Rock University.  Prior to her employ at dFs she was the office manager at Reimold Real Estate & Appraisals.  Elaine states that she enjoys being able to interact with everyone.

Nancy is the Program Director for dFs, a position she has held since 1988.  She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Slippery Rock and a master’s in education from Penn State.  Prior to joining dFs in 1987 Nancy worked in the intellectual disabilities field in multiple states from New Jersey to California.  She is the President of the Shenango Valley Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association and past Vice President and Treasurer of the organization.
Nancy has been extremely instrumental in the growth of dFs and in our developing the variety of services we offer. 

Nancy takes pride in the fact that dFs has accepted individuals that other agencies were unwilling or unable to serve, and has helped those individuals become happy members of our community.

Phyllis joined dFs  in 2011 as a Residential Program Supervisor.   Phyllis has a degree in education from Clarion University of PA.  Prior to her employ, she worked as a TSS for seven years where she gained experience working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jenn is the Community Employment Supervisor for our Community Employment program, a position she has held since 2007.  She started as an intern at dFs in 2004 and worked as a foster care caseworker for two years before assuming her current position.  Jenn graduated from Thiel College and has worked as a Special Olympics volunteer.  Jennifer says that she loves working with the individuals we serve.  She is a Certified Investigator, CPR/First Aide Instructor and Transition Coordinator.