As you know, February is often associated with love and passion, as well as winter weather in many parts of the world.
I would like to share with you the significance of being grateful and how practicing gratitude can enhance our well-being and happiness.
Integrating Internships. The Transitions 4 Success program launched a new paid internship program this summer.
Amy Miller is a CEO widely respected for her unwavering advocacy for persons with disabilities. Her passion for this cause was ignited in middle school after reading the inspiring story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, which led to her active involvement with the Special Olympics. After teaching in a public setting for two decades following her degree in Special Education, Amy felt the calling to make a more significant impact on persons with disabilities and their families, which led her to join OE Enterprises.
At OE, Amy led the design and implementation of Pre-Employment Transition Services for students with disabilities aged 14-21. Through the Transition-4-Success and Project SEARCH programs, OE was able to positively impact outcomes for students in four school districts. Her leadership skills and expertise saw her later take on overseeing employment services and facility-based services.
Amy is an alumna of East Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. She has since earned additional certifications in Principals of Leading Transformational Nonprofits from Notre Dame and Work Incentive Practitioner from Cornell University. Amy also attended the Leadership Institute through Impact Alamance and has continued to maintain her K-12 Special Education license.
In her leisure time, Amy cherishes spending time with her husband and three beautiful children.
This will close in 45 seconds
James Flowers has been an integral part of OE Enterprises since 2008. As the Service Contract Director, he is responsible for overseeing various contracts, ranging from custodial to ground maintenance. Through the SourceAmerica and Abilityone contracts, James heads up twelve sites, including federal courthouses, the FAA in Charlotte and Fayetteville, CMOP, NIEHS, and the USDA in Raleigh. His dedication and expertise have made him an invaluable asset to the team.
This will close in 45 seconds
Donna grew up in rural Sampson County NC and attended UNC Chapel Hill, earning degrees in Psychology and Anthropology.
During College she participated in a work/study program at a new and different type of organization, the Orange County Work Activity Center, in Hillsborough. Donna loved the challenge of working with this organization to gain its first Vocational Rehabilitation contract, and advocating for individuals who have a disability. Most importantly she learned so much from the people served! She was hooked during that summer and has made this her life's work and passion. The Orange County Work Activity Center has had a long history with a lot of growth and changes and is now known as OE Enterprises.
Donna raised her sons in Hillsborough. This included advocacy for her son who has a developmental disability in the school system and community. She has served in a variety of professional and local organizations including NCAPSE, NCARF, Garden Club, and Transportation Committee and the Arts Council.
She currently lives in Chapel Hill. In her free time, she enjoys friends and family, nature trails, kayaking, gardening, and creating art quilts and fused glass items.
This will close in 45 seconds
Jannylle has always been deeply committed to addressing and overcoming occupational barriers faced by individuals in their environments. Her professional journey began as a respite worker for individuals with intellectual disabilities, where she developed programs to enhance community engagement and increase opportunities for employment, leisure, and social participation.
With nearly 15 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, Jannylle has worked across diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, schools, and home health care. Her extensive training encompasses helping individuals tackle challenges related to sensory processing, fine motor development, visual motor skills, and access to technology. Her expertise extends internationally, having provided occupational therapy services in New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and various Caribbean islands where such services are scarce.
Driven by a passion for supporting learning, Jannylle is currently a faculty member with Duke University's Occupational Therapy Program. She values the opportunity to listen to students, understand their educational needs, and assist them in applying their skills in practical settings.
In her role as a Board Member of OE Enterprises, Jannylle is dedicated to collaborating with the team to strengthen the organization’s commitment to providing employment and educational services within the communities they serve.
This will close in 45 seconds
Joe is the father of two girls, one a nurse and one a high school science teacher. He has been married to June since 1990. Joe has worked at OE Enterprises since 2006. He worked as an Environmental Chemist at CompuChem in RTP, NC and as Site Director at SciQuest.com before starting work at OE. Joe started as a Job Coach, working in the community with the individuals OE served. He also served as a Job Developer, Vocational Evaluator with mostly high school seniors, Program Manager at both Burlington and Hillsborough facilities and helped start OE's custodial business, Carolina Cleaning Associates with a federal grant from the Obama administration. He now serves as Director of Business Development and Strategy and works to find new business opportunities for OE, as well as assist with our federal contracts through the AbilityOne program. Joe is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT, currently serving as Assistant Chief at Caldwell Fire Department.
This will close in 45 seconds
Audra, a native of North Carolina, grew up in Durham and attended North Carolina Central University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. With over 20 years of financial experience, Audra has held various roles throughout her career.
She started as a Staff Accountant with a startup organization immediately after college and eventually progressed to the position of Accounting Manager. Later on, Audra transitioned to becoming a Controller at a manufacturing facility, where she worked for many years. Her extensive experience in financial management and accounting makes her a valuable asset to any organization.
