Staff of Easter Seals of Birmingham Alabama

Easter Seals of Birmingham

Staff

	Lori J. Senn, Executive Director Lori Senn received a Masters degree in Business Administration and a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Troy State University. She worked in public accounting and governmental accounting before coming to work for Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area in 1998 as the Finance Director. She grew the position to include Business Manager responsibilities and later added Outpatient Rehab Director to her plate. Lori was promoted to Executive Director in 2006.		Lisa Howard, Finance Director Lisa rejoined Easter Seals in January 2011. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Athens Sate University and has 17 years experience in the Accounting field with over 10 years collectively, within the Easter Seals Family

	Kelli J. Keith, Director of Marketing and Development Kelli received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a minor in Political Science from Jacksonville State University in 2000. She spent almost seven years at O2ideas in the Public Relations department serving clients such as Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, Bruno's Supermarkets and Verizon Wireless. She also served two years on the Easter Seals Junior Board as the PR chair. As the Director of Marketing and Development her primary focus is ensuring that funding is available for both the Adult Services and Pediatric Therapy Program. Kelli is responsible for our two fundraising events held each year: Walk With Me and Swinging for Solutions.		Stasia Tapley Director, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Stasia has worked as a pediatric therapist in the Birmingham area for over 15 years. She received her degree in Physical Therapy from the University of South Alabama. She is registered and licensed by the Alabama State Board of Physical Therapy. Stasia has experience in treating a wide range of gross motor needs including orthopedics, neuro-developmental disorders, torticollis, and brachial plexus injuries. She also provides aquatic therapy

	David Higgins Program Coordinator David Higgins retired from the Moody Police Department as a Captain. He received his undergraduate degree from Samford University and his Master’s Degree in Counseling from UAB. He is listed in Strathmore’s Who’s Who in America. He joined Easter Seals in April 2010 and served as the Senior Program Manager until being promoted Program Coordinator in June 2011.		Kandis Harris, Pediatric Therapy Program Manager Kandis joined the Pediatric Therapy team in June 2005. She graduated with honors and received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Auburn University. Kandis is certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). She is also co-chair of the Augmentative/Alternative Communication Committee of the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama (SHAA). She has experience in treating children with various developmental needs such as language delays and articulation disorders. Kandis specializes in Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) and has special interests in helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

	Ginger Bales Placement Specialist Ginger began working with the Easter Seals team on Feb. 22, 2010. She works to establish employment, and follows the placement to ensure satisfaction for both the consumer and the employer. Ginger is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a Bachelors of Science degree in Social Work. Her previous experience was working with disabled individuals in both the academic and employment environments.		Phyllis Butts, Consumer Advocacy Specialist Phyllis joined the Easter Seals family in November, 1977 as a program secretary. Since then, she has held numerous titles the current one being Consumer Advocacy Specialist. It has been a joy and privilege to serve consumers here at Easter Seals.

	Abby Smith, M.S., CCC-SLP Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist Abby joined the Pediatric Therapy team in April 2011. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama. Abby is certified by the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the Alabama Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (ABESPA). She has experience treating and evaluating children with various developmental disorders, such as language delays and articulation disorders. Abby has special interests in assisting children with multiple disabilities and in Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC).		Norman Cacciatore, Placement Specialist Norman joined the Easter Seals staff in July of 1973. Since that time, Norman has worked in many areas of the Adult Program. These roles include the Evaluation Department, as a Building Maintenance Supervisor, Work Adjustment Lab Instructor, Woodwork Instructor and currently he is the Director of Contracts and Placement Supervisor.

	Anna Perry, S.T.E.P. Coordinator		Adrienne Thompson, Case Manager/Evaluator Adrienne Thompson is a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a BS in Sociology and a minor in Public Communications. Before coming to Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area, she was employed with Easter Seals of Northwest Alabama in 2008 as a Vocational Adjustment Counselor. She joined the ESBA Team in April 2011 as a Case Manager/Evaluator.


	Tosha Gaines, Occupational Therapist Tosha received his Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion/Community Health from UAB in 2003 and went on to secure her Masters of Science – Occupational Therapy from UAB in December 2005. She is certified/ licensed through the State of Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She is a Historian for the Alabama Occupational Therapy Association and a very active community volunteer/artist for VSA Alabama. Tosha has experience in treating children with various developmental needs such as sensory integration, feeding/oral motor therapy, and fine motor delays. Prior to joining the team at Pediatric Therapy, Tosha’s experience included working with the zero through three-year-old population at an Early Intervention Program. She has a special interest in applying art/craft therapy for children with special needs		Ann Wilbanks, M.S., Ed Ann began teaching Computer Technology, Keyboarding, and Academics at Easter Seals in October, 2006. Received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Business Education from Auburn University. Retired from teaching 26 years in high schools in the state of Alabama. Also taught for several years as an adjunct instructor at Southern Union Community College and at Virginia College. Teaching experience includes computers, accounting, typing, career exploration, shorthand, and other business subjects.
	Wanda Williams, Placement Specialist Wanda joined the Easter Seals team in 2007 and provides job search assistance for consumers participating in the Employee Development Program as well as consumers who are referred directly to Job Placement. She is responsible for assisting consumers with identifying, obtaining and maintaining employment. Wanda's previous work experience includes skills testing, computer training and job placement for people with disabilities.		Susanne Harris, Clerical Assistant Susanne Harris graduated in May 2002 with a 4.0 GPA receiving an Associates of Applied Technology Degree in Office Information Systems. She came to Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area in March 2010 through Vocational Rehabilitation’s Paid Work Experience Program as the Marketing/Administrative Assistant. After her time through the PWE program ended, she was given a full time position as the Clerical Assistant. Susanne has more than 4 years experience as a secretary in the rehabilitation field.

	Laura Lewis, Employment Specialist Laura joined the Easter Seals staff in April 2011 with 10 years previous experience in Administrative Services, where she served in roles with public relations and human resources. Additionally, she worked for 8 years in Training and Development, where she organized certification classes for departmental employees. Through her diversity training, Laura brings, enthusiasm to diligently serve and assist consumers with disabilities and other special needs to obtain and maintain employment.		Natalie Locastro, Benefits Counselor Natalie joined the Easter Seals Team in 2006. In her current position, she is responsible for helping families with their financial benefits in the Pediatric Program. She receives and distributes referrals from physicians, and handles the medical billing. In addition, she works with the community to find resources for families. She loves working with the families and children in the program.

	Carl Walker Building Maintenance Instructor Carl Walker jooined Easter Seals in February 2010. He is respnsible for building maintenance and instructing consumers on janitorial services.

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