Our Team

Christine Martin is co-founder and  Executive Director of Shared Support South, Inc. She has served in every capacity of the ID system including Direct Support Staff, Executive Director of Arc of Bucks County, Supports Coordination Director, and as a consultant for 5 counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland for Self Determination Pilot Projects and Initiatives.

As a consultant, Christine has worked with over 120 families providing person centered planning and the development of individualized integrated supports. As a founder, Chris has assisted Shared Support South in developing person-centered operations from mission and training to service delivery.

Christine Martin

President & Executive Director

With over 35 years of experience as a licensed psychologist, Dr. John Thvedt brings decades of experience and individual-oriented expertise to his role as Chief Executive Officer and Psychologist at Shared Support South.

Dr. Thvedt received his Doctor of Education from West Virginia university in 1979, his Master of Education in 1977 from the University of Illinois, and his BA in 1972. Since he began his career, he has published multiple works in various peer-reviewed journals focusing on the study and care of individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Dr. Thvedt has filled various roles throughout his career. He has served as a teacher, trainer, consultant, director, psychologist, and administrator in settings such as community living placements, family homes, schools, job sites, and institutions. Since 1970, he has provided direct and consultative services to individuals with autism, developmental, behavioral, and emotional difficulties, as well as to the supporters of those individuals.

He co-founded Shared Support, Inc. with Christine Martin and Ken Gibat in 2000, and went on to co-found Shared Support South, Inc. in 2019. Dr. Thvedt uses his years of first-hand experience and wealth of knowledge to advance individualized and empathy-driven care to the forefront of the industry.

Dr. John Thvedt

Chief Executive Officer & Psychologist

Joe started working for Shared Support, Inc. in 2014 as direct support professional. He has held every role within the company until promoted into leadership with Shared Support South in 2018.

As the Director of Administrative Services, he assisted leadership in creating processes within the organization for both program and administrative driven departments.

Most recently, Joe has taken on the role of Fiscal Director where he will continue to build budgets, asses risks, and assist leadership in both day-to-day operations and long-term growth strategic planning.

At home, Joe is an avid online gamer, raises chickens, helps out with his family’s vineyard, and spends time with family.

Joe Williams

Vice President of Shared Operations

John began working for Shared Support as a Direct Care Professional in 2011 supporting one individual to achieve his goals of losing weight and start his own dog walking business. After two years in this role, he transitioned into the role of Program Specialist, managing a caseload of residential and home-based individuals.  During this time, John focused on providing individuals with person centered opportunities to live fulfilling, self-directed lives as contributing members of their communities. 

John developed a comprehensive understanding of Shared Support’s programmatic operations, allowing him to take on the role of Program Director and eventually his current role as Associate Executive Director. John utilizes this position to train, supervise, and mentor Program Specialists to understand their responsibilities and implement Shared Support South’s mission of providing meaningful lives to the individuals we support. 

A strong believer in the power of positive thinking, John enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found spending time with family, brushing up on guitar, or making pottery.

John Stewart

Vice President of Shared Resources

Alex joined Shared Support South in 2015 to develop and apply her skills in counseling and trauma therapy. Her previous experience was in school settings from kindergarten through post-secondary as a counselor and lacrosse coach. While working with Shared Support South, she has held the role of Program Specialist, Employment Specialist, Behavior Specialist, and now Associate Executive Director for our Residential Programs.

Alex has strength in behavior supports, community development and integration, crisis intervention support, project management, and person-centered planning.

Alex lives in Doylestown with her husband and two dogs and is a member of the Doylestown Rotary.

Alex Nocella

Vice President of Shared Programs

Brooke Edwards embarked on her journey with Shared Support South in 2014 as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) while pursuing her studies at Temple University. Her connection to Shared Support South runs deep, as her family had been actively engaged in Life Sharing with a wonderful individual through the organization for over five years beginning in 2009.

In 2015, Brooke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, all while maintaining her commitment to Shared Support as a DSP. Her steadfast dedication and exemplary performance led to a series of promotions within the organization. In 2016, she became a Program Specialist, followed by her appointment as Compliance Manager in 2019. In 2021, Brooke assumed the role of Director of Quality Management, demonstrating her continuous growth and leadership within the organization. Her remarkable journey culminated with her current role as Vice President of Shared Quality.

