Staff

Michael Thomas

Executive Director

A proud Texan who wants to make sure this is the best state to live in for everybody, including people with disabilities. I love the outdoors, soccer, music, and most of all, spending time with my wife and twin boys Jackson and Maxwell.

Jeanine Alpert

Director of Clinical Services and Research

An engaged, energetic, and passionate advocate for individuals and families who are often overlooked. I have an active family with a husband and two teenagers, love to learn constantly and keep moving with Barre and cycling classes.

Ashley Hollingsworth

Director of Finance

Norma Roberts

Director of People Engagement

A wife and mom of two who strongly believes that EVERYONE deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I love spending time watching my kids in their activities, skiing in Taos, exploring new cities with my husband, and enjoying time at home with my family and dog!

Scott Saucier

Director of Programs

My 28-year career working with special needs adults began in 1989 when I walked into a small program in Richardson having no idea as to what the next three decades would have in store. It was there that I first realized the potential of adults with special needs and that there could be so much more to their lives than even I understood. In June of 2010, I was brought on as an Instructor at My Possibilities, and it was here that I began to grow as a teacher.

As the Achieve Program Coordinator, I work side-by-side with a small team of educators to create and implement ideas with one goal in mind, to provide HIPsters a forum to learn, experience and be themselves; to find their own strengths and succeed to the best of their abilities.

As an instructor under the Directing My Future Pillar, I helps provide a strong foundation of leadership, advocacy, problem solving, and personal responsibility through classroom instruction and by providing opportunities HIPsters might not have anywhere else.

Susan Swan Smith

Director of the My Possibilities Foundation

Texas transplant from Philadelphia (Go Eagles! and Gritty) by way of North Carolina (Go Duke!), I’ve settled in North Texas to make the world just a little better. New to MP, I’m honored to bring my leadership, fundraising and community building talents to bear in support of our HIPsters.  A committed hiking, biking (getting there), glamping, Diet Coke, and podcast devotee, who’s proud to be S-mom to 4 and feisty spouse to 1 remarkably patient man.

Robert Acuff

Associate Director of IT

An avid reader and consumer of technology. I love dogs and music. I love my job and am so thankful that the people I work with allow me to inflict my presence upon them on a daily basis.

Adrienne Mageors

Associate Director of Marketing

Mama of three, living in blissful chaos, sustained by coffee, avocados and wine. Everyone deserves an advocate and a community of people who truly get it – that’s why I’m here!

Mandy Noerper

Associate Director of Support Services

Mandy can often be found lounging lakeside, singing a favorite song or chatting with loved ones about her fur-children or her passion for serving our Hugely Important People.

Kim Baca

Registered Nurse (RN)

Im known as “Nurse Kim” or “Adam Y’s mom”. As a nurse for 40 years and mom of a son with autism for 34 years, the best of both my worlds collided in 2019. My Possibilities decided to hire their first staff nurse and they chose me! This was a match made in heaven, as my son had attended MP since 2010. Additionally, my own experience as nurse for a service provider for people with disabilities had led me to work closely with staff at MP for the previous few years. I’m thrilled to say, after all these years, I have landed in my dream job in my happy place!

Anita Bagnall

Employment Consultant

A happy, funny, creative, life-is-good kind of person. I love to eat out, have fun, travel and see WNBA basketball and baseball games. I also love helping HIPsters become employed and watching them grow.

Cathy Bius

Front Desk Specialist

My passion for MP’s HIPsters is thanks to my brother in-law with Down Syndrome, Kinnith. I appreciate the opportunity to work at MP, enjoy working with Hipsters and staff, and wish that Kinnith had the opportunity to attend such an amazing place!

Jennifer Bliss

Speech Therapist

A wife to Martin, mother to Sophie, and speech-language pathologist who loves to laugh. You can usually find me watching comedies, compulsively reading books, or playing games with my daughter.

Nick Borquez

Registered Behavior Technician

Im an outdoorsy dog dad, who enjoys Indian food, discotechs, and camping. If I could, I’d love to live on a farm in Downtown Dallas. I love my job as a Behavior Analyst and I enjoy helping make each day count for the HIPsters I serve.

