Joni HouseExecutive Director - AdministrationMy name is Joni House, and I am the Executive Director at Achievement Center – Easterseals. I am married to Jonah House, and we have two children, Cole and Addy. I am a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Accountancy and a Masters degree in Business from Troy University. Since my employment in 2006, I am grateful to have the opportunity daily to serve hundreds of individuals with disabilities from our surrounding counties. My passion is to provide a nurturing and welcoming environment for consumers and encourage them to lead independent and fulfilling lives in their respective communities.
Star WrayOperation Support Specialist - AdministrationStar Wray is a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in Social Work and M.S. in Rehabilitation Services. Since 1987, she has been an active participant in the field of rehabilitation, working with children and adults in a variety of settings. Star has worked in the classroom setting instructing students with severe and profound intellectual disabilities, taught therapeutic recreation, and performed case management with emphasis on independent living skills to adults with psychological disorders. She has been an employee of the Achievement Center Easterseals since 2006. While here, she has worked as a Job Developer, Program Manager, Program Coordinator, Director of Industrial and Vocational Services, Assistant Executive Director, and Executive Director. She retired in 2024 but is still working part-time with us as an Operations Support Specialist.
Chuck GoodwinBusiness Operations Manager - AdministrationHello. My name is Chuck Goodwin, and I am the Business Operation Manager for The Achievement Center-Easterseals. My main duties include safety and health, data network and communications management, and fleet management. I am married to Angela Harper Goodwin and I have two daughters, Candace Yarbrough and Carmen Scroggins. I also have one granddaughter, Hanley Grace Yarbrough and two grandsons, Jackson Owen Yarbrough and William Luke Scroggins. I have been employed with the Achievement Center since 2015, and previously worked as a job developer with ACES before my role as Business Operation Manager. I am also the Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Penton, Alabama. I love my job at The Achievement Center and am proud to be a part of a great team.
Sami Jo WalkerAccountant - AdministrationMy name is Sami Jo Walker, and I am the Accountant at Achievement Center-Easterseals. I was born in Opelika, Alabama and grew up in Valley, Alabama. I graduated from Chambers Academy in 2012, have an associate’s degree from Southern Union and I am a 2017 graduate of Columbia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance. I have been working at the Achievement Center since May of 2017, and I am proud to be a part of an amazing organization that helps so many people. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Collin, and our family and friends, visiting the beach and playing with my dogs.
Denise SmithAdministrative SpecialistMy name is Denise Smith, and I am the Administrative Specialist for the Achievement Center. I am married to Chris, have two daughters, Lauren Cooper and Stephanie Smith and three grandchildren, Tatum, Benjamin and Makenzie. Previously I was a paralegal for over 20 years and worked in medical billing/coding for over 10 years. I love my job here and feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful and caring organization.
Melinda ButlerSenior Records Analyst - Program ServicesMy name is Melinda Butler. I was born in Columbus, Georgia but raised in Tuskegee, Al. all my life.
I’m currently the Senior Records Analyst for the Achievement Center – Easter Seals with over 18 years of experience. I am the 2015 Advocate of the Year for East Alabama Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
I’m a mother of two sons. I enjoy going to the movies and spending time with my friends and family.
Sam AlexanderFleet Maintenance - Program ServicesSam has been employed with The Achievement Center since 2009. His primary responsibility is ensuring that the ACES fleet is fueled and inspected daily. Sam also works with special needs children at Opelika City Schools. Sam was born in St. Vincent in the Caribbean, but has been a resident of Opelika for 20 years. He also is the current Minister at South Girard Church of Christ in Phenix City Al.
Amara KnightDirector of Vocational ServicesAmara Knight is the Vocational Evaluator at the Achievement Center-Easter Seals. She was born and raised on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Amara completed her B.S. in Psychology at Auburn University at Montgomery and received her M.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. As the Vocational Evaluator, she administers a variety of vocational assessments to help guide the consumer, their referral counselor, and AC-ES staff in vocational development. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Taskila TaylorTransition Specialist My name is Mrs. Taylor-Hardy. I am presently serving in the Vocational Services Department as the Senior Vocational instructor specializing in High School Transition. My overall goal is to prepare transitioning high school students to make proper and effective vocational decisions. I teach a variety of job preparation, life skills and work ethic courses in hopes that it assists students in making educated and efficient decisions during this transitional phase of their lives. I provide specialized instruction in an individualized program for students to empower them to become happy, confident, and productive members of the community. I am Currently assigned to 12 high schools throughout both Alabama and Georgia to provide transition services resources to students with disabilities to help find post-secondary employment, training and or college opportunities.
