Shelley Papenfuse – Long Term Care Program Manager
Shelley is a frequent lecturer at state and local colleges on disability legislation and the inclusion of people with disabilities. She has certification from the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Trainer.
She is a native Toledoan and alumna of the University of Toledo. Shelley is a recipient of the Toledo Distinguished Community Leadership Award by Leadership Toledo for her advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities. Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Legal Aid of North Western Ohio, and the Toledo Bar Association presented her with the Community Advocacy Award – Access to Justice . Shelley is also a 2004 Milestones: Tribute to Women Honoree in Education for her work in helping to create The Disability Studies Program at the University of Toledo.
She currently serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). She is also a Governor-appointed member of the Ohio Unified Long-Term Care Commission and is Chair for the Governor’s Ohio Olmstead Taskforce.
Don Smith – Nursing Home Transition Manager
I began working at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo in 2001, as the Community Living Coordinator. The department expanded its staff and, in 2008, I became the Nursing Home Transition Manager. As such, I am responsible for coordinating communications between various social agencies and businesses to encourage smooth transitioning for consumers. As of May 2009, my department has assisted in the transition of nearly 400 consumers from a nursing home setting into independent living, an accomplishment of which we are all proud.
Before ACT, I worked with the State of Ohio as a supervisor for the Department of Youth Services, a corrections facility for felony offenders. In this position, I supervised staff members responsible for the youth offenders. Before becoming a supervisor, I worked as a Corrections Officer, specializing in transitioning offenders with substance problems back into the community.
In my spare time, I volunteer at my church and hold the position of Servant Leader of the Deacon’s Ministry and Servant Leader of the Church and Family Life Ministry. I’ve recently received training through “The Keeping it Together Marriage Initiative”, sponsored by the State of Ohio, as a Couples’ Training Facilitator. My hobbies include auto detailing, repairing and rebuilding small electronic devices, surfing the internet and spending time with my family and close friends.
Cathy Quinones – HRC Support Specialist
Born and raised in New Jersey, I received an Associate’s degree in Legal Assisting and have over 10 years experience in customer service and administrative roles. I relocated to Sylvania, Ohio in 2004 with my husband, where I was fortunate enough to stay at home with our son, Marc. Marc was born with multiple disabilities and he changed my life in ways I never expected. There are no words to describe the lessons that he taught me in the four short, but precious years he was with us.
Marc is the reason why I am at The Ability Center today. I was seeking to join an organization that made a difference in the lives of others. I started as a volunteer with The Ability Center in 2009 and officially became an employee in 2010. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of people who are passionate about the individuals we help on a daily basis.
In my spare time, I love to travel and above all I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Becky Strieff – Nursing Home Transition Coordinator
I have been employed at The Ability Center for 9 years, the last three years as a Disability Rights Advocate. As an advocate I assist consumers with a variety of issues including housing rights (such as landlord tenant issues, eviction prevention, and access to services including Social Security and Jobs and Family). I am passionate about assisting people living with disabilities with maintaining their housing and having the supports they need to live independent in the community setting they desire.
I believe this desire comes from my own experiences of living in subsidized housing and my encounters with non-helpful, unfriendly staff at government entitlement agencies. It’s stuff you don’t get it college that sets you apart as an advocate.