Marsha Camuso

Front Desk Specialist

Excitedly awaiting my first grandchild, and passionately working for MP for the last three+ years. When I was a young girl, I worked with people with disabilities and dreamt of further work with them. It wasn’t until my daughter began volunteering at MP that I revisited that dream. Starting as a volunteer, about six months in I started full time. I have been loving it ever since. It brings me such joy seeing HIPste faces daily!

Michele Cave

Therapy Billing Specialist

I am a mother to a lovely young woman and to a precious 4 year old, 75 lb. fur baby, who are both the loves of my life. I have a passion for numbers but I also have a creative side and enjoy making art and appreciating art made by others. I wanted to be a part of My Possibilities because it closely aligns with my philosophy. I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance in life and My Possibilities facilitates that for individuals who may otherwise not be afforded certain opportunities.

Serena Chambers

Instructor

George Chu

Accounting Specialist

A travel lover, movie lover, and animal lover. My bucket list is to go to as many national parks as I can and enjoy the magnificent natural views. What a dream!

I am a happy, positive and outgoing person. I was pursuing my Master’s degree in Finance in 2018 and glad to join My Possibilities in 2020. Working at MP feels like a home with my wonderful team.

Danny Clark

Bookkeeper

Father of 2, a stepfather of 3, a grandfather of 10 all hold a very special place in my heart.  Until the pandemic hit my vacation time was spent on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.  I am a person that truly believes that all people should have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.

Susan Clark

Grants Manager

I love to read, travel, and read about travel. When im not reading or traveling, I love movies, enjoy biking and spending time outdoors with family and friends. MP feels like home and I’m forever grateful to HIPsters for reminding me we’re all different and how we’re different is what makes us special

Ellie Crosland

Instructor

An artistic young lady with an old soul. I love my family, my dogs, The Office, and the HIPsters that I get the chance to serve. HIPsters teach me to live every day to the fullest! I believe that being different is what makes us special!

Brandon Cyrus

Accounting Manager

Sarah Diesing

Speech-Language Pathologist

Foster Estes

Instructor

Husband and friend to a creative and awesome woman and dad of 2 little rascals. Adventurer of the outdoors. Encourager, brother and friend of the young at heart. Grateful to my Lord to be serving the MP community.

Abigail Fair

Speech Therapy Assistant

A mother, jokester, learner, over-thinker, and speech therapy assistant. Constantly learning from, humbled by, and blessed to be around our HIPsters.

Michael Fischer

Facilities Assistant

Raquel Flores

Billing Specialist

Chrystal Gardner

HIPster & Family Liaison

Chrystal Gardner has served within the social and human service field for over a decade. As a mental health practitioner, Chrystal believes each client is deserving of a person-centered approach and adequate coordination of care. She finds pleasure in supporting others identify and reach their goal(s). Chrystal likes learning about trailblazers within mental health.

Chrystal enjoys vanilla mochas, reading novels, cooking, and relaxing to jazz cover music.

Nicole Gerhardt

Speech Therapist

Wife and pet momma of 2 dogs & 2 cats. I’m a lover of cooking (and eating), learning, reading, frequent napping, and engaging in banter with my Jersey-born Italian family. Most importantly, I’m a fervent speech pathologist dedicated to ensuring every HIPster communicates & enjoys mealtime to the best of their ability.

Summer Gill

Instructor

I have worked at My Possibilities for nine years. I’m a lively, outspoken, understanding and spiritual individual. I love my time at the beach and enriching the lives of others, making every day count.

Kelsey Hager

Program Assistant

Loving, kindhearted, and obsessed auntie of two. always ready for new friends and a new adventure.

Bridget Harris

Instructor

Sydney Harrison

Instructor

I am a lover of all things music/movies, flowers, food and my senior cat! I have always had a passion for helping others, especially the IDD population. My goal in life is to make sure everyone I come in contact with knows they are loved and that they matter.

Tripp Hemphill

Safety Coordinator

All good deeds go best unspoken. – Tripp Hemphill

Tracy Hernandez

Instructor

I am a Mom of two kids, two dogs , two cats , and a turtle. I love to garden and craft. HIPsters remind me these are the days we live for. Each day is a gift.

