Annie Kim – Director of Community Connections
I am from the Toledo area all my life, growing up in Millbury. I grew up with a cousin living with Downs Syndrome so that experience moved me toward the disability-related work field.
My undergraduate degree is focused in Deaf Studies but the majority of my work experience has been in Vocational Rehabilitation with individuals of all ages with varying disabilities. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Special Education.
I chose to join the Ability Center team because of the passion the agency feels and promotes in regards to assisting individuals with disabilities in any way possible to promote independence. I am currently Director of Community Connections with the Center. My position mainly involves assisting young adults with preparing for and securing an employment opportunity by the time they are ready to graduate. Outside of work, I enjoy volleyball, tennis, jogging, hiking, walking, and most other outdoor and physical activities. I prefer to spend my time with my family, husband and stepson.
Mark Armstrong – Community Connections Coordinator
I have a BA in education from the University of Toledo with 22 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, focusing on supported employment and independent living.
I live in Maumee with my dog, Kobi, have two adult daughters pursuing careers in Cincinnati and Chicago, and am an avid cyclist. Currently, I direct and race on the Saturn of Toledo Shell Cycling Team.
Jim Etzel – Inclusion Specialist
I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. I attended Charles Feilbach School and Central Catholic High School graduating from there in 1978. I began my college career at The University of Toledo and then transferred to Wright State University, in Dayton, Ohio where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in June of 1983.
I have worked at a number of CIL’s around the country as a Peer Counselor and I&R Specialist. I have also worked locally at the North River Development Corporation, The Sight Center and, since 1998, here at The Ability Center. In my time with The Ability Center I have also advocated for people with disabilities in the areas of employment, transportation, housing and long-term care.
Jordan Halsey – Transition Specialist
I am from Monroe, Michigan. I’m a graduate of Monroe County Community College with an Associates degree in Business Management. I am currently a student at the University of Toledo pursuing a degree in Recreational Therapy.
Work in the area of disability has always been a huge interest of mine and something I hold very important in my heart; as someone who personally benefited from, and had the quality of my life significantly improved because of such services.
I enjoy writing and recording music in my free time, as well as spending time with family and friends. While I am a relatively new member of The Ability Center team, I have never felt more at home with an organization and am excited for what the future holds.
Sarah Krueger – Community Connections Manager
I am originally from Chardon, located in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor’s in Health Science. After relocating to Toledo, I completed my Master’s degree at The University of Toledo in Recreational Therapy and Recreation Administration. I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and have always had a passion for working with children.
Watching my sister strive to be included in community recreation as a child has brought me to my philosophy and career goal that all kids should be able to be a part of the community and participate in recreational activities with their peers.
Currently I live in Perrysburg with my wonderful husband and our dogs Lucy and Myles. We enjoy kayaking, biking, art and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to see the adventure and journey this career will bring into my life!
J Lyons – Community Outreach Coordinator (YMCA)
J Lyons started at The Ability Center in January as a Community Outreach Coordinator and is working primarily at the Wayman Palmer YMCA, located at 2053 North Fourteenth Street, Toledo, Ohio. J has an Associate’s Degree in Legal Assisting, a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Master Certificate in Juvenile Justice.
She has spent the last 3 years as a Family Advocate with FOCUS and has approximately 2 years experience as a Youth Advocate for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. in Toledo. J’s ambition is to serve people with disabilities while reviving community connections at the Wayman Palmer YMCA. You can reach J Lyons at (419) 704-6614.
Amanda Gomez Neal – Community Outreach Coordinator (Adelante)
I was born in Havana, Cuba. When I was 18 years old I left Cuba to live in Colombia, my father’s birth country. While in Colombia, I gained lots of experience and knowledge working with an international non-profit organization, Religiosas Adoratrices. By working with the community, I discovered my passion of working with people, especially kids of all ages.
I moved to United States in 1999. I love this country and I’m especially proud of the many things that I have accomplished while living here, such as a solid marriage, the dream of home ownership and English proficiency, since my primary language is Spanish. I am still working to achieve my biggest accomplishment – finishing my Bachelor’s degree in Education.
I currently live in Erie, Michigan with my caring husband, three dogs and two cats. I’m an avid animal lover who enjoys nature, gardening, tropical plants and sunny weather.
Jack Rasar – Transition Coordinator
I was born and raised in Toledo, OH, where I graduated from Whitmer High School in 2002. After high school I became a member of the Ohio Air National Guard (180th FW) where I have proudly served my country for the past 8 years. In 2007, I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education.
I discovered my passion for working with children with disabilities as a substitute teacher with the Toledo Public School system. I also worked as a Youth Residential Staff member with the Lutheran Homes Society in Liberty Center, where I worked with youth with significant developmental and behavioral disabilities.
In the future I plan to go back to school and work towards my Masters degree in Special Education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports, and doing outdoor activities.
Tiffany Tierney – Community Connections Coordinator
It is amazing to think one change in direction and your path can transform into something you never thought possible. Yes, I have always dreamed of helping others but I wasn’t sure how to take the steps to get there. I grew up in Toledo, part of a close family. I enjoy the simple things life has to offer: animals, art, crafts, music, and nature. My background is diverse. I was an active babysitter for my neighborhood, worked in a restaurant for six and a half years, spent almost a year as a direct support professional for autistic adults, and then my journey led to The Ability Center of Greater Toledo.
I still remember the first day I walked through the doors. I was so excited and nervous, curious where this journey would take me. I am completely amazed how it has brought me to a place that I have always dreamed of: helping others. There are so many wishes and dreams we have in life, some are fulfilled and some are not. To think I have found mine is incredible. Each new day I have is a blessing and a gift.
I am so thankful for being a part of The Ability Center Family. To learn, grow, and become the being I have always wanted while helping others reach their goals and passions is the best way to spend my days on this incredible journey. I am currently pursuing a college degree in the medical field. This education will help me gain the knowledge I need to help others on many different levels. No matter what happens in life, even if it seems impossible, if you have a dream and you think you can reach it, reach for it. If you follow your heart, anything is possible.
