TERREBONNE ARC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- QDDP Supervisor / CARF / Intake Specialist
Before beginning her career at TARC, Danielle worked as a Behavior Shaping Specialist at Beaujolais Community Home for 3 years while she attended Nicholls State University where she received a B.A. in Psychology.
Her love of working with people with I/DD brought and led her to TARC in 2004. During her career, Danielle has fulfilled multiple roles such as Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP), QDDP Supervisor, CARF/QA/Trainer, and Residential Director.
Currently, she is the QDDP Supervisor/CARF/Intake Specialist in which she oversees client services, CARF accreditation, and intake/admissions services.
When Danielle is not working, she loves spending time with her family. "My greatest accomplishments are my two beautiful children. They are really good kids with big hearts and share the same passion for service as me. They make me proud."
"Every day is a new adventure. I never know what I'll be getting into on a daily basis! I may be driving a box truck in the morning, waiting tables at lunchtime, and sorting clothing in the afternoon. All through it all, I am working alongside some of the most genuine people in the parish."
Before beginning her career at TARC, Danielle worked as a Behavior Shaping Specialist at Beaujolais Community Home for 3 years while she attended Nicholls State University where she received a B.A. in Psychology. Her love of working with … Read More
Joining TARC as Director of Finance five years ago, Deanna continues TARC's stellar financial reputation with deficiency free audits and supports the direction and mission of this 11 million dollar non-profit agency. Deanna's background as an Accountant at Bourgeois Bennett Certified Public Accountants/Consultants for 12 ½ years makes her a perfect fit at TARC by bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the daily operations at TARC.
Deanna oversees TARC's Finance and Accounting department and controls the accounting and finance functions of the entire organization. She also reports operational results and analysis, provides internal accounting and operational control systems.
She is essential to TARC's daily operations by playing a pivotal role at TARC ensuring the highest quality standards of integrity and honesty in all of TARC's financial matters.
Joining TARC as Director of Finance five years ago, Deanna continues TARC's stellar financial reputation with deficiency free audits and supports the direction and mission of this 11 million dollar non-profit agency. Deanna's background … Read More
Job Titles:
- Director of Division 3 / Marketing
Erica knew she wanted to work at TARC since she was 15 years old. In high school, she volunteered as a Special Olympics coach for 3 years in Track and Field and Softball, and realized then that she wanted to work with people with developmental disabilities.
After graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, Erica traveled nationally for Theta Phi Alpha as a Traveling Educational Consultant. Upon receiving national nonprofit experience, Erica joined Terrebonne Arc in 2006 as an Adult Services Manager/Marketing and later becoming Director of Division 3/Marketing.
During her 14 years at TARC, Erica has been instrumental in developing TARC's online marketing through websites, an online store, email marketing, and social media. In addition, she has developed TARC's print media through membership newsletters, annual reports, numerous publications, brochures, a TARC cookbook, and numerous other projects.
Currently, Erica supervises the Options Plus Community Day program, Houma Grown Salsas & Pepper Jelly business, Art Department, and Creative Employment Opportunities Supported Employment department. Erica also co-advises TARC's Let's Get Together and Aktion Club.
In 2010, Erica was chosen as the ARC of Louisiana's Professional of the Year.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the capacity that I do at TARC. Every minute is "play" to me because I am doing what I love with the population I love. This is truly my "Disney World", and at TARC, this is definitely where many dreams and opportunities do come true, including mine.
Erica knew she wanted to work at TARC since she was 15 years old. In high school, she volunteered as a Special Olympics coach for 3 years in Track and Field and Softball, and realized then that she wanted to work with people with … Read More
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resoures
With over 30 years of experience in the Human Resources field, Herb joined TARC's Leadership Team in 2018. He oversees and is responsible for Human Resources, Safety and Environmental, Risk Management, and Purchasing.
Before working at TARC, Herb held positions of Corporate Human Resources Manager and Corporate Employee Relations Manager with Gulf Island Fabrication.
Herb says that what brought him to TARC was because it is a small organization allowing employees to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
As Director of Human Resources, Herb says that he is focused on moving established programs forward and consider new avenues of acquiring and retaining employees.
In his spare time, Herb serves on the Board of Trustees for United Way of South Louisiana. In addition, he is a certified Quality ISO Auditor.
With over 30 years of experience in the Human Resources field, Herb joined TARC's Leadership Team in 2018. He oversees and is responsible for Human Resources, Safety and Environmental, Risk Management, and Purchasing. Before working at … Read More
Job Titles:
- Director of Residential Services
- Registered Nurse
- Member of the Thibodaux Service League
Kristy Naquin Harson is the Registered Nurse and Director of Residential Services at Terrebonne Arc. She is responsible for individualized medical services, as well as directing the overall care of TARC's residential services which include community homes, supported independent living, and in-home services.
Kristy is a native of Houma and a resident of Thibodaux. She is a 1989 graduate of Central Lafourche High School and received her Nursing degree from Nicholls State University in 1994.