Randy BurkeDirector of Industrial Services - Work CenterRandy Burke, Director of Industrial Operations, has worked at the Achievement Center-Easter Seals since 2003 in many different capacities. He has worked as wood shop supervisor, production supervisor, and coordinator of industrial services. He now is responsible for the daily operations of the work center which employs individuals with disabilities to produce goods and services for partners in our community.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Troy University, and is married with two grown sons. Randy enjoys Lake Martin, golf, and most of all his grandchildren.
Joey DukeCoordinator of Industrial Services - Work CenterI am an Industrial Instructor in the Industrial Services Department at the Achievement Center-Easter Seals. My main responsibility is assuring production requirements and quality standards are met by employees scheduled in the FR area. I have been employed with ACES since March of 2017. I am a native of Marietta, GA, a proud graduate of the University of Georgia and have lived in the Opelika-Auburn area for 26 years. I am married to Deborah Morris Duke and have two sons, Joshua Schwiening and Julian Duke. I truly believe that God gave me the opportunity to be a member of the ACES Team. This position is more than a job, it’s a ministry. Each day when I leave here to go home, I leave with the satisfaction of feeling that I may have played a positive part in someone else’s life.
Jennifer ThomasIndustrial Instructor - Work CenterJennifer Thomas is a Production Supervisor with ACES. She supervises work center employees who assemble various products for our customers. Jennifer assures that our customers are provided the quality products they deserve. With over 30 years of experience, Jennifer brings a world of product knowledge and passion for teaching to work each day. Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Auburn and graduate of Auburn High School. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and going to church.
Bettye SaxtonIndustrial Instructor - Work CenterMy name is Bettye Saxton. I am married, the mother of three sons and several wonderful grands. For the past three years I have been working at a great job with great people. Super excited to say at the age of sixty-nine I was made a member of the staff. Hope to have many years working with people that don’t discriminate and treat you with kindness and respect.
Shawn HardyIndustrial Instructor - Work CenterMy name is Shawn Hardy. I am an Industrial Instructor at the Achievement Center Easterseals. I’m originally from North Carolina, but I moved to Alabama after retiring from the United States Army. I have over six years of warehouse experience. As an Industrial Instructor, I manage and supervise work center employees who assemble and prepare fluid routing oil drain hoses and filter hoses to distribute out to our supporting customers within the community. I’m also responsible for the
health and welfare of my work center employees so that they each can maintain their families and livelihood.
Matt KnitterIndustrial Operations Manager - Work CenterI have been married for 28 years to my wonderful wife, Debra. God blessed us with two awesome kids, Dani(elle) and John. I am an Auburn Tigers/Dallas Cowboys/Los Angeles Dodgers fan. I enjoy mowing yards and just doing things around the house.
Lisa WhiteTransition Specialist My name is Lisa White, and I serve as a Transition Specialist at the Achievement Center. I primarily work with high school students teaching work ethics and job readiness. My goal is that each student will have a better understanding of their vocational track that will allow them to reach their fullest potential to become the best version of themselves. I feel blessed to be part of such a caring and goal-oriented team at the Achievement Center. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and weekends at the lake.
Tim BeasleyDriver's Education Permit InstructorMy name is Tim Beasley . I am married with 3 kids and 1 fur baby. I taught for 30 years at West Point Elementary. I graduated from Auburn University in Elementary Education. I grew up in Reeltown,AL.
In my spare time I love to work outside, do woodworking and be involved with my church. I am a huge college football and basketball fan. I love to travel, especially long road trips!
Cole CookPlacement Specialist I am originally from Indiana and am a proud father of two energetic boys. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, being outdoors, and exploring creative outlets. I have a strong heart for service and am deeply motivated by the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through my work at Achievement Center Easterseals.
Jessica BoltonSupported Employment SpecialistMy name is Jessica Bolton, and I am the Supported Employment Specialist at the Achievement Center. I was born and raised in Opelika, AL. I completed my B.S. In Criminal Justice at the University of South Alabama. I have been working at the Achievement Center since August of 2024, and I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Ariana RodriguezEmployment SpecialistMy name is Ariana Rodriguez. I have been employed with the Achievement Center since October 2024. I am currently pursuing a career in Juvenile Probation through the University of Pheonix, as working with troubled teens is my long-term goal. I am very outgoing and enjoy helping others in any way that I can, and I think that these abilities have helped me with my position here at the Achievement Center. I enjoy going to the gym in my spare time and learning new recipes to cook. I look forward to growing here at the Achievement Center, and I pray that the lord continues to bless me with the knowledge and understanding needed to help people pursue employment and be successful.
Leisa StoryDriver's Education InstructorMy name is Leisa Story. I am the In-car Driver Ed Teacher at the Achievement Center. I graduated from Opelika high school in 1975 and Auburn University in 1981. I worked for the Lee County Board of Education for 35 years. During that time, I taught Health, Science, Physical Ed and Driver Ed. I retired in 2018. I have been teaching at the Achievement Center - Eastseals since August of 2023.
