Samuel “Sam” Skaggs

GA DSP Council Member
Diversified Enterprises
Direct Support Professional

Sam is a dedicated Direct Support Professional who excels in assisting individuals to secure meaningful employment. His primary role involves providing personalized support and guidance, helping people to achieve their career goals and improve their quality of life. Sam’s enthusiasm and commitment shine through in his work, fostering strong connections with those he supports.

In addition to his role as a Direct Support Professional, Sam is also a professional wrestler on the weekends. His outgoing and dynamic personality, honed in the wrestling ring, enhances his ability to engage and inspire others. Whether in the workplace or the wrestling arena, Sam’s passion and energy are evident, making a positive impact on everyone he interacts with.

Jasmyn Thornton

GA DSP Council Member
Hope Service Center
DSP Lead

I’m Jasmyn Thornton, currently a DSP Lead at Hi-Hope Service Center in Lawrenceville. In addition to my role, I proudly contribute as a member of the Direct Support Professional Advocacy Council (DSPAC).

With eight years of dedicated experience, I’ve worked closely with adults with disabilities, striving to enhance their quality of life and promote their independence.

Looking ahead, I am committed to advancing my expertise by completing training and certification with DSP TAP. This initiative aligns with my passion for continuous learning and professional development, ensuring I can provide the highest level of support to those in need.

My advocacy efforts extend to DSPs and the individuals we serve, as I am deeply invested in advocating for their rights and well-being. Outside work, I find solace in immersing myself in literature and cherishing moments spent with my children.

I am driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and I remain dedicated to upholding the values of compassion, integrity, and advocacy in all aspects of my work.

Shanekia “Nicky” Graham

GA DSP Council Member
UCP

“My name is Shanekia, but everyone calls me Nicky. I have worked with individuals with developmental disabilities for over twenty years. My commitment to this field stems from my love for making a positive impact in the lives of others. Throughout my career, I have gained experience in various settings, including institutional, residential, and day program environments.

I am currently employed at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia and have contributed to different areas of the company for more than 20 years. I am passionate about advocating for individuals with disabilities and supporting direct support professionals.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy treasure hunting at thrift stores and estate sales, often reselling some of my unique finds. I am outgoing, have never met a stranger, and always have a smile on my face.”

David Goncharuk

GA DSP Council Member
Cross Plains Community Partner
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

David Goncharuk is a dedicated professional committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with diverse abilities. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Cross Plains Community Partner.

David Goncharuk is a dedicated professional committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals with diverse abilities. As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Cross Plains Community Partner, David serves as a job coach, guiding and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential in the workplace.

With a deep passion for helping others, David brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. His compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to his clients have earned him admiration and respect within the community. David understands the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and works tirelessly to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.

In addition to his work as a DSP, David is actively involved in advocacy efforts aimed at promoting inclusion and accessibility for people of all abilities. He believes in the importance of creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute their talents.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring nature. He also enjoys reading, gardening, and grilling. With his positive attitude and genuine compassion for others, David continues to make a meaningful impact in his community every day.

Jessica Edwards

GA DSP Council Member
River Edge
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Jessica Edwards has been a dedicated Direct Support Professional for 19 years as of July 2025, all of them proudly spent at River Edge. With her first and only other job being at a convenience store as a teenager, Jessica found her true calling in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities—and she’s never looked back.

Jessica is a devoted wife of 19 years (celebrating her anniversary on April 21st) and a proud mother of two: a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old. In addition to her work, she is currently attending Rasmussen University online full-time, pursuing an associate degree in Human Services, with graduation expected in November 2025.

What Jessica loves most about her work is her involvement with the “See Me, Hear Me” advocacy group—a powerful initiative led by the individuals she supports. The group empowers people with disabilities to reclaim their voices and make their own choices. Jessica is passionate about teaching other DSPs the importance of being true supporters, not just caregivers, and recognizing the adults they serve as autonomous individuals with the right to lead their own lives—good decisions and all.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Jessica received two prestigious honors: the ANCOR DSP of the Year Award for Georgia and the NADD Award of Excellence—both recognizing her extraordinary impact in the field.

Those who work alongside Jessica consistently describe her as loving, loyal, and deeply committed to the people she supports. Her heart for advocacy, paired with her hands-on experience, continues to inspire everyone around her.

Telicia Parrott

GA DSP Council Member
GA Options
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Coach Specialist

: A Compassionate Leader and Advocate

Telicia Parrott is a dedicated and passionate professional who has spent the past 18 years making a difference as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Originally from Washington-Wilkes, Telicia now resides in Athens, Georgia, where she recently advanced to the role of DSP Coach Specialist at GA Options.

Telicia’s journey into the field began during a difficult time in her life. After the passing of her husband, she found herself looking for a new purpose. It was her mother-in-law who suggested GA Options, and 18 years later, Telicia is still making an impact every day. Her commitment to helping others is unwavering, and her passion for supporting people has only grown stronger over the years.

Telicia’s greatest strength lies in her ability to encourage and uplift others. Whether she’s mentoring fellow DSPs, supporting individuals with disabilities, or offering a listening ear, her positive attitude and genuine care make a lasting difference. Telicia believes in always keeping a smile and maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the challenges.