Brooke is committed to ensuring the highest quality of care and compliance standards across Shared Support South’s programs. Her passion lies in supporting individuals to lead fulfilling everyday lives. She understands the importance of maintaining a well-rounded life herself and finds joy in artistic pursuits, such as drawing. She's a music enthusiast, often attending concerts to unwind and enjoys traveling in her free time.

Brooke Edwards

Vice President of Shared Quality

Tara started working for Shared Support in 2012 as the first administrative staff out of the Bucks county office. She has extensive administrative background and, after beginning her work with individuals with intellectual disabilities, she quickly realized she had a passion for this industry and those it supports.

Tara was promoted to the Administrative Coordinator in 2013 overseeing the administrative team in Bucks/Montgomery County. Tara continued her administrative role while also becoming a Lifeshare Provider for the organization from 2013-2018. In 2016 Tara was then promoted becoming the Property Manager. She has a lot of knowledge around the 6400 and 6500 regulations as well as the licensing requirements.

She finds homes and plans the modifications needed to help support the individuals needs and also oversees the maintenance department.

Tara Tilghman

Property Manager

Omer is a dedicated and detail-oriented Accountant with a Master in Accounting and full knowledge of accounting, taxation and vast experience in customer service, management, accounting, and personal and corporate taxes.

In his previous position as a Tax Office Manager III/Senior Tax Analyst with H&R Block, Omer managed two tax offices. Omer’s role allowed him to provide relevant and timely advice to tax professionals in the office, and assist business owners with their internal accounting and periodic reporting. Omer’s role at Shared Support South allows him the unique privilege to work closely with the people whom they serve.

Throughout his career, he strives to live by this quote by Henry W. Bloch, “In business and life, act with purpose and evidence good character.”

Omer Adam

Fiscal Director

Andrew joined Shared Support South as the Human Resource Manager in 2020. Andrew’s experience encompasses a broad background in talent acquisition and human resources. He has in-depth expertise in creating and executing human resource and talent management solutions to maximize human capital resources. Andrew is accountable for developing and driving critical HR and people-centered Initiatives, and providing support to employees and consumers.

Andrew received a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and completed his graduate studies at Arcadia University in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Andrew Resides in Harleysville Pennsylvania with his wife.

Andrew Rinaldi

Recruiting Specialist

Laurel joined Shared Support in 2017 as a residential program specialist overseeing a caseload of individuals in Community Living Arrangements and Lifesharing. Laurel has worked in the human services industry for 10+ years, with a background in providing mental health services to at-risk children and young adults, as well as working in supports coordination to assist individuals with ID/A in navigating services and supports. Laurel is skilled in crisis intervention and conflict resolution.

Her background has been pivotal in supporting individuals with dual diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disabilities and in June 2020 Laurel was promoted to Program Director. In this role Laurel manages and supervises CLA House Coordinators with a focus on individuals with dual diagnosis. Laurel strives to find creative ways to support each individual, developing person-centered programs so that each individual can live a fulfilling, self-directed life.

In Laurel’s spare time she enjoys spending time with family, her cats, curling up with a good book and frequent trips to the beach.

Laurel Callaio

Program Director

Samantha embarked on her journey at Shared Support in September 2012 as a Direct Support Professional. Her passion for making a meaningful impact led her to advancing to become a Program Specialist in November 2013.

Recognized for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the cause, Samantha continued to excel within the organization. Her unwavering determination and expertise propelled her to assume the role of Program Director in October 2021. In this capacity, she oversees programs, fostering an environment that champions inclusivity and empowerment for those under her care.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Samantha finds joy and rejuvenation in various activities such as traveling, snowboarding and rooting for the Eagles and the Philadelphia Union. Yet, her heart truly lights up when she spends cherished moments with her friends, family and her faithful companion and beloved dog, Romeo.

Samantha Johnson

Program Director

Steve joined the team at Shared Support South in 2020 as a house coordinator. Since then, he has taken on the role of a Program Specialist.

Steve attended Shippensburg University for Criminal Justice and Business management. Since college, he has dived into the world of human services and health care. Steve typically specializes in programs for individuals who are medically complex.

Outside of work, he enjoys challenging hikes and solo backpacking trips and can usually be found rollerblading at a nearby park.

