ABLE-SC.ORG - Key Persons
Abby Ritter is a disabled music therapist and activist from Worcester, MA. They completed both their bachelor's and their master's degrees from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, and have a passion for working in and with the disability community. They were previously the Youth Advisory Specialist at APRIL, and developed and ran the "Lead On" Collaborative, a leadership program for youth and young adults with disabilities across rural America. Abby serves as the secretary of the Board of Disability EmpowHer Network. They will be working with the SCPP program to create a disability-led model for the initiatives with the program.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- AmeriCorps Coordinator
As the AmeriCorps Coordinator, Aimee is responsible for coordinating, developing, and managing Able's AmeriCorps program. Previously, Aimee worked for Able SC as a Youth Transition Specialist. Aimee received her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2019.
In her free time, Aimee enjoys exploring Columbia, spending time with friends and family, and finding fun ways to stay active.
Job Titles:
- Youth Transition Specialist
Alex graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with emphasis on Recording Technology. He have experience in after school non-profit work, using music and institutional/educational systems to keep youth away from crime and progress from grade school to the collegiate level.
When not at work, Alex enjoys playing and listening to music downtown or at concert venues in Columbia and across the Carolinas. Some influential albums that have shaped him as a person are Kind of Blue - Miles Davis, Smokin' at the Half Note - Wes Montgomery, and Siembra - Ruben Blades. He is also fluent in Spanish.
"I look forward to impacting lives and being and advocate and ally for this company and community," shared Alex.
As the Grants Coordinator for Able South Carolina, Alexis manages the different aspects of the grant application, and reporting process to ensure that Able SC's many programs and initiatives remain successful and to deepen the mission and work of Able SC with the disability community.
A native to New Orleans, Alexis moved with her family to South Carolina when she was a junior in high school. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & TV Production from Savannah College of Art & Design and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California in Screenwriting. Initially, she worked in Hollywood in the film and television industry, but later transitioned into the non-profit world due to her interest in advocating and supporting children and adults with disabilities.
Alexis was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1994 and in subsequent years, other autoimmune conditions and complications followed. A forever student, she enjoys reading scientific research on chronic illness management, mental health, epigenetics, autoimmune pathogenesis, and public health. Alexis also has a silly side that enjoys making music mixes and t-shirts, dancing and drawing, as well as hosting dinner parties and movie nights with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance & Administration
As Director of Finance & Administration, Alexis can be found processing monthly grants and invoices,
Job Titles:
- Transportation Program Coordinator at Able South Carolina
Ali Ruegamer is the Transportation Program Coordinator at Able South Carolina. She oversees Able SC transportation programs in partnership with The COMET. She works with individuals with disabilities on accessing transportation and providing resources that would be their best options. She is also a Travel Trainers where she works with Groups or Individuals One-on-One on how to use public transportation, and teaches them about transit options within their area. Ali graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Converse College in Spartanburg South Carolina. After graduating college, Ali worked in the disability community as a home health personal care assistant for seven years. She worked one-on-one with consumers in their homes to ensure they were receiving proper care. She then went on to work directly with consumers at Able SC, broadening her education with continuous training. When she is not working, Ali enjoys playing video games with her Husband, putting together a puzzle, participating in various races such as 5K and 10K, or relaxing with her two cats.
Alie is passionate about empowering others to use their unique strengths and personality traits in the context of disability rights and advocacy. As someone who loves to learn new things herself, Alie -believes each person is on an individual journey of learning, self-realization, and growth; Alie thoroughly enjoys coming alongside others as a supporter and encourager! She especially enjoys showing others how disabilities can be an asset and a strength. Although Alie used to perceive her diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder as a limitation and a barrier in the past, she now believes that it has made her a fuller, brighter person with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for making things right!
Alie has a Bachelor's in Secondary English Education from Anderson University and a Master's in Social Work from Walden University. Her experience working in the field of education in varying capacities has developed the professional strengths, knowledge, and passions that have bolstered her career in disability rights advocacy.
Outside of work, Alie enjoys writing music and poetry, watching scary movies, and hanging out with her husband, toddler, baby, and three cats. Alie loves being outdoors and drinking over-priced lattes.
As Events Coordinator, Alyssa is usually found behind the scenes making sure Able SC's events are planned and executed with graceful efficiency.