Outside of her professional life, Audra is actively involved in her community. She dedicates her time to assisting the elderly and homeless, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to helping those in need. Additionally, she has a passion for travel, enjoys participating in exercise classes, and loves attending basketball games.
This will close in 45 seconds
Tracey Craven earned her BA in psychology from UNC-Greensboro. She began her career with OE
Enterprises in 1994. She has worked in various roles, ranging in responsibilities from direct support professional (DSP) to Employment Director, and now works in organizational development. Tracey is a Certified Employment Supports Professional (CESP) and is certified through Cornell University as a Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C). She is the current VP of the NC Chapter of the Association of Persons Supporting EmploymentFirst and is on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. She is a Senate Pro Tempore appointed member of the State Rehabilitation Council and is involved in various state-level stakeholder workgroups, including the DVR/CRP steering committee. Tracey grew up in Orange County, but now lives with her spouse and four children in Alamance County. Her oldest daughter has a rare genetic condition and Intellectual Disability and is on the NC Innovations Waiver. Her youngest daughter has Down syndrome and is currently on the Registry of Unmet Needs. She also has two sons who are neurotypical. Tracey believes that all individuals have the right to choose how and where they work.
This will close in 45 seconds
Jimmy Greenlee's extensive experience and dedication to public service and healthcare are truly commendable. With a career spanning over three decades, Jimmy has contributed significantly to various non-profit organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to community service. His role at Duke Regional Hospital showcases his expertise in pharmacy administration, where he oversees critical aspects of medication safety. His educational background, with multiple degrees from the University of North Carolina and Durham Technical Community College, provides a solid foundation for his professional endeavors. Moreover, his certifications and experience in fire protection and emergency medical services highlight his versatile skill set. Jimmy's personal life, as a father of three, including a child with Down Syndrome who is actively working, adds another layer to his profile, reflecting his values and personal commitment to family and inclusivity. Overall, Jimmy Greenlee represents a blend of professional excellence and personal dedication, making a positive impact in both his professional field and community.
This will close in 45 seconds
Ingrid Conley is the mother of triplets in their early twenties, 2 of whom are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Ingrid has been very active in the local disability community since her family relocated to NC 15 years ago from NY including being active with the NC Autism Society as an officer for the Orange County chapter, was a founding member of the Voyage Academy Exceptional Children Parent Organization (EXPO) as well as Orange County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) and is currently a member of the Creative Civitan Club in Durham.
While now enjoying a career as a residential real estate professional, Ingrid left her career as an Executive Director at JPMorgan in 2018 after running a global back office operations team in the investment bank. Joining the OE Board has allowed Ingrid to share her process management and creative problem solving skills while also bringing her parent perspective from years of interactions with other parents who graciously shared resources, tips & tricks and provided nonjudgmental support.
Ingrid lives in Durham with her husband, daughters and 2 dogs. Family adventures within the community and to any beach are always a fun way to spend free time.
This will close in 45 seconds
Murphy Faber previously worked as a public-school teacher for five years with students with disabilities before coming to OE in July of 2019. She moved from the classroom into this work to be part of helping students with disabilities transition from school into adulthood whether choosing postsecondary school or work. One of Murphy’s greatest joys is seeing when something clicks with her students, and they suddenly understand a concept on which they have been working. Creating partnerships with students, their guardians, teachers, community members, and other agencies is a goal that she continues to work towards, so that students continue to achieve what they truly desire out of life.
Murphy considers herself a true North Carolinian since residing here the longest after moving around as a military child. She is a proud graduate of East Carolina University, Go Pirates! In her personal time, she enjoys baking, listening to audio books, and spending time with her family.
This will close in 45 seconds
Meet Tonya Johnson, a proud mother of three daughters who hail from UNC and NC HBCU’s. Originally from the Mid-West, Tonya and her family moved to North Carolina 17 years ago and has been actively involved in non-profit organizations for over a decade. Her passion for community connection and meaningfulness led her to be of service to others. Currently, Tonya has been working at OE Enterprises for 5 years and as the Director of Human Resources for the past 2 years.
As part of the senior leadership team, Tonya provides her expertise in human resource management, finance, and programmatic support to OE Enterprises. She also has previous experience serving as a leader on local board groups. Recently, Tonya held the role of Treasurer for Durham Crisis Response Center in Durham NC.
Tonya holds a Masters Business Administration in Accounting and has completed a certificate program from Leadership Institute, Impact Alamance, from 2022-2023. When she's not working, Tonya enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, attending community events, and exploring live music and art shows. She currently resides in Raleigh NC with her partner and is always ready for an adventure or checking out cool art at the nearest museum.
