Bio for Krystle Holmes-Gay
Krystle Holmes-Gay, LMSW is a dedicated Housing Educator at SOS Care, specializing in supportive housing and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. She also serves as Chair of the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH). With a strong background in clinical social work and child and family therapy, Krystle brings extensive experience in outreach, education, and system navigation. Her work focuses on increasing access to stable housing and empowering underserved communities. Krystle is a dynamic presenter committed to fostering collaboration and social change.
Bio for Bency Beals
Bency Beals is a Leadership Trainer, Coach, and Speaker with over 20 years of experience developing high-performing teams across corporate, education, and nonprofit sectors. As the Founder of Ignite Leadership Solutions and an Executive Director with Maxwell Leadership, Bency equips leaders to grow from the inside out—focusing on mindset, resilience, and purpose. Her workshops are known for being engaging, practical, and deeply inspiring. Bency has a Masters in Organizational Leadership and formerly served as a school board member. She is passionate about helping individuals lead themselves well so they can positively impact those they serve.
Bio for Wynn Godbold
Wynn Godbold is a certified John Maxwell Leadership trainer, coach, and speaker (2015). With a background in education, she engages audiences through active, social learning. She authored How to Be a Great Teacher (2014) and is writing a book for lung transplant caregivers.
Through Bee Sharp Professional Training, Wynn delivers leadership and communication training, business coaching, and employee development programs. Since 2004, she has helped businesses and nonprofits nationwide achieve measurable growth.
Known for her sweet Southern charm and kick-butt honesty, Wynn inspires action and transformation—helping people turn their “impossible” dreams into I’m Possible lives.
Bio for Elizabeth Power
Elizabeth Power, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of The Trauma Informed Academy® in Nashville TN. Her work in trauma-responsive emotional intelligence is in use on every continent except Antarctica. She is an Adjunct instructor in Psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center, and a Fulbright Specialist in Trauma Informed Care. Her clients include the National Center for PTSD, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Hope School in Zambia, Ruffner Academy in Norfolk, the education departments at multiple residential treatment programs, healthcare facilities and more. Her work with those with IDD focuses on trauma-responsive natural supports education and helping staff become trauma-responsive. She is a frequent author and presenter, and when she’s not delivering her engaging and interactive programs to skilled helping professionals or community members, you’ll find her in her garden.
Bio for Dr. Earl Suttle (Abbreviated)
Dr. Earl Suttle is the CEO and founder of Leadership Success International, LLC, an international consulting and training company based in Atlanta, GA. Through his live seminars, webinars, and private executive coaching sessions, Dr. Earl has empowered thousands of individuals to achieve greater success and enabled companies to become world-class.
As a leadership advisor, his clients include Delta Air Lines, American Express, AT&T, AFLAC Insurance, Toyota, University of Georgia, Walmart, and Kimberly Clark Corporation. He is also a consultant to the NBA, NFL, and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and works on a personal level with the athletes.
Dr. Earl is a highly sought-after speaker and author of 12 best-selling books and numerous CDs on leadership.
Bio for Mr. Benard Johnson
Bernard was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and in October of 2020, he retired from Boeing Aerospace Company. He has a 38-year-old daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and is currently serving as the Executive Director of The Arc of the Low Country.
His greatest fear is that parents and caregivers of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are trapped in the day-to-day routines of meeting the needs of their loved ones, but with planning, the dormant future mountain of stress, anxiety, and depression can be lowered.
Bio for Mr. Omar Chirinos-
Omar Chirinos, Senior Director of Information and Enabling Technology for the Charles Lea Center, specializes in creating new innovative ways to use Assistive Technology. He has an Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Science with a Concentration in Cyber and Information Security Technology. To stay abreast of new technology, he regularly attends technology conferences to implement new technology trends within the Charles Lea Center and partnering agencies. Omar is a strong believer of empowering and enriching people with the use of technology.
Previously, Omar worked as a Quality Analyst at Walmart Distribution where he was employed with the distribution for fifteen years. During his tenure with Walmart Distribution, he was one of the first to help initiate and implement Wal-mart.com shopping experience. He also led the Quality Analyst team while ensuring customers received quality products.
Bio for Vanessa Pressley
Vanessa Pressley is the Senior Director of Community Supports – Day and Employment Services at the Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With a career marked by dedication and versatility, Vanessa has served in multiple leadership roles within the organization, including Area Manager, Inside Sales Coordinator, and Plant Manager. In each position, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering individuals by building meaningful relationships and helping them identify and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Service Counseling from Liberty University. Her passion lies in helping people overcome perceived obstacles and discover pathways to fulfilling their dreams. Through her work, Vanessa continues to be a catalyst for positive change, championing inclusive opportunities and successful outcomes for the individuals she supports.
Bio for Lakeila Jeter
Lakeila Jeter is the Senior Director for Supportive Living at the Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With a deep commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, Lakeila has served in various capacities at CLC, including roles in Residential Services and the Awareness, Prevention, and Reporting departments.
She is a certified Enabling Technology Integration Specialist through SHIFT, leveraging innovative tools to enhance independence and quality of life for those she supports. Lakeila holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of South Carolina Upstate and a Master of Arts in Human Services with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University.