Alyssa graduated with honors from Asbury University before moving to South Carolina to pursue her career in large-scale event planning.
When not working, Alyssa enjoys home improvement, working up a sweat in the garden, and basking in the warmth of the home she shares with her husband, two very small dogs, and an excellent cat.
Angel Heaven Lee is an Office Assistant in our Columbia office. She is passionate about ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to access the community and reach their goals. Angel is a member of the disabled community. She has no right leg & her arms end above her elbows. She also has ADHD and PTSD.
Angel graduated from Clemson University in 2000 with a BA in engineering. She also has AutoCAD & GIS Certification from the Computer Training Center of SCVRD. Before coming to Able SC she was a Disability & Leave Case Manager for Amazon and an Administrative Assistant at PalmettoGBA.
Angel proudly shares that she is ½ Korean, has been happily married since 2011, and is the pet parent to 7 cats, 3 dogs, a parakeet, a sugar glider, and a snake. Angel loves to travel, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, and resin creations, bake and cook, and is an avid gardener, "Anything that allows me to be creative." She also loves to sing and is a voice-over artist. She's recorded several audiobooks, IVR's, commercials for radio & even voiced for some video games. Angel describes herself as having have a silly sense of humor. She is also known to collect fun mugs and pins.
Job Titles:
- Program Administrative Coordinator
Annie Foster is a Program Administrative Coordinator and works remotely from Lexington, Kentucky. Annie began working at Able SC in 2019 as an Information & Referral Specialist in the Greenville office and now spends her time working on a variety of projects and providing behind-the-scenes support on different grants. She graduated Cum Laude from Furman University in 2016 with a degree in Spanish and then spent a year in Miami, Florida participating in a volunteer program where she worked with women and children experiencing homelessness. Annie moved back to South Carolina in 2017 and spent 2 years in Charleston working with Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina as a Volunteer Support Specialist.
Annie loves connecting with others and has a passion for working with the Hispanic Community. In her free time, she enjoys finding new restaurants to try with her husband, Austin, spending time in the mountains, and cheering on her favorite sports teams (the Carolina Panthers, North Carolina Tar Heels, and Atlanta Braves).
Job Titles:
- Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Bauer is a Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) for Able SC's WIPA Able to Work program. As a benefits counselor, he helps promote employment for people with disabilities and works to dispel myths about employment and receiving benefits. Bauer works with consumer who are curious about how working may affect their benefits and helps them understand all of the details about working while on Social Security Benefits.
Bauer worked as a receptionist for a nonprofit mail-order pharmacy for 13 years before joining Able SC. When not in the office, Bauer enjoys trips to the mountain and the beach with his wife, Sarah, or relaxing at home with their cat Morgan.
Job Titles:
- Independent Living Specialist
Brandon is an Independent Living Specialist who believes all people should be able to live independently in their community and assists people with disabilities in finding resources and learning the skills they need to achieve this.
Brandon became connected with Able as a consumer a few years after acquiring his disabilities at age 18. About a year after a head injury he received while training in the military, Brandon developed and was diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disabilities. He had very little knowledge of the disability community at the time, and did not have any disability pride in himself. He learned more about the disability community through Able and developed a passion for being involved in the psychiatric disability community. He became an AmeriCorps member at Able where he learned and became involved more in disability culture, as well as developing disability pride in himself. He then moved from the AmeriCorps program into his current Independent Living Specialist role fulltime.
When not at work Brandon likes to spend time watching professional soccer, listening to music, spending time with his cat, Smudge, and enjoys reading and writing poetry.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Brittany Higgins Terry is a graduate of Columbia College with a BA in child and family studies. She set out to become an Early Interventionist but along the way became involved with advocating for people with disabilities. She sought support from Able SC as a consumer and later became one of the first three EQUIP Coordinators. She eventually became the Travel Trainer for The COMET and five years later, the Mobility Management Specialist. During her time as the Mobility Management Specialist for Able SC through a Partnership with The COMET, Brittany strived to create a Central Midlands that considers mobility for all. Today she works as a Community Work Incentives Coordinator, helping people with disabilities navigate working or increasing their wages while maintaining their benefits. In her personal life, She is a wife, pet owner, and 'Momma Brit', as her stepson says it. She likes crafting, creative writing, and swimming.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Integration
Cali was born with low vision and grew up in the SC Midlands. She graduated from Lexington High School in 2005, and received her bachelor's in political science from Winthrop University in 2009.