Barb Hogan

Speech Therapist

A veteran speech-language pathologist returning to the workforce after raising 2 lovely daughters. A wife to Kevin, a dog mom, and a huge admirer/fan of HIPsters and their families. The IDD Community has come a long way in terms of inclusion and acceptance. My Possibilities is a trailblazer in that arena, and I feel so lucky to be a part of the organization.

Kay Holmes

Billing Coordinator

Kronnetra “Kay” Holmes

Many years of Caring about people-it makes a different in their lives. Over 10 years of working in Billing and Collections. I enjoy coming to work with so many wonderful People and Hipsters. My job here at My Possibilities makes me feel blessed every day.  A Mom of 2 grown Daughters, a Grand-Mom of a Handsome cat and dog. We also foster sick animals from the Second Chance Shelter and get them ready for adoption. I enjoy writing, organizing and getting on my kids nerves.

Tina Hussain

Employment Consultant

I am from Boston, Massachusetts. I have been living in Texas for 8 years. I like to collect old costume jewelry and concerts. I have 2 children and 2 grand children who have my heart. I have worked with people with disabilities for 36 years, and love my job! I enjoy seeing their face light up when we find a job and I love community inclusion.

Grady Howell

Soap Hope General Manager

A husband, a dad to 1 human and 2 dogs, a Lego nerd, a movie snob and Chief Beard Officer.

Kelsey Howell

People Engagement Manager

A wife and mom to 1 human and 2 dogs. Sleep-obsessed with a passion for training and equipping people to be the best they can be.

Debbie Hutchison

Instructor

I love my family and visiting my dad in Florida where we go to the beach as much as possible. Im a Mom to 3 fur babies: Presley, Cooper, and Madi and a workout enthusiast, especially running. As a retired teacher of 29 years (as of May 2020), I am so blessed to be working for a place that is all about bettering the lives of our HIPsters.

Radost Ilieva

Instructor

Walter Jimenez

Employment Consultant

Anne Keever

Program Coordinator

Lauren Landry

MP Online Coordinator

An overly-attached dog mom, true crime obsessed, life long Dallas Cowboys fan who loves pushing our HIPsters to reach their highest potential everyday.

Orit Levi

Clinical Services Manager

I believe in a holistic approach for evaluation and therapy of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to ensure a multi-disciplinary paradigm. I am passionate about sharing my professional experience and clinical insights with clients, caregivers and educators, so every client can reach their full potential and be successful in the educational/vocational setting and beyond. I thrive to empower everyone to be a functional communicator in their community.

I received a B.A. in Communication Disorders, Speech-Language and Hearing from Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, in June 1998, and obtained my M.S. in Communication Disorders, Speech‐Language Pathology from The University of Texas at Dallas in May 2011. I have been an active member of the Texas Speech Language Hearing Association since 2009, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association since 2011. I worked at My Possibilities as a graduate student in 2010 and am honored to be back as a manager of the Clinical Services Department.

I am a wife and a mother of three humans and one Goldendoodle. On my free time, I enjoy cooking and reading. I am an enthusiastic band-mom, probably the loudest on the stands. Go Red Hawk Band!

Dan Lewis

Transportation

kelly Link

Occupational Therapist

I am a mom of two boys, a native Texan who loves to travel, and I enjoy yoga and being active.

I am thrilled to be an occupational therapist here at MP helping HIPsters hone their skills for the job of living!

Jenn Link

HIPster Services Manager

A wife, mom and stagnant world traveler. A lover of the outdoors thanks to my Colorado roots and past cruise ship career. My passion to work with Hugely Important People is in honor of my Aunt Kim!

Taryn Logan

Program Coordinator

With a grateful heart, I praise God for giving me the opportunity to make every day count for our HIPsters. I find my passions in health education and instilling confidence in the lives of those I work with. I am a wife of 3 years and recent mother of one cute chunky boy that has stolen my heart.

Sonia Martinez

Career Services Manager

I am a blessed mom of 2 beautiful girls and I have a wonderful husband of 20 years. I found this career by accident, and I fell in love with serving Adults with disabilities. I am so fortunate to get to do what I love every day.