Driven by a passion for person-centered care, Lakeila is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities individuals need to make informed life choices and achieve their personal goals—utilizing technology as a powerful enabler of autonomy and self-determination.
Bio for Ravin Jackson
Ravin Jackson is a disability rights activist. Ravin began his advocacy work at a young age speaking at church functions to educate people about the challenges he faced due to his Cerebral Palsy. Ravin has made efforts to educate people on what it is like to have a disability by speaking at various functions and through a podcast shared on Facebook. Ravin Jackson is the President of Fairfield Winners Self Advocacy Team at the Fairfield County Disabilities and Special Needs Board. Ravin’s work is rooted in the belief that sharing disability stories can lead to better understanding and a more accessible world.
Bio for Ley Linder
Ley is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with an academic and professional background in gerontology and applied behavior analysis. Ley’s specialties include behavioral gerontology and the behavioral presentations of neurocognitive disorders, in addition to working with high-management behavioral needs for dually diagnosed persons. He works closely with national organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices. Ley received the 2024 American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry “Excellence in IDD Journalism Award” for his ongoing contribution to HELEN: The Journal of Human Exceptionality.
Bio for Stacey Jordan
My name is Stacey Jordan, and I am a compassionate professional with 20 years of experience in the field of ID/RD. For the past 18 years, I have proudly served with the Georgetown County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, where I currently hold the position of Assistant to the Executive Director, Director of Day Services and a CRCF administrator.
My journey in this field has been rooted in a deep passion for advocating for individuals with special needs and ensuring that each person receives the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
I am a wife and proud mother of 3 children, ages 21, 17, and 3, and a bonus mom to my 15-year-old son.
Bio for Derek Smoot
Derek Smoot, Director of Operations, is originally from Maryland and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland. Since relocating to Columbia in 2018, he has dedicated his leadership at The Arc of South Carolina to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Bio for Terry Snow
Terry is the Senior Director of Residential Support at the Babcock Center, bringing over 28 years of dedicated experience empowering people with lifelong disabilities. Her journey began in 1997 as a Residential Caregiver at the Kershaw County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, where her passion for advocacy and independence took root. Over the years, Terry has worn many hats, including Direct Support Professional, Lead DSP, Residential Supervisor, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), Consumer Advocate, Residential Director, and Director of Compliance, gaining deep experience in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs). Known for her hands-on leadership and commitment, Terry continues to actively promote person-centered support, helping individuals live more independently and with greater dignity each day.
Bio for Camaila Stevens
Camaila is a Residential Director at the Babcock Center with over a decade of experience in supporting individuals with disabilities. She began her journey in 2012 as a Human Services Assistant at the Midlands and Pee Dee Regional Centers, where she discovered her passion for building meaningful relationships and empowering those she supports. Since joining the Babcock Center in 2017, Camaila has steadily advanced through roles including Residential House Manager, Residential Coordinator, QIDP, and Lead Coordinator, each one deepening her commitment to quality support and team leadership. Her passion lies in helping people form real connections, strengthen life skills, and live with dignity and purpose.
Bio for Johnathon Crumely
Johnathon has over 20 years working in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. For many years he was the Vice President of Operations for a large Support Coordination agency in Georgia. Concurrently he worked as a Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) senior trainer with AAIDD, working in both the US and Canada. He is a certified Person-Centered Thinking Trainer by The Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices. He has been with IntellectAbility since 2013 and is currently its Chief Operations Officer. He lives in Tampa, FL with his wife Laura and daughter Ava.
Bio for Ann Dalton
Ann Dalton has been working within the OIDD service delivery system for over 35 years, and she has been a strong advocate for person-centered supports. She is the Director of Quality Management for OIDD.
Bio for Kelly Bryson
Kelly Bryson, MA, BCBA lives in Columbia, SC with her husband and a dog who has vision impairments but is really good at sniffing out treats. She loves to read fantasy and nonfiction, listen to live music, and go paddle-boarding. She is currently enrolled in the Special Education PhD Program (Research and Teaching) at The University of South Carolina. For the last 7+ years, she has supported adults with lifelong disabilities in group homes and vocational sites at The Babcock Center, currently as the Director of Behavior Supports.
Bio for Beth Ann Daily
Beth Ann Daily, M.Ed, BCBA, has worked at The Babcock Center for 7 years, supporting adults with developmental disabilities in learning to advocate for themselves and encouraging a person-centered service delivery. She has also worked in schools, ABA clinics and in home-based ABA therapy for 12+ years. She has two adorable daughters with her husband, and quite a few cats. She loves listening to live music, presenting at conferences, and reading.
Bio for Dr. Ishya “Shae” Dotson
Dr. Ishya “Shae” Dotson is a resident of GA with over twenty years of experience in the human services field. She joined Therap in 2014 and has a wealth of knowledge and experience on best practices in person-centered practices, agency documentation, and quality assurance. Prior to working for Therap, Shae was employed as an agency administrator.
Bio for Jeff Covington
Jeff Covington is a resident of NY with over twenty-five years of experience in the human services field. He joined Therap in 2014 and leads state implementation for state-based, provider and case management contracts. Jeff is a certified CQL Interviewer, CtLC Ambassador and serves on the board of directors for PWSAUSA.