In 2010, Cali started work at the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB) as an Employment Consultant. For seven years, Cali worked alongside SCCB job seekers and area employers to help individuals who have a visual disability gain employment.
In January 2018, Cali joined the Able SC team. Being passionate about helping individuals reach their highest level of independence, Cali is now the Director of Community Integration. Cali provides leadership, promotes teamwork, and helps ensure people with disabilities are connected to youth transition, employment, and transportation services. Cali also manages the day-to-day work of Able SC's Ticket to Work and SNAP2Work programs.
In her free time, Cali enjoys learning new things and being a self-described zookeeper. Cali and her family enjoy camping, fishing, and time spent on Lake Murray.
Job Titles:
- Able SC 's Mobility Management Assistant
- Mobility Management Assistant
Cason is Able SC's Mobility Management Assistant. He is responsible for helping people with disabilities learn to navigate transit systems and process requests for consumers to join Columbia's DART transit service.
Cason believes everyone has a right to inclusion. As a person with psychiatric disabilities of depression and anxiety and a physical disability his expertise goes beyond what he does for work. He lives it every day! Cason is a graduate of Midlands Technical College with a focus on Health Sciences. Before working at Able SC Cason was a volunteer, so committed he won our annual award for most reliable volunteer! He is also a graduate of our Community Leadership Academy program.
Facts about Cason: he is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians. When not at work he can be found spending time with his daughter (his mini, he says). He tries to take her on as many adventures as he can squeeze into the weekend, "I love going to different festivals/events and learning about different cultures."
Job Titles:
- Community Access Specialist
Corinne Myers serves as a Community Access Specialist at Able SC, where she plays a key role in promoting digital and architectural accessibility. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina, earned through the Advanced Standing program in 2024.
With experience in both nonprofit and government sectors, Corinne has focused on quality assurance, resource connection, and advocacy. Her lifelong commitment to creating a equitable and just society is evident in her work at Able South Carolina, where she strives to ensure equal access to opportunities for all individuals.
Corinne's background in affordable housing efforts and public health provides her with a solid foundation to address the complex challenges faced by marginalized communities. In her leisure time, she enjoys the company of her pets, Jasper, and JoJo, and can usually be found with a book in her hand.
Corrine is the Youth Program Assistant at Able South Carolina. As a member of the Youth Team, she ensures the accuracy and completion of data for our school-related programs, assists other team members with reports and other tasks as needed, and ensures documentation is accessible.
Corrine was born at 26 weeks and has overcome many obstacles throughout her life as a proud individual with several disabilities. Her passion has always been to assist and empower other individuals who have disabilities on their journey to becoming independent. Her family has always supported and encouraged her as she pursued her dreams. She first became involved with Able SC as a consumer, then she transitioned into being an EQUIP Leader in August 2016. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Erskine College in May 2017 and obtained her master's degree in social work from Winthrop University in May 2019.
During her spare time, Corrine enjoys spending time with family, reading a book, watching one of her favorite musicals, and spending time her cats (Merlin and Cass), playing video games, among other things. Her favorite cuisine is Japanese, and she also enjoys hot tea and hot chocolate, especially during winter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President of the Board
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
As Director of Strategic Initiatives, David focuses on accelerating Able South Carolina's performance through cohesive strategy planning and execution, knowledge management, and the implementation of an organizational dashboard for impact and organizational effectiveness. In addition, David is responsible for developing short and long-term milestones, goals, and new business initiatives to develop sustainable growth.
David brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience at the national, state, and local levels into the role. Most recently, David served as Director of Operations for Serve & Connect overseeing all daily administrative activities including grant resource and management as well as strategic planning for the organization.
Previously, David served as Director of Community Impact for Central Carolina Community Foundation overseeing and discretionary grant operations including criteria design, organizational outreach, fiscal management, application review and determination, and evaluation, for 10 competitive grant cycles and 200 grantees with $1.5 million in annual distribution.
