Rachael Knight has been with DDS since 2016. Throughout her tenure, she has served in a variety of roles, including Case Manager, Mentor, Supervisor, and currently as a Case Manager Program’s Field Representative. Prior to joining DDS, Knight taught middle school English and Special Education. She is passionate about empowering Case Managers to reach their full potential in order to provide exceptional support to those they serve.

Lisa Brunson-Smith is a Program Field Representative for DDS, where she trains and supports Case Management. With over 21 years of experience in roles including Case Manager and Supervisor, she also holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Tulsa. Brunson-Smith co-chairs the Supported Decision-Making Team, advocating for individual empowerment. A Tulsa resident originally from Inola, her interests include reading, yoga, gardening, and OU sporting events. She is married with four adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Armon R. Perry, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Manager at Public Strategies who researches fathers’ involvement and its impact on family functioning. His work explores factors shaping paternal engagement, maternal roles, and social service provider attitudes. Dr. Perry’s research, including his co-edited book Fatherhood in America, highlights the link between fathers’ support and positive family outcomes. Featured in the “Dadication” documentary, he discusses fatherhood practice, research, and policy influences. His experience includes higher education, project direction, and child protective services.  

Jessica Rimmer, PhD, is the CEO of Solomon Strategic Advisors, a GiANT Worldwide partner, where she drives strategic growth and culture initiatives to boost workplace engagement and energy. With executive leadership experience in higher education, she excels in defining organizational culture through team performance, leadership development, and customer experience. Dr. Rimmer leverages her expertise and education to analyze organizational needs and develop tailored solutions for business challenges.

Sophie Preston, an executive from Solomon Strategic Advisors, connects individuals with impactful tools for intentional living and meaningful relationships. Preston holds degrees from the University of Suffolk in England and Southern Nazarene University. She is certified in MBTI and Ziglar Ethical Leadership, and she’s a GiANT Worldwide guide. Her diverse background includes law enforcement, learning and development leadership, and executive oversight of human capital. Preston brings extensive public sector experience and a passion for human-centric design.

Julie Lackey directs the OK IPSE Alliance, a collaboration between the Department of Rehabilitation Services and Sooner SUCCESS, advocating for inclusive post-secondary education for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She also co-chairs the Red River Higher Education Alliance. Lackey founded LeadLearnLive, which initiated Oklahoma’s first IPSE programs at NSU and OSU. Lackey is an OKLEND Fellow, but most importantly, she is the parent of a young adult who navigates this world to the beat of his own drum!

Matt has over 20 years experience supporting people with disabilities as an HTS worker, a paraprofessional with Edmond Public Schools, and teacher at ASTEC Charter Middle School. Matt served as Specials Instructor for Special Care Inc., where he developed an original cross-curricular arts program for students with and without disabilities. He has presented for the Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children, the International Early Childhood Music and Movement Association, and recently served as host at the Self-Directed Services Family Meetings. Matt works as a Senior Comprehensive Services Specialist with Public Strategies.

Carrie Jankowski, MSSW, LCSW, has practiced clinical social work since 2001, serving diverse populations across various settings. She currently serves as the Field Education Coordinator at OU’s Zarrow School of Social Work. She’s been an Oklahoma Board Approved Supervisor leading clinical supervision since 2013 and was a practicing clinician for 16 years before joining OU. A Louisiana native with a Texas Longhorn MSSW, Jankowski is now a proudly adopted Sooner who enjoys an active life with her husband and twins.

Charlotte Kendrick brings over 20 years of social work expertise spanning child welfare, medical casework, program administration, and management. She began her career at OKDHS Child Welfare, gaining medical social work and management experience at OU Medical Center before returning to OKDHS as Program Administrator of Prevention Services. A NASW member since 1998, she has held various board roles and served on OU School of Social Work Board of Visitors. Passionate about professional development, Kendrick teaches LMSW/LCSW exam preparation for the SSW.

Dr. Christina Miller is the Medicaid Endowed Professor of Health at OU’s Zarrow School of Social Work and Coordinator of the Knee Institute for Transformational Scholarship. She teaches Theory, Practice, and Evaluation with Individuals and serves as social work faculty for LEND. Her research focuses on post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities, social work education, and community-based research. Dr. Miller collaborates on federally funded projects like PRIME and the Transition Scholars Program. Previously, she worked as a service coordinator for adults with developmental disabilities.