I have been married to my husband, Rex, for 47 years. We have one son, Rex Story Jr. I have three grandchildren. I love my job at the Achievement Center. In my spare time I like to travel , cook, read, and spend time with my grandchildren.
Caroline GreeneProgram ManagerHi, my name is Caroline Greene, and I am the Program Manager at the Achievement Center Easterseals. I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and I have 2 siblings. I completed my B.A. in Psychology in 2023 and my master’s degree in Education of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling in 2025. I have lived in Auburn, Alabama since 2019 and acquired both of my degrees from Auburn University. I also became certified in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling in 2025.
During graduate school, I spent my Practicum and Internship working with the Achievement Center as well as the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. This experience enabled me to learn more about resources available to people with disabilities and provided an opportunity for me to serve the community. My duties as Program Manager include communication with community-based work sites, AC-ES Staff, Consumers, Consumer’s families, and Vocational Counselors. I provide a 3-week work evaluation program for each consumer referred to this program. During that period, I evaluate their work skills, strengths, interests, and limitations. I assess their vocational needs, collaborate with other VR professionals, and provide assistance in navigating work accommodations.
I am passionate about Vocational Rehabilitation and have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Achievement Center. I adore spending time with my Fiancé, family, friends, and pets. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and cooking in my free time.
Jeanette TompkinsSupported Employment SpecialistHi, I’m Jeanette. I have an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and I’m currently finishing my Bachelor of Science in Business and Leadership. I enjoy learning, growing, and finding ways to support the people I work with. Family is a big part of my life. I’m a mom to four sons Chris, Kameron, Carl, and Kaden, and proud Mimi to my grandson, Ryker. I also share my home with my dog, Annabelle. I’m an Alabama fan, and my favorite color is hot pink.
Julia StrengthTransition SpecialistMy name is Julia Strength, and I am a Transition Specialist at the Achievement Center Easterseals. I travel to high schools all over the area teaching job readiness, personal skills and work ethic courses aiming to prepare students for the job world and beyond. I was born and raised in the Birmingham area. I am the wife of a retired army veteran and mom of two lovely children. I am a graduate of Auburn University with a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. I am thoroughly enjoying my work at the Achievement Center and being surrounded by great mission-focused co-workers.
Dion NowlinWarehouse SpecialistMy name is Dion Nowlin, and I’ve been a Warehouse Specialist at the Achievement Center since 2024. I’ve been married for over 20 years to my wife, Robin, the love of my life. I love spending time with her, my 4 children, and 9 grandchildren. I enjoy working at the Achievement Center and being around my wonderful co-workers each day.
Johnnie Mae BakerProduction Supervisor IMy name is Johnnie Mae Baker, and I’m the Production Supervisor for the Brigg’s Hose Assembly area. I am married with 2 children that I love very much. I’ve worked at the Achievement Center since 2021 and really enjoy my job.
Lindsey WhatleyEmployment SpecialistMy name is Lindsey Whatley, and I am an Employment Specialist at the Achievement Center Easterseals. I was born in Montgomery but grew up in Smiths Station, AL. I am married and have two beautiful daughters. I am very passionate about helping others in their vocational development and achieving life goals. My greatest joy in life is raising my girls and being a wife. In my free time I love being creative, reading, spending time with family, spending time in God’s word and of course shopping. I pray I can continue to be a contribution to the success of every person that crosses my path here.
Bunnie WinsleyReceptionistMy name is Zilpah “Bunnie” Winsley and I am the Receptionist at the Achievement Center. I graduated from Tuskegee Institute and returned there to work in several different capacities, eventually retiring from the institution in 2015. While there, I was the Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Business and Fiscal Affairs, Executive Assistant for Legal and Federal Affairs, and Assistant Manager for the Kellogg Conference Center. I have also worked in the legal field assisting Attorney Fred Gray and Langford Sapp as well as District Judge Elizabeth Borg.
Pam AllenProduction Supervisor IIMy name is Pam Allan. I am married to Chris Allen and have one son, Eric Allen. He is married to Cristina, and they gave me two precious grandchildren, Augi and Janibelle. Previously, I worked for a carpet manufacture at Interface Inc, in Lagrange, GA as a Production Scheduler for 13 years. Before Interface, I worked for Johnston Textiles in Valley (Langdale Mill and Shawmut Mill) for 28 years combined until each went out of business. I have worked as a weaver, production scheduler and shipping coordinator in the textile industry. I have been working at the Achievement Center since 2024 and love my job. I feel blessed to have been chosen for the Production Supervisor position here. My area builds parts for a couple of major businesses. This organization provides a lot of wonderful things for this area and all surrounding areas and communities.