David has served as the Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Children's Trust of South Carolina; as Director of Government Affairs and Policy of Washington D.C. based Voices for America's Children where he led national children's advocacy organizations for the passage of the Fostering Connections and Increasing Adoptions Act and the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, and in direct practice settings for children and families in Mississippi and Alabama.
David has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mississippi with minors in English and History, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama with a concentration in Program and Agency Administration. Additionally, Laird has received a Program Management Professional certification from the University of South Carolina.
Previously, David served as the Board President of Able SC and Columbia Opportunity Resource with additional board service on multiple state and national organizations.
He is a 2010-11 South Carolina Education Police Fellow and a 2011 graduate of Clemson at the Falls Leadership Institute.
Job Titles:
- Student Engagement Coordinator
Diane is originally from New York State and she decided she had seen enough snow for a lifetime so she now resides in Myrtle Beach South Carolina and has for over 20 years. Diane has worked in some form of disability services for over 12 years and received her Master's Degree in Counseling Studies. She is very passionate about advocacy and educating her community on disability rights. Outside of work, Diane can be found hanging out with her dog and cat. Her dream is to have an animal rescue farm one day and offer employment opportunities for several members of the community.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Community Education
Dori believes that everyone can work together to unlock barriers and create positive change in the community! It's never more evident as she networks in the community in her role as the Senior Director of Community Education for Able SC with her sidekick, her service dog Shack. She actively works to build connections with a variety of community agencies as well as state and federal entities to provide resources and tools for individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals of independent living. Dori is responsible for coordinating trainings, webinars, and community events that emphasize the importance of individuals with disabilities being included in the community, as well as promoting access for all! Dori graduated from Johns Hopkins University with an MS in Counseling and, prior to joining the team at Able SC, worked as a teacher for twelve years. Her enthusiasm for educating and empowering people shines through as she provides presentations on Diversity and Inclusion, using both her personal experience and knowledge gained as both a graduate and a faculty member of the Georgetown University Leadership Academy. Dori passionately works to promote disability rights by engaging the individual, professional, and community to promote dialogue for an interactive experience. With over 20 years of education and training experience within the public and private sectors, Dori has focused primarily on interpersonal communication skills, conflict resolution, empowerment, and pride in oneself, including disability. The employment rights of individuals with disabilities are instrumental in including everyone in the workforce; Dori works with agencies that provide employment services to empower people with disabilities to sustain competitive employment. As a four-year facilitator of the Community Leadership Academy, she is committed to helping leaders unleash their full potential within a diverse and rapidly changing societal landscape. Each year, Dori trains hundreds of individuals all over the state, including people with disabilities, community businesses, organizations, service providers, and federal as well as state agencies. She created the emergency preparedness training for county managers and responders with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Mass Care Management Training with the Department of Social Services, DHEC, and the American Red Cross. Let's all be prepared! Health and wellness are two dynamic topics to Dori because people with disabilities are seven times more likely to develop chronic health conditions; Dori oversees the Inclusive Health Coalition in South Carolina along with the National Council on Physical Health, Activity, and Disability. Her efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services drive her enthusiasm for this project. Dori also serves on the SC Disabilities Voting Coalition, SC Emergency Planning Committee for People with Functional Needs, and the Person-Centered Planning Workgroup. Dori has been instrumental in the development and implementation of several national pilot curricula for individuals with disabilities for NCIL, APRIL, SC LEND, and UCEDD programs focusing on the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities, including person-centered planning, sex education, and violence prevention against people with disabilities. This year, Dori developed and provides training instruction for the Attorney General's Office VAWA on the intersection of violence and disability. Dori loves what she does, and always expresses herself with a "Woo Hoo," to foster community integration and collaboration!
Job Titles:
- Disability Health Equity Coordinator
- Key Member of the Public Health Team at Able SC
As a key member of the Public Health team at Able SC, Ebony Deloach is responsible for evaluating and implementing public health programs across South Carolina to ensure equitable access for people with disabilities.
She is a passionate advocate for healthcare access, drawing on her lived experience to champion the rights of the disability community. Ebony collaborates closely with various public health services, supports, and organizations to ensure that healthcare services are delivered equitably to all.
A native of Ridgeland, SC, Ebony is acutely aware of the healthcare disparities in rural areas and is a vocal advocate for change. She holds a BA in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services from the University of South Carolina, Aiken.