This will close in 45 seconds
Kevin W. Cain, M.B.A., Ph.D., is the founding Senior Associate Dean at High Point University's Workman School of Dental Medicine and Chief Operating Officer of HPU Health, the nation's first Academic Oral Health Network. Previously, he was the Executive Vice Dean, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and a Lecturer at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, where his initiatives included the first oral healthcare site for Project SEARCH in the nation. Before UNC, he was a business professor specializing in strategy and entrepreneurship at the Augusta University James M. Hull College of Business and a guest lecturer in the Dental College of Georgia. His academic research and practitioner insights are published in the Journal of Dental Education, the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior and Research, DentistryIQ/Apex360, Bloomberg Business, and the Wall Street Journal. He earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a Strategic Management concentration and Organizational Behavior minor from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, an M.B.A. from Wake Forest University, an A.B. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and holds a Certified Management Accountant designation.
This will close in 45 seconds
Lionel Phillips is a highly skilled IT professional with a wealth of experience in cybersecurity and technical service delivery. He has a strong background in risk management and a passion for data security, which he has developed through various positions in the technology sector over the last 20 years.
As the Senior Manager of IT at Shattuck Labs, Lionel manages a 24/7 enterprise service model with efficiency and excellence. He is responsible for creating and updating the IT Architecture Plan and Strategic Roadmap, as well as leading improvement and innovation projects. Lionel also excels at designing and securing cloud-based systems against cyberattacks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal security policies.
Lionel's role as a Senior Manager of IT at Shattuck Labs reflects his competence in handling complex enterprise service models. He uses his expertise to build robust IT architectures and strategic roadmaps. Lionel's career started with practical roles in the military, especially as a Special Operations Communicator in the US Special Operations Command. His devotion to mission readiness, innovative tactical systems, and effective communication strategies in challenging situations show his commitment to excellence.
This will close in 45 seconds
Charlie Cleary serves as the President of OE’s Board of Directors. He has been an active member of the OE Community through his support of his daughter, a client of OE for over 20 years. Previously Mr. Cleary served on the Board of the North Carolina Society for Autistic Adults and Children. He also worked in various capacities with many other organizations providing support to individuals with disabilities. For the past five years, Mr. Cleary has been the Director of Tarheel Boys State. He is retired from Varian Associates of Palo Alto, Ca.
Mr. Cleary will be working closely with OE’s board to advocate, serve, and support OE Enterprises and their clients.
This will close in 45 seconds
Evans McKinney was a teacher in China for ten years and founded a school during that time that he still owns and operates. He is currently working as an aide for Special Needs people in the Raleigh-Durham area. Mr. McKinney brings a strong work ethic and commitment to OE and an intent to give back to an organization that has done so much for so many over the years.
This will close in 45 seconds
Kia Knight has over 10 years of qualified professional experience in Human Services. She has been working towards improving the health and well-being of others and empowering all ranges of populations that she has served. Originally from Greenville, NC, Kia moved to the Triangle area and has enjoyed herself ever since. She has previously been employed within the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Her roles included case management and case planning for at-risk youth, IDD/MI, MH/SUD, homeless, Veterans, formally incarcerated, and seniors. Her areas of expertise include providing a wide range of knowledge of community resources, educating staff on client advocacy, and teaching interpersonal communication and organizational skills. Kia's educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Support Services, a Master’s degree in Behavioral Support Specialist, and a Master’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Health Communication. All degrees were received from her alma mater, East Carolina University. Kia is certified as a Community Health Worker, in CPR, First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid. Her motto is “use a cheerful attitude and smile while striving hard to do your best in anything you set your mind to.” Kia's volunteer work included Meals on Wheels of Pitt County, the Special Olympics Chapter of Pitt County, and the HTUHC Prison Ministry. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the park, lakes, and mall with her sons, reading, and watching home repair episodes or crime shows.
This will close in 45 seconds
With dedication from decades of hands-on experience and an unwavering commitment to improving lives, Bridget embodies a professional who genuinely strives to make a difference. Her journey reflects not only her breadth of expertise but also her heartfelt connection to the communities she has served. She brings the knowledge in leadership from working with group homes, case managers, MCO’s and Division of Employment and Independence of People with Disabilities.
As a result of her professional dedication, Bridget has a wonderful reputation for fostering environments that promote growth, inclusion, and empowerment. Whether improving programs or guiding participants toward greater independence, Bridget’s approach is both thoughtful and exemplifying the values she holds dear daily.
Her passion for advocacy is rooted in her belief that every participant deserves access to opportunities that align with their individual potential. Over the years, Bridget has led initiatives that not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the groundwork for sustainable, long-term change. Her leadership over the years emphasizes the importance of collaboration and Teamwork towards excellence.
Bridget was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a proud graduate of Winston Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a Master of Art degree in Health and Wellness Counseling from Liberty University.
Bridget enjoys spending time with family, friends, traveling, exercising, watching sports outside of work. The personal time away from work assists with fostering fresh perspectives and collaboration. She is excited to assist with making meaningful outcomes for all participants.
This will close in 45 seconds