Beyond her professional life, Telicia is an advocate for breast cancer awareness, dedicating time and effort to raising awareness and supporting those affected. When she’s not working or advocating, you can find her cooking up delicious meals, traveling, and spoiling her beloved grand-babies. These personal passions reflect the warmth and love she brings to all aspects of her life.

Telicia’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering positivity. She continues to inspire those around her, both at work and in the community, through her dedication to helping others and her commitment to living life with purpose and heart.

Wendy Sladek

GA DSP Council Member
Star Choices, Inc.
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Wendy Sladek has been serving as a Direct Support Professional for approximately seven months, bringing fresh energy and a deep sense of purpose to the field. With a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a natural heart for service, Wendy found her way into this work after exploring many other paths—and discovering that this one was exactly where she belonged.

Before entering the workforce, Wendy was fortunate to spend several years raising her family at home, which helped shape her patient, observant, and nurturing approach to supporting others. Today, she finds genuine joy in helping people identify what they like, what they don’t, and how to shape a life that reflects who they truly are.

Wendy believes that real support starts with listening and learning—and she’s committed to making each day meaningful for those she serves.

Ron Chastain

GA DSP Council Member
Cross Plains Community Partner
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Employment Specialist

Ron Chastain is a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) specializing in employment supports, based in Dalton, Georgia. He has been serving in this role for the past two years, bringing empathy, strength, and commitment to his work each day.

Ron’s path to this profession began through a deeply personal experience—caring for his aging parents. That time as a full-time caregiver was both humbling and transformational. It awakened a sense of purpose in Ron and made it clear that his calling was to help others. This realization led him to begin working at Cross Plains Community Partner in Dalton, where he now supports individuals with developmental disabilities on their path to meaningful employment and fuller lives.

Dedicated to professional growth, Ron completed both the DSP-1 and DSP-2 certifications through the Direct Support Professional Training and Assessment Program (DSP TAP). This program, led by the Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD/UCEDD) at the University of Georgia in partnership with DBHDD, further equipped Ron with the knowledge and tools to provide high-quality, person-centered support.

Ron’s compassion doesn’t stop with his day job. He’s known in his community for helping not only the individuals he supports, but also neighbors, friends, and older adults who may need a hand. Whether he’s offering help around the house or simply being a comforting presence, Ron shows up with care and reliability.

In his free time, Ron enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors. He often reflects on his caregiving journey, sharing that, “Helping others helps me. Whether it be grief, depression, or worry, I believe we’re all just walking each other home.” That quiet wisdom is what makes Ron such a special part of the Cross Plains team and the greater Dalton community.

Alfreda “Shay” Hall

GA DSP Council Member
ARC of Macon
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Alfreda Hall, lovingly known as “Shay,” is a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) who lives and works in Macon, Georgia—her hometown.  Shay work for the ARC of Macon.  With over nine years of experience, Shay has built a career rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.

Shay’s journey into caregiving began in a deeply personal way. When her grandmother fell ill, Shay and her family took turns caring for her. Unfamiliar with how to provide the kind of care her grandmother needed, Shay sought training at a local nursing home. That hands-on education not only helped her support her grandmother until her passing, but it also opened Shay’s heart to a new calling: caring for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. It wasn’t long before she transitioned into professional caregiving—and she hasn’t looked back since.

A high school graduate who has pursued additional education in support of her DSP career, Shay is passionate about ensuring that people with disabilities are respected, treated as equals, and truly heard. Her strong typing and communication skills have been an asset in documentation and advocacy work alike.

To those who don’t know her well, Shay might come off as tough—but those close to her know she’s humble, warm, and incredibly kind-hearted. Outside of work, Shay enjoys staying active and grounded through exercise, reading, dancing, and skating. She also values vacations and quality time with her kids, who bring joy and balance to her life.

Alfreda “Shay” Hall is more than a caregiver—she’s an advocate, a nurturer, and a steady presence in the lives of those she serves. Her journey is a testament to what happens when love turns into a lifelong purpose.

Billy Martinez

GA DSP Council Member
Southwest GA ARC
Direct Support Professional (DSP)

A Dedicated and Compassionate DSP

Billy Martinez has been a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for over 12.5 years, making a significant impact through his dedication and unwavering commitment to helping others. Residing in Albany, Georgia, Billy works for Southwest GA ARC, where he’s known for his positive outlook and his passion for leaving every place—and person—better than he found them.

Billy’s guiding principle is simple yet profound: “See a need, meet a need.” His strongest skill lies in his keen ability to recognize when someone requires assistance and respond proactively. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, guiding someone through a challenge, or simply being present when needed, Billy never hesitates to support those around him.

For Billy, being a DSP is more than just a job—it’s a calling. His empathetic nature and practical problem-solving make him a trusted and respected figure within the Southwest GA ARC community. Colleagues and those he supports alike value his thoughtful approach, reliability, and the genuine care he brings to his role.

When reflecting on his work, Billy often shares that his goal is to leave each person he supports feeling more empowered, confident, and valued. It’s this commitment to positive change that continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Billy Martinez’s journey as a DSP is a testament to his belief in making every moment matter. His dedication serves as an inspiration to his peers and a source of strength for those he supports.