Job Titles:
- Lead Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Liz is our Lead Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) for Able SC's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Able to Work Program. She is certified through VCU's National Training and Data Center. She has a passion for promoting employment for people with disabilities and working to provide accurate information about the intersection of work and benefits. She pioneered using simple language to make complex information as accessible as possible with a previous employer. She has an extensive background in Social Security Disability benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and other state and federal benefit programs.
Liz brings a unique approach to this work with a Bachelor's degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from North Central University (Minneapolis, MN), a Masters of Divinity from Bethel Seminary, and chaplaincy training. She previously worked for five years at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in St. Paul, MN, in their Information and Referral Department. She helped create a new role within that department that specialized in Work and Benefits planning, in which she worked very closely with the Minnesota State Department of Human Services. In that role, she provided services under the SGA Project, which was a study conducted by the Institute for Community Inclusion. This study looked at the significance of including benefits planning services early on in the Vocational Rehabilitation process. She has also worked to provide benefits planning services under several other state Vocational Rehabilitation contracts, including Florida, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
Liz knows firsthand what it is like to live with a disability and is married to a wonderful husband and together they have a very sweet toddler. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, playing games, and spending time in nature.
Job Titles:
- Independent Living Specialist
Ella's journey with Able SC began in 2011 when she acquired her disability and sought peer support. She learned to use assistive technology and embraced disability pride and independence. In 2015, Ella was a youth speaker at Able SC's Advocacy Day for Access and Independence. She participated in South Carolina's Youth Leadership Forum in 2020. In 2022, Ella started work at Able SC through the AmeriCorps Program. Her dedication to independent living and disability pride led to her current role as an Independent Living Specialist. Ella is passionate about teaching the independent living philosophy and equipping people with disabilities with the skills they need to live independently and thrive.
Job Titles:
- Chief Quality Officer
- Vice President
As Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Forrest handles quality assurance for many of Able SC's programs and works with staff to ensure that we have clear processes and tools to manage various projects. Forrest graduated with honors from Asbury University and received his master's degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. In 2018, he received a Project Management Certificate from the University of South Carolina. He worked in education before coming to Able SC.
When Forrest is not at work, you will typically find him playing games with friends, listening to podcasts, and exploring South Carolina with his wife.
Grace Trumpower has worked with Able SC since 2016. They started their career as an Equip mentor. They have worked 1:1 with youth with disabilities as a mentor. They have written blog posts about various topics relevant to youth with disabilities. They have served on the board of the National Council of Independent Living. They have spoken at Able SC's Advocacy Day twice, and they enjoy writing poetry about life with a disability.
Grace is especially passionate about equal education opportunities for students with disabilities and equal opportunity employment. Grace has advocated on behalf of students with disabilities by speaking to the SC Department of Education, using their lived experience as a public school student in South Carolina.
Grace is now a Youth Program Assistant. They work behind the scenes updating the curriculum, writing for the youth newsletter, and assisting the Youth Team with various tasks.
Outside of work, Grace enjoys volunteering to improve accessibility at a local university, watching movies, and reading queer romance and science fiction novels.
Grace is a middle child and has two siblings. Grace is proud to live independently in her own apartment, which was built to accommodate people with IDD. They have four housemates and a dog named Duke.
Job Titles:
- Youth Transition Specialist
As a Youth Transition Specialist, Hannah Wood advocates for local teenagers and helps them achieve their post-secondary school goals. Watching her mother's struggle to receive proper medical care fueled her passion to help others in this field. She graduated from Lee High School before moving on to Southwestern University, where she received her Bachelor's degree. Her previous experience includes tutoring at Roosevelt High, something she believes will assist her here at Able. In her free time, she loves to write and pet dogs.
Job Titles:
- Youth Independent Living Specialist
As a Youth Independent Living Specialist, Holden assists youth with disabilities in learning essential living skills, and interdependence.
Knowing he is working to help others is important to Holden. That's what keeps him going every day. He's always strived for equality and including intersectionality in activism and working within the disability rights community has helped him put those into practice. Holden is a person with autism, something he found out at 16. Holden was homeschooled throughout his childhood years. In the process, he learned about java programming, graphic design, and game mechanics design through courses by Youth Digital. He's also taken an advanced course in WWII history through the Great Courses (now called Wondrium), and is certified to teach about the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as completed a curriculum in Supported Decision Making which qualifies him to teach his peers about the topic. He has experience working with nonprofits prior to Able. From age 16-18 he volunteered at his local animal shelter. Holden likes to play chess, write stories (one over 50k words long!) and enjoys both playing and modding video games. He has a fascination with game mechanics, democracy, graphing data, and history.