Abbey Childress is a Special Education teacher who proudly identifies as being on the autism spectrum. She is also a proud OU graduate. Diagnosed with autism at the age of eight, Childress has navigated numerous challenges and triumphs related to her neurodivergent experience. Beginning in high school, she dedicated herself to autism advocacy by delivering presentations about her personal journey. Through these engagements, Childress aimed to raise awareness and encourage a more inclusive understanding of autism.

Jennifer Seay, MA, TxCG, is the Co-Director of the Friends for Life Guardianship of Person Program, where she has worked since 2018. A Texas Certified Guardian since 2018, Seay previously coached gymnastics for 24 years, including assisting with Special Olympics. She currently serves as a board member on the Heart of Texas APS Advisory Board and on the Education Board for the Texas Guardianship Association. She has been married for 26 years and has four daughters and one granddaughter.

Lauren Garder, LPC, brings a decade of dedicated experience to mental health and victim services, specializing in chronic trauma. Her career spans the spectrum of services, from crisis hotlines and direct therapy to overseeing statewide trauma services and outpatient suicidality treatment for the ODMHSAS. Now in private practice, Garder offers therapy, expert witness testimony, and consulting, bringing her extensive expertise directly to individuals and organizations.

Lauree Dash, BA, MMTCP, MSC, is Oklahoma’s only Mindful Self-Compassion teacher. She has taught meditation and mindfulness in OKC for over 7 years, serving organizations like OSU-OKC, INTEGRIS Cancer Institute, and the OKC Thunder. When her husband miraculously survived a catastrophic car accident, it inspired her to bring mindfulness and meditation to those navigating serious challenges. She has worked extensively with patients and caregivers, and co-created a mindfulness curriculum for The INTEGRIS Cancer Institute, supporting cancer patients and survivors.

Joe Holcomb, MBA, blends 25+ years in health care administration with 6+ years in mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and coaching. He holds degrees from Oklahoma State and Oklahoma City Universities, and he’s certified in various holistic practices. Joe designs well-being and leadership programs, working with organizations like INTEGRIS Health and TSET to enhance employee engagement and professional growth. Passionate about empowering individuals and organizations, Holcomb combines coaching and mindfulness techniques to create positive change in health care and beyond.

Natalie Gallo is an LPC at the OU Health Sciences’ Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (CCAN). She earned an MEd in Professional Counseling from OU. Her expertise includes evidence-based therapies for disruptive behavior, PTSD, trauma, problematic sexual behavior in children, and selective mutism. A nationally certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy trainer, she’s also certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Gallo directs CCAN’s Adolescents with Problematic Sexual Behavior program and is a lead national trainer for the PSB-CBT™ adolescent model.

Annie Baghdayan, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, is the executive director of the National Center for Disability Education and Training at OU Outreach. A certified legal advocate and board-certified behavior analyst, she chairs the Oklahoma licensed behavior analyst board. Dr. Baghdayan trains schools and organizations in community inclusion and employment for individuals with disabilities. She directs Oklahoma Project SEARCH and other NCDET programs, collaborating with 200+ high schools statewide. She is a member of APSE and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Laura Buckner is a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified Mentor Trainer in Person-Centered Practices, holding multiple degrees in education, counseling, and rehabilitation. Experienced in family support, community resources for individuals with disabilities, program development, and impactful communication, she especially values working with families and those who serve families. As a parent to a 35-year-old son with complex disabilities, Buckner’s “M.O.M.” degree is her most significant, shaping her expertise and giving her deep understanding.

Cutter Elliott’s lifelong passion for music began at age 4 with Johnny Cash. A graduate of UCO’s Academy of Contemporary Music program with degrees in Vocal Performance and Applied Technology, he recorded an album in Nashville in 2023. His single, “Heartache Waiting to Happen,” reached #55 on the Music Row Nashville charts. Catch Cutter performing regularly at Redrock Canyon Grill (Norman), Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill (Bricktown), Midway Deli (Norman), and Ole Red’s (Tishomingo).