Kayla Mathews

Instructor

Kendall Metcalf

Development Specialist

Recent college graduate (woo pig) who has a passion for helping others, promoting inclusion, and creating a world where everybody feels like a somebody. I thrive in organized chaos and live off of sonic drinks, cold brew coffee, Marshalls, thrifting, and crime shows. I love DIY projects, watching football, and planning for the holidays all-year round… because it is never too early for gift shopping.

Marissa Myatt

Speech Therapist

A wife, mom to 2 little ones, and dog mom to 1 crazy pup. Lover of coffee and sleep–even though I don’t always get a lot of it! I am passionate about giving our HIPsters the power to communicate!

Kellie Nix

MPower Coaching Manager

A forever student who is a passionate and steadfast believer in competitive employment and autonomy for everyone.

Prior to working at MP, I worked with children with Autism at various non-profit preschools and therapy centers. I earned my bachelors degree in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University and have an interest in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation counseling. I have been at MP since May 2017 and am working on my Job Coach certification in hopes to one day be a part of MPU vocational training program. In my spare time, I enjoy playing board games, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with my family.

Olivia Norkiewicz

Personal Trainer

If I’m not hanging out with my favorite people (AKA our HIPsters) you can find me playing with my three cats (Nacho, Black Beans, and Salsa!), eating all the chips and salsa, hoarding candles and working out in a gym!

Carey O'Connor

Campus Facilities Manager

A follower of my Lord, husband, father, dog lover, comfort food chef, and founder of Cast Iron Nation with a loving passion for the HIPsters we serve at MP.

Patti O'Connor

Front Desk Specialist

A wife and mom to a HIPster son. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, shopping, and “Making Everyday Count.”

Richard Oliver

Transportation

Hannah Parent

Program Assistant

A native Marylander, plant obsessed mother, and outdoor enthusiast who is always seeking new and exciting opportunities to further enrich the lives of each of our HIPsters!

Nathan Pham

Music Therapist

Leslie Plunk

Advancement Services Manager

A wife, mother, fur-mom, overly ambitious reader, and a socially awkward over-thinker. I am an introvert living in an extrovert’s world, but that’s okay! I just want to leave the world a little better than I found it.

Jessie Poku

Personal Training Manager

Samantha Pridemore

Sales & Marketing Manager

Wife, mom to 3 fur babies, step-mom to 2 adults, I love going to concerts, sporting events-especially baseball and hockey, and traveling.

Alison Provost

Employment Consultant

Adryna Roberson

Instructor

Just a girl who believes that all people, no matter who they are or what they look like, deserve a chance to shine the light that the creator of the universe has given them. I am an intentional lover, gifted nurturer, and God-fearing being. I am called to serve others wholeheartedly to help them find and shine their LIGHT!

Kim Roosevelt

Capital Campaign Manager

A wife, mother to two amazing girls who inspire me daily to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, a dedicated volunteer leader and passionate speaker and fundraiser for the causes I believe in (of which MP is one of the greatest)!

Evan Roy

Instructor

I began my involvement at My Possibilities in 2013 as a volunteer filling in where needed and quickly realized this was a place I wanted to become a part of permanently. I teach Technology and Communication at MP and couldn’t have more fun doing it! My current project at MP is creating a Maker Space for the special needs community.

My spare time looks a lot like my days at MP. I am always creating or fixing something at home for some project. As a member of The Legion, an all-volunteer organization focused on building and wearing movie quality costumes making contributions to the local community through charity, I also assist with fundraising and volunteer work such as visiting children’s hospitals.

Erica Sewell

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rachel Sherbert

Program Assistant

Katie Smith Verhulst

Education Program Manager

A dog mom, wife, and traveler who loves the HIPster community and everything it gives to better their lives!

Reginald Spearman

Instructor

A relentless pursuer of tapping the vocational potential of our Hugely Important People for 23 years.

My 19-year experience working with adults with cognitive disabilities began in 1999 throughout the North Texas area. I am knowledgeable in many areas of this population and has performed jobs such as resident aide and manager for several group homes. Additionally, I have provided foster care for several adults with cognitive disabilities and severe behavior challenges and even opened a day program called, “Steps to Life.” In August of 2008, I was looking for a new adventure. I became one of the first employees to be hired at My Possibilities.