Holden was previously an Equip Leader with Able SC. Holden is also a youth ambassador for the Center for Youth Voice Youth Choice, an Alumni Representative for AYLF, and a volunteer for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. He was also a part of the AmeriCorps program. And is seeking to use the education fund reward from his service there to get a degree in Social Work, which is his dream for the future.
As the Administrative Assistant Hope is one of the first people you will come in contact with when visiting or calling Able SC! She has been with the organization since 2009 and has a laundry list of duties that help the staff stay on track. Much of her day is spent working to make things run smoothly from calls, verifying benefits, data entry, mailing, copying, as well as helping caption Able SC videos and ensuring digital presentations are accessible.
She was born in Colorado Springs, but has lived in Columbia, SC all her life. She went to technical school for Computer Administration in 2003. She loves to read, write, and sing (although she claims her singing is just a joyful noise). She loves pasta and is a huge Gamecock fan!
Job Titles:
- Youth Transition Specialist
Isabelle is a Youth Transition Specialist in our Columbia Office. She travels the state to connect with students in the classroom to teach them transition skills from a disability lens. Isabelle is passionate about teaching and modeling advocacy skills to consumers and joining the efforts to spread the Independent Living Philosophy across the state as a disabled person. She is interested in policy activism, interacting with lawmakers and stakeholders, and showing youth with disabilities that they can be a part of politics too.
She is originally from the Appalachian region of Virginia but fell in love with South Carolina and South Carolinians during college and began her mission to serve our beautiful state and its people. Isabelle is a part of the hard-of-hearing community and is proud of the skills she has learned, how she has developed, and the disability pride she has gained since becoming a part of the community in her adolescence.
Isabelle graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Social Work with a specialization in Non-Profit Management and Policy Practice from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She comes to Able SC with previous experience as a Project Manager from a global research institution, a healthcare research project coordinator, and a policy, administration, and marketing intern with Project Search SC. While not at work, Isabelle spends her time with her partner cooking, playing video games, and exploring every community festival she can find. She's close with her family, loves getting food with her friends and volunteering in her local community.
Job Titles:
- Independent Living Specialist
Jayden is an Independent Living Specialist at Able SC's Greenville office. As an Autistic person, Jayden enjoys getting to connect with other people with disabilities while empowering them to take agency over their own life and improve the skills necessary to live independently. Jayden is passionate about destroying societal stereotypes surrounding disability and helping others realize that with the proper support and accommodations, people with disabilities can do so much more than people often give them credit for.
Jayden earned their M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College where their research focused on college students with disabilities' perceptions of support from their college or university during the Covid-19 pandemic. They also hold a B.S. in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Prior to joining the team at Able SC, Jayden spent six years working for a university office of disability services.
In their free time, Jayden enjoys playing old Pokémon games on their Nintendo DS, cross-stitching, solving puzzles and "brain games," and being a servant to their Persian cat.
Job Titles:
- Director of Information and Referral
As Director of Information and Referral, Jennifer manages the Information & Referral and Assistive Technology programs, assists with volunteers, and helps build relationships with community partners. She also helps keep the Greenville office organized and structured. Jennifer is passionate about connecting individuals to the right resources and services and helping create a more inclusive world.
Although located in the Greenville office, Jennifer was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Education from Harvard University. Before working for Able SC, she served as a Mandarin immersion teacher in the States, a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher in China, a school administrator, and an Executive Assistant/Office Administrator at the SC Council of Competitiveness.
Jennifer likes to refer to herself as an ABC (American-born Chinese). She previously lived in China for about 6 years and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. She enjoys baking, cooking, eating good food, working on random crafts, and organizing in her free time. She is obsessed with sunscreen and has a gray and white cat named Brie.
Job Titles:
- Community Work Incentives Coordinator
Julia Hartman is a Community Work Incentives Coordinator at Able SC. She enjoys helping people figure out how working impacts their benefits and explains how different benefit programs work. As a wheelchair user, her expertise goes beyond her professional experience.