Steve Tyson

Program Director

Ashley began working for Shared Support South in 2016 after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Arcadia University. She began her journey as a Direct Support Professional, and after a year in this position, she transitioned into the role of a Program Specialist where she managed a caseload of Lifesharing, Community Living Arrangements and home-based individuals. During this time, she gained experience in regulatory compliance and was able to move into the position of Compliance Manager where she helped to build the compliance department and create policies and procedures to help further Shared Support South’s mission. With the combined experience of her DSP and PS roles and knowledge of regulatory requirements, Ashley was most recently able to move into the position of Program Director.

Ashley has a background in volunteering and providing support within the ID community reaching back to her time in middle school where she volunteered in the special education classroom and at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. While at Arcadia she also spent time interning as a classroom aide assisting children with behavioral support and gained experience in research. She worked as a research assistant in the psychology department at Arcadia where she co-authored an abstract presented at the EPA conference in 2016.

In her free time Ashley enjoys travelling with her husband, spending time with her cat, reading and practicing photography.

Ashley Nichols

Program Director

Dejah started her career working with economically disadvantage children from the inner city of Philadelphia with Social Deviant/Mental Health Behaviors. She possesses a BS in Psychology and a BA in Sociology from Delaware State University. Her Sociology degree prepared her for specialized careers in subsets of the field like working at Delaware State Police Headquarters/ State Bureau of Identification. She has served as a community liaison for people MH/Intellectual disability.

Dejah has constructed Individual person-centered Support Plans (ISP's), located, coordinated, and monitored supports for waiver participants. Deja’s position as Residential and Habilitation Program specialist includes adhering to OPD policies and regulations.

She loves helping others and meeting new people!

Dejah Moore

Program Director

Jeff has been in Human Services since 1996. He has significant experience in Supports Coordination, Direct Care, Children’s Crisis, Co-Occurring Disorders, Crisis Resolution, Certified Mandt trainer, Long-Term Structured Residence, and is a certified investigator.

Jeff graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory North Carolina and received his Master’s degree from Marywood University in Scranton Pennsylvania. He acquired his Social Work licensure in 2004.

Jeff Hyson

Director of Social Work

Nikki is a compassionate professional with a strong background in support services. With a decade of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a long-term care facility, Nikki developed a deep empathy for individuals facing challenges. Since joining Shared Support South in 2009, she has excelled in various roles, including Direct Support Professional (DSP), Employment Specialist, Program Specialist, and currently as Clinical Coordinator at SSS’s new Shared Wellness. Nikki's diverse skill set, complemented by her commitment to holistic healing practices, allows her to provide comprehensive care to individuals. Her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others is evident in her adaptability and commitment to serving the community.

Outside of her professional life, Nikki is passionate about holistic well-being and has volunteered in Nepal to gain valuable experience in this field. She enjoys traveling for cultural experiences and embarking on spiritual journeys to foster personal growth. In her free time, you can often find Nikki playing Crystal Singing Bowls, using sound to promote healing and relaxation. She is continually learning and seeking ways to enhance her ability to provide gentle support and care to those she serves.

Nikki Hildebrand

Clinical Coordinator

Mike embarked on a diverse career journey within Shared Support. Beginning as a DSP (Direct Support Professional) in January 2015, he later transitioned into an administrative role as a Client Fund Coordinator in 2016. By 2018, he assumed the crucial position of Program Specialist, overseeing various programs. His strengths in empathy, communication, and organization have been pivotal in his work with individuals with disabilities, ensuring their goals align with the support team and family.

Outside of his professional life, Mike resides in Hatfield, PA, with his husband and foster children. He finds relaxation in video games, enjoys tea and tarot, and prioritizes self-care, as evidenced by his appreciation for a good nap. Mike's career and personal interests reveal a dedicated commitment to helping others, making him an ideal coordinator of support services for individuals with disabilities.

Michael Orlopp

Community Participation Coordinator

Brooke started working as a DSP for Shared Support in 2009 and has since held many different roles in the company. Brooke has program and clinical experience with challenging behaviors. In 2022, she got her masters degree and now works as a Behavior Specialist providing 1:1 counseling, trauma informed support, staff trainings, and writing behavior support plans. Brooke is passionate about using wholistic methods to support trauma recovery and healing such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and biofeedback. 

 

When she's not working her favorite activities are hiking and camping, and when she's not doing that she's doing yoga, gardening, reading, and watching her daughter grow. 

Brooke Berchick

Behavior Specialist

Want to join the team?