Contact

Name/Nombre: Paola Carter
Title/Titulo: Intake/Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps/ Años con Primeros Pasos: 2

I am originally from Chile. I started out as a Hispanic Outreach Coordinator. I love working with families to help them to get the best start for their children.
As Intake/Service coordinator I will receive and process all referrals, intakes, and Individual Family Service Plans and carry out all intake functions for the program; as well as maintain and oversee First Steps services for Spanish and English speaking families enrolled in our program.

Soy originalmente de Chile. Comencé como Coordinadora de Ayuda a los Hispanos. Me encanta trabajar con familias para asi ayudarles a obtener el mejor comienzo para sus hijos.
Ahora, como coordinadora de Admisión y Servicios voy a recibir y procesar todas las remisiones, admisiones y Planes Individuales de Servicios para las Familias y llevaré a cabo todas las funciones de admisión para el programa, así como también mantendré y supervisaré los servicios de Primeros Pasos para las familias de habla Español e Inglés inscritos en nuestro programa
Phone: 866-316-9800 Ext 230
Email: pcarter@achievaresources.org

Working as a team to empower families to advocate for themselves and their children in order to achieve their own successes

Name: Paula Anderson
Job title: Vice President of Early Intervention Services
Years with First Steps: 16

I have 5 children, 4 of which have received early intervention services. Two of my children have life-long disabilities. I came into the program as a parent and strive to maintain my parent perspective FIRST AND FOREMOST. I have participated in nearly every program in the state that serves children with special needs; and I know that First Steps is, by far, the most effective and family friendly. I served several years as a First Steps Service Coordinator and now love my role as SPOE Director. I am passionate about this program and committed to its success in our cluster!

Phone: 765-288-7690, ext.222
Email: panderson@achievaresources.org

Name: Jenny Summers
Title: Service Coordinator Supervisor
Years with First Steps: 9

I began with the First Steps program through an internship and immediately developed a passion for not only working with families, but the purpose of the services that we
provide. I enjoy meeting new families and assisting them in ensuring that they are getting the services needed for their child and family.
As the Service Coordinator Supervisor, I am responsible for staff training and ensuring that staff are assisting families in obtaining the services needed for their child to have a successful journey through the First Steps program.

Phone: 866-316-9800 Ext 224
Email: jsummers@achievaresources.org

Name: Angela Wissler
Title: Cluster Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 18

I started out as a Developmental therapist and quickly recognized the importance of early intervention. I want to help families get the best start for their children. As the Cluster Coordinator I am responsible for maintaining an active planning Council along with enhancing the visibility of First Steps throughout our Cluster.

Phone: 866-316-9800 Ext 333
Email: awissler@achievaresources.org

Name: Tammy Miller
Job title: Data Entry Specialist
Years with First Steps: 2 years

I have 4 boys- Josh 20, Daniel 16, Jonathan 15, and Nick 14. They are my world and occupy most of my time. As the Data Entry Specialist I am responsible for ensuring all info is entered quickly and accurately in the SPOE data base so providers can be paid for their services.

Phone: 765-288-7690
Email: tmiller@achievaresources.org

Name: Amanda Johnston
Job title: Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 5

My First Steps journey began May of 2004. Since then, I cannot imagine a job that could be more rewarding. I enjoy seeing the results that early intervention provides! Being a service coordinator allows me to take families through their own First Steps journey!

Phone: 1-866-316-9800
Email: adeiser@achievaresources.org

Name: Ginger Ferguson
Job title: Intake/Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 7 years

I am married and have two daughters & first became involved with First Steps as the parent of a visually impaired child. As an Intake/Service coordinator, I get the privilege of helping families with their Journey through First Steps. I love my Job!
Phone765-966-0502 ext 270
Email gferguson@achievaresources.org

Name: Ashley Russell
Job title: Intake/ Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 3

I started with First Steps as an Intern and was hired on after graduation. I have worked as both an Intake and Service Coordinator in the past and now am looking forward to beginning the new combined role. I have a family member that has really inspired me to work in Early Intervention. I am also currently volunteering with the Special Olympics and I love working hand and hand with the athletes. As an Intake/ Service Coordinator I am responsible for helping family navigate their way through the First Steps system.

Phone:1-866-316-9800 ext. 239
Email: arussell@achievaresources.org

Name: Martha Riddle
Job title: Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 14 1/2

I started with First Steps, doing a combined job of LPCC Coordinator and Intake Coordinator. As our program grew, I became full time Intake but added another county to my area that I serve. I have loved meeting the families and children and have been very lucky to live in a small enough community where I get to see the progress that many of our First Steps graduates have made. Some of my first children that I completed intakes on (and who were born weighing under 2 lbs.) are now in Junior High and are some of the best students in their class. What a blessing First Steps is to families and children!!

Phone: 765-288-7690
E-mail: mriddle@achievaresources.org

Name: Becky McGuire
Title: Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 3 ½ years

I graduated in 2006 with a degree in Social Work from Anderson University. I began my First Steps journey in November of that year. Within a month or so, I knew I had found my calling. I feel that it is extremely important to see that our families have access to all the resources they need and deserve. I cannot imagine ever doing anything but this.
Phone: 866-316-9800 Ext.231
Email: bmcguire@achievaresources.org

Name: Patricia Goodpaster
Title: Receptionist/ Assistant to SPOE Director
Years with First Steps: 6
Before coming to work for First Steps, I was a therapy aide at a special needs
pre-school in Anderson for 9 years. I also have a grown son with special needs, and I know first-hand how critical early intervention services are to our families. I love working for First Steps
Telephone 866-316-9800 ext. 221
Email: pgoodpaster@achievaresources.org

Name: Leslie Douglass
Job title: Service Coordinator
Years with First Steps: 3 years

Leslie started as a service coordinator in July of 2006. She has enjoyed the challenge of learning the First Steps program and helping families to navigate and understand the program as well. It is a joy for her to meet and walk alongside families as well as celebrate the achievements of their children during these early years.

Phone 866-316-9800
E-mail: ldouglass@achievaresources.org

Bobbi Leaird
Service Coordinator
9/10/2010 it will be 20 exceptional years

I BELIEVE “wholeheartedly” in our First Steps process. Assisting a family to identify their child’s concerns and strengths is not an easy task! Discussing family outcomes and goals through the Individual Family Service Plan requires a significant commitment from everyone involved. I have had the privilege of sharing service coordination time with many families. I have seen the immense value of the process in growth and change for each family. But, most of all, I continue to be encouraged and marvel at the resilience of the family unit.

Phone: (765) 288-7690 Ext 240
E-mail: bleaird@achievaresources.org

		EAST CENTRAL FIRST STEPS
		Your Child deserves a good start in life