Julia is passionate about employment opportunities for the disability community as she has faced barriers in the past. She advocates to make sure that others do not run into the same obstacles and perceptions that she did. She is on the board of APSE Youth & Transition Committee and the South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition (SCDEC). She also has her peer support certification from the Georgia Peer Support Project.
When not working Julia enjoys reading and making jewelry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President of the Board
Job Titles:
- Community Training Coordinator
As the Community Training Coordinator, Keri Driggers mixes their passion, knowledge, and experience in advocacy with Able SC's wealth of expertise to bring disability pride and culture to the nation, state, and local area of Greenville, SC. Keri provides outreach, training, and technical assistance to the community, assists consumers with their employment goals, and advocates for their rights.
Originally from a small town in South Carolina, Keri moved to the Upstate in 2007 to attend school and gain more independence in their life. Keri likes to say that they took the "long way around" to completing their degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate in Nonprofit Administration and Psychology after trying out several majors and various universities. It wasn't until Keri started working for a local group home that they discovered the beautiful complexity of working in the nonprofit world. They are an avid supporter of the nonprofit field and always say that organizations in this field do the "heart work" that is necessary to create a better world for all people.
Prior to coming to Able South Carolina, Keri worked with children involved in the foster care system, LGBT+ businesses in the Upstate (as a co-founder of the new LGBT Chamber of Commerce in the Upstate), the justice-involved, women who are recovering from drug addictions, veterans, and those with psychiatric disabilities.
After decades of fighting for their own rights and needs in places of employment, Keri is ecstatic to bring education and exposure to businesses and organizations around the country.
Kim Martinez-Ward brings over 30 years of experience as a Non-Profit Executive with a focus on social and human service organizations. As a director of development, she has expertise in implementing annual and capital fundraising plans, strategic analysis, major donor cultivation and solicitation, and establishing development procedures to maximize effective operations and communications. Kim became passionate about charity work when she was a teenager. Inspired by working alongside her parents serving migrant families in the labor camps and farms in California, Kim quickly developed a deep desire for charitable work. This resolve stuck with her through college, leading her into a career with the Girl Scouts of the USA, followed by several human, social, and community organizations in Arizona, California, Oregon, Florida, and South Carolina.
Kim earned a BA degree from Arizona State University and a BS degree from St Johns River State College. She and her husband live in the Upstate of SC along with her college-age son. She enjoys providing volunteer leadership with the Piedmont Chapter of AFP; the Upstate Girls on the Run; and a Jacksonville, FL, non-profit Runners 4 Recovery.
Kim leads Able SC resource development and donor communications efforts as Director of Development.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- President and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of Able SC
Kimberly Tissot proudly serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Able SC where she guides the staff in applying the philosophy of independent living to real situations. Kimberly believes in the value of individualized and community-based empowerment as she wants people to recognize their full potential. Under Kimberly's leadership, Able SC has experienced years of growth, success and has become a nationally recognized Center for Independent Living. Kimberly's road to disability rights began at an early age, after having her leg amputated from a rare childhood cancer, Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Kimberly began deciding her style of mobility, becoming the first soccer player with a disability in her town, and speaking up anytime she was treated differently. Kimberly has over 20 years of experience advocating for disability inclusion on a local, state, and federal level, and also internationally!
Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development from Boston University, Wheelock College of Education, and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. In 2017, Kimberly led the efforts in the passing of progressive legislation in South Carolina, "Persons with Disabilities Right to Parent Act" and in 2018, and in 2022, ending subminimum wage in South Carolina. Kimberly mentors other Centers for Independent Living across the nation due to her marked success in the field. She also serves as an executive director mentor to other South Carolina nonprofit organizations via the state's nonprofit association. In addition to Kimberly's role at Able SC, she has successfully held multiple state-appointed responsibilities and serves on various state and national committees. Kimberly was also the mastermind behind several statewide initiatives that have led to major systems change in South Carolina. Those efforts include SC's first statewide youth transition conference, Advocacy Day for Access and Independence, SC Disability Employment Coalition, SC Disability Partners in Disasters to name a few.
Kimberly's special interests include parenting with a disability, ADA/Civil Rights, engaging in early youth transition, universal design, developing new disability rights leaders, legislative disability rights advocacy, and advancing disability employment and awareness. When Kimberly isn't at Able SC, she is making precious memories with her husband and son!
Job Titles:
- Director of Independent Living Services for Able SC
As the Director of Independent Living Services for Able SC, Laquanda is a very busy bee. She supervises the Independent Living Specialists in both the Columbia and Greenville offices, ensuring deadlines are met, and protocol is followed concerning consumers. She is also the Transition Coordinator with the Department of Health and Human Services and Home Again Transition Coordinator, helping consumers leave nursing homes. She is SC Thrive certified, meaning she is able to help people apply for government benefits.
Laquanda is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University and went on to earn her master's degree in government at Regent University. She wanted to go to law school but saw that help was needed more in the grassroots setting and applied to Able SC right after school.
Laquanda was recognized as Educator of the Year by the Autism Society in 2015 and received the Governor's Employment Achievement Award in 2014. Laquanda loves spending time with her two children and her husband. She's a huge Gamecock fan and loves going to comic con events. She is more than likely the first one on the dance floor.
Job Titles:
- Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Independent Living Officer
Larry has worked in the Independent Living community for over the last 25 years. This includes direct service, management, and executive roles at Centers for Independent Living and State Independent Living Councils in Michigan, Arizona, and California. He received a bachelor's degree and nonprofit management from the University of Phoenix.
Prior to working in the Independent Living community, Larry held various positions in the radio and journalism business. Notably, he maintained a website and produced a radio program and podcast called DisabilityNation from 2006 to 2009. This program highlighted disability issues from a national perspective and covered a number of News and feature stories.
Larry has worked extensively in the area of community organizing on issues ranging from access and expansion of public transportation to disability rights, and others. He has served on the board of both the National Council on Independent Living, (NCIL), and the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, (APRIL).
Outside of work Larry enjoys reading, computers, technology, running, and is a sports fan. He has completed four marathons, including the New York City Marathon in 2014.
Job Titles:
- Pre - Employment Transition Services Coordinator
- Pre - ETS Coordinator
As the Pre-ETS Coordinator, Lindsay works with schools across the state and facilitates courses, where students learn important skills such as building independent living, self-advocacy, and work readiness skills. Lindsay Miller received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 2018. Prior to her work with Able South Carolina, Lindsay taught students in Montessori classrooms and has worked with senior citizens in the Columbia area.
Lindsay loves to spend her free time at home with her husband Cody, her cats Blueberry and Pumpkin, and her dog Finn.
As Executive Assistant, Lori is responsible for assisting President & CEO, Kimberly Tissot, with daily schedules, supporting staff with administrative needs, and a myriad of projects within the organization.
Lori holds a 25-year employment career in the field of Administration and is experienced in, both, private and non-profit sectors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Public Health & Disability Integration
As the Director of Public Health and Disability Integration, Mandy is responsible for the evaluation, development, and implementation of public health programs in South Carolina to ensure equitable access for people with disabilities. She works with various public health services, supports, and organizations to ensure the delivery of healthcare services, assistive technology, and transition and diversion programs to the disability community.
Mandy graduated from the University of South Carolina. She earned a certification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from Upstream, a Center for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. She is a graduate of the SC Diversity Leaders Institute from the Riley Institute at Furman University & a founding member of the non-profit SC Women in Leadership; Mandy serves as the Vice-Chair of the SC DMH State Planning Council, the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council as well as the SC Department of Mental Health 988 Advisory Board. Mandy is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid by the National Council of Mental Wellbeing and is a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Action Council for Cross Cultural Mental Health & Human Services and Latino Community Development. Mandy is passionately dedicated to advancing health equity for people with disabilities and all marginalized communities.
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- Information and Referral Specialist
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- Director of Employment Programs
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- Chief Public Relations Officer
- Vice President
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- Director of Community Access
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- Violence Prevention & Survivor Services Coordinator
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- Pathways Project Director
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- Vice President and Chief Community Integration Program Officer
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- Chief Operating Officer
- Senior Vice President
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- Independent Living Specialist
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- Director of Capacity Building
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- Youth Independent Living Specialist
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- Greenville Office Assistant
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- Director of Youth Transition Programs