As an instructor during the Achieve Program, I am under the Vocabilities Pillar. I help provide educational services, namely providing prevocational, vocational and community-based instructions and training in the field of independent living skills for adults with cognitive disabilities. Within the Explore program at My Possibilities, I help individuals with career development, professional goals and long-term workplace success strategies.

Stephanie Spilman

Instructor

I am a HIPster mom as well as someone who finds fulfillment in supporting HIPsters in their growth as individuals and members of the community. After years at PISD, I love working at MP with the best staff ever and the HIPsters who give me such joy daily. My latest hobby is being creative in a new home, along with my ongoing passions for good nutrition, dark chocolate and family life with three generations under one roof (I’m Grandma). God is blessing me over and above what I could ask or imagine!

Sonya Suttles

Speech-Language Pathologist

Family, friends, animals, music, food, sports, and general silliness bring me joy, so helping people thrive and find their life’s joys would be as good as it gets.

Samantha Svatek

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

I grew up in Atlanta, GA and studied at Georgia State University, graduating with a BA in Studio Art. After my husband and I got married, we had an opportunity to live in China for nine months before settling down in Plano in 2019. We are proud parents to a mini goldendoodle named Mochi and love to spend time outdoors and rock climb! My hobbies include gardening, drinking coffee, and DIY everything! When I am not at work, I am exploring DFW and searching for fun neighborhoods, restaurants, and coffee shops!

Molly Sydnor

Creative Marketing Coordinator

Inspired by personal work cultivating community in LGBTQ+ spaces, I left a six-year corporate design career to pursue nonprofit work full time. I excitedly joined the MP family in early 2021. I am thrilled to get the amazing opportunity to put HIPsters first all while learning, growing, and thriving on the marketing team.

Some might call me a wacky maximalist who loves bright colors, funky patterns, and thrifted furniture. I’m a multidisciplinary artist and dog mom of two. Born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, I am a Dallas transplant after five years in Baltimore attending The Maryland Institute College of Art. Although I do not watch sports, I will still root for the Badgers, Bucks, Brewers, and am absolutely a cheese head (Go Pack Go)! When im not running around with my partner wiping mud off giant paws, you can find me roller skating, kayaking, bleaching shirts, painting murals, or propagating and over watering my plants!

Vanessa Talamantes

Admissions Manager

Dalton Tate

Instructor

A curious traveler on a thrilling journey called life, utilizing my creativity to find unique solutions to everyday situations. I enjoy working at My Possibilities because every day is a new day – you never know what to expect. I’m also a dog dad and soon-to-be-husband to my beautiful fiancée.

Renae Torres

HIPster & Family Liaison

A driven and understanding person who is motivated to discover everyone’s untapped potential. I am a mom of 3 fur babies, a heavy metal enthusiast and a believer that the best vacations are minimal and unplanned.

Rebecca Vance

Employment Consultant

I enjoy laughing, spending time with people and encouraging others. My passion is helping individuals grow in their skills and reach their goals. Outside of work you’ll find me walking with my family, going on spontaneous adventures, trying new coffeeshops or playing with my dog, Gouda!

Lupe Vasquez

Front Desk Specialist

Blessed to work at the HIPster entrance. HIPsters have taught me how to be humble and loving. I am also a grandma who loves spending time with my grand kids.

Sandi Wagner

Program Assistant

Madison Warner

BCBA

An avid couch potato and sleep enthusiast who just wants to make the world a better place for all, using the power of behavioral science!

Dee Warren

Recreational Therapist

Jan Weenick

Front Desk Assistant

Jody Wright

Development Coordinator

As a mom to two boys and four 4-legged “children”, as well as a Peaches to 3 girls, life is always a joyous adventure. I believe you never know what someone else is going through, so just choose to be kind and support however you can!

Kyle Young

Instructor

Jamie Zozaya

Campus Life Manager

Faith is my foundation and I LOVE people! Finding strength in others brings me joy and encourager should be my name! I have a husband who supports everything I do, a daughter who loves like me, and my goal is to make sure everyone knows how priceless they truly are!