Prior to joining Terrebonne Arc in 2012, Kristy has worked in a multitude of different nursing settings including nursing education, post-op surgery, school nursing, as well as home health and hospice.
Kristy is a member of the Thibodaux Service League, where she volunteers personal time to her community.
Kristy Naquin Harson is the Registered Nurse and Director of Residential Services at Terrebonne Arc. She is responsible for individualized medical services, as well as directing the overall care of TARC's residential services which include … Read More
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- TARC Executive Director
Mary Lynn Bisland is the Executive Director of Terrebonne Arc in Houma, Louisiana. Prior to this position, Mary Lynn was a Special Education teacher and a Community Outreach Director at TARC. Chasing her passion of working with individuals with disabilities, Mary Lynn creates instrumental changes at Terrebonne Arc leading by her charisma and professional style.
Mary Lynn is an involved community servant as well. She is a member of the State and Regional Advisory Committee on behalf of the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, the President of the Houma Rotary Club, a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, a member of NCE and the Louisiana Conference of Executives of the Arc, and a member of the Houma Convention and Visitors Bureau board.
She has earned a Masters in Education degree in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Home Economics Education from Nicholls State University.
Mary Lynn Bisland is the Executive Director of Terrebonne Arc in Houma, Louisiana. Prior to this position, Mary Lynn was a Special Education teacher and a Community Outreach Director at TARC. Chasing her passion of working with … Read More
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Secretary
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- President
Job Titles:
- Director of Transportation, Maintenance, and Supply
For over 25 years, Rodger Shelton has directed and managed a fleet of transportation buses and vehicles as well as thousands of maintenance requests on the grounds of Terrebonne ARC. Working up the administration line, Rodger began TARC as a bus driver and now oversees a fleet of 33 TARC vehicles and 13 transportation staff. He has implemented much growth in these departments while assisting in a department wide development of procedural manuals.
in 2012, Rodger was recognized by the Arc of Louisiana with the state's "Embracing the Vision" award, recognizing Rodger for his coordination of extra curricular activities for our male participants that include a bowling league team and fishing trips to Grand Isle.
Over the years, Rodger has become a leading expert in his field. He has a Class B CDL with Air Brakes, Passenger, School Bus, and Tanker endorsements. In addition, Rodger is a certified instructor in the following: Certified School Bus Defensive Driver, Van Driver Defensive Driver, NSC 4 Hour Defensive Driver, Q-Straint trained as 4-point tie down instructor, Drug and Alcohol Substance Abuse Awareness Trainer, and Certified Forklift Driver Instructor, and has chaired and co-chaired TARC's Safety Committee.
Rodger has been trained in LaDOTD Vehicle Maintenance, American with Disabilities Act Course Trained, Nation Safety Council (NSC) trained in "Prevention of Slips, Trips, and Falls, NSC trained in Basics of Safety Performance for Small Business, LaDEQ trained for Rules and Regulations for Underground Storage Tanks.
In addition, to his duties as a director, Rodger enjoys being involved in our community as an Office of Homeland Security FEMA Mass Prophylaxis POD Manager, Department of Public Safety Office of State Police Inspection Station Mechanic Inspector, as a 2009 Graduate of Leadership Terrebonne, assists in the formation of Emergency State Wide Evacuation Criteria for ARCs of Louisiana, LaDOTD Vehicle Spec Committee Member, active member of LaDOTD SAFETY-LU, and a LaDOTD Vehicle Grant writer.
For over 25 years, Rodger Shelton has directed and managed a fleet of transportation buses and vehicles as well as thousands of maintenance requests on the grounds of Terrebonne ARC. Working up the administration line, Rodger began TARC as … Read More
Job Titles:
- Traveling Educational Consultant
Job Titles:
- Director of TARC Enterprises Div. 1 & 2
Since graduating from college, Tiffany always knew she wanted to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career working as a QMRP at Lafourche ARC for 2 years and as a Case Manager for 1 year. … Read More
Since graduating from college, Tiffany always knew she wanted to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career working as a QMRP at Lafourche ARC for 2 years and as a Case Manager for 1 year. She also interned at Options for Independence working with children with mental illnesses. Now with TARC for over 13 years, Tiffany has filled multiple roles such as Residential and Community Outreach QMRP , QMRP Supervisor, and now Director of TARC Enterprises Division 2.
As Director of TARC Enterprises Division 2, Tiffany oversees Cajun Confections Candy, Bon Appetit Cafeteria, TARC Restaurant & Gift Shop, Buy-U Beads, (4) Cedar Chest Boutiques, Cedar Chest Donation Center, Cedar Chest Donation Crews, Grand Designs, Bayouland Yard Krewe, Lagniappe Cleaning Company and the QDDP division.
"I am so proud to work for an organization such as TARC. TARC has taught me to focus on the person's ability instead of the person's disability. We have developed a variety of jobs for the individuals we serve, which gives them choices to work where they want to work. Our number one priority is ensuring that all individuals who receive services from TARC enjoy a meaningful life."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice - President