Our Staff
Brianna Blake
Brianna is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College Chicago. Commencing her career as a Senior Administrative Assistant and Music Teacher, she has honed her skills in managing diverse tasks and fostering an inclusive learning environment for students ranging from ages 18 to 60, including those with disabilities. With a rich background in marketing, events, and hospitality, Brianna is poised to leverage her multifaceted expertise to empower and advocate for the Disability Resource Center - Joliet and its constituents. brianna@drcjoliet.org
Kindall Carmouche
Kindall is the Program Director at DRC. Kindall works with our Community Transition Service program, which helps consumers in nursing homes gather natural and physical support and helps them move into new permanent independent housing within the community. Kindall provides outreach support within the community and she also works with our Fast Track program. Kindall implements new lesson plans in High Schools and Colleges within the Will and Grundy service areas. Kindall studied Criminal Justice at Chicago State University and Joliet Junior College. Kindall brings 17 years of experience to empower people with disabilities to realize that no dream is too big or too small to achieve. When Kindall is not working she enjoys relaxing and catching up with family and friends. kindall@drcjoliet.org
Amy Hahn
I grew up in southern Illinois. After a career in cosmetology for 6 years, I attended and graduated from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with a degree BS in Social Work. I have worked and resided in St. Louis, MO, FL, MN, and have lived in a south suburb of Chicago for the past 25 years. I worked in the criminal justice system, working with juveniles, some of which had disabilities as a Probation Officer for 25 years. After recently retiring as a Juvenile Probation Officer, I was hired at the Disability Resource Center, as a Personal Assistant Coordinator (PAC). I look forward to serving people with disabilities and working with the PAs who provide a much-needed service to help support them with their independent living needs. I have 2 sons, Isaac and Christopher. My 93-year-old mother and extended family reside in Bloomington, IL. I have 3 cats and I enjoy fostering for an animal rescue shelter part-time. I enjoy bike riding, nature, and road trips (which I don't get to do often enough). My personality has always rooted for the underdog. I am passionate, and empathetic and have a strong desire to advocate for people who need support and resources of all ages, gender, races, and sexual orientation. I enjoy learning about others and feel that everyone's life journey matters. Having support is what we all need when hardships occur. I feel excited and thankful to be part of an agency/organization such as DRC that serves many and has a mission that I truly believe in. amy@drcjoliet.org
Kevin Huckfeldt
My name is Kevin Huckfeldt. I am a full-time Independent Living Advocate and Fast Track Coordinator at Disability Resource Center. I am excited to work with students in the Fast Track program and work in a team-supportive environment. I am a proud alum of Joliet Junior College and Aurora University where I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work. I have experience facilitating, teaching, and developing life skill lessons such as self-advocacy and peer support groups. Self-advocacy is a topic very important in my life. I want to instill in consumers that self-advocacy is about knowing yourself, and knowing what support you need..
Additionally, I have previous experience as an intake and referral intern, I assisted with senior care programs such as meals on wheels and community care programs. I also answered a variety of information and referral questions that directed consumers to the appropriate services. In my spare time, I believe in the benefits of self-care. kevin@drcjoliet.org
Sam Knight
Sam has been an Independent Living Advocate with Disability Resource Center for the past 8 years. Sam’s favorite thing about what he does within our organization is helping people with disabilities find affordable and accessible housing. When Sam is not working, he enjoys watching football and Cubs baseball. sam@drcjoliet.org
Markea Knox
Markea is an Independent Living Advocate and Fast Track Coordinator at the Resource Center. She is dedicated to teaching independent living skills that empower students to prepare for employment or college after high school. With a passion for supporting people with disabilities, Markea brings both expertise and empathy to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chicago State University. Outside of work, Markea enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, markea@drcjoliet.org
Missy Martin
Missy began her career in 2012 when she was hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Within that same year, Missy was promoted to Program Manager. In December of 2017, she was promoted to Executive Director.
“As the Executive Director, it is a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside so many talented and dedicated people. My duties are many and varied, and no two days are the same! Whether it’s supervising our direct support staff, researching grants, implementing and administrating programs and new initiatives, completing reports, representing the Center at various policy meetings, and more, I am so pleased to be associated with an organization that works to empower people with disabilities to live self-sufficient lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and hope to do more traveling”. missy@drcjoliet.org
Julee Opel
Julee Opel received her associate's degree in art at Joliet Junior College and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on social work and addiction studies. Julee has 20 years of experience working with people that have disabilities. Julee works with our Fast Track and SKILLS classes as well as hosting DRC’s Women’s Support Group. Julee also helps to provide Assistive Technology devices to those who have communication issues. Julee loves working with young adults and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. When Julee is not working she enjoys working out, reading books, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. julee@drcjoliet.org
Alicia Pernell
Alicia, our Community Reintegration Transition Coordinator and Home Modification Point Person, is dedicated to providing effective independent living services to individuals residing in nursing facilities who wish to transition back to community living. Through the home modification program, she ensures that consumers can remain safely and independently in their homes. Passionate about supporting people with disabilities, Alicia is committed to offering the services and support necessary to meet their independent living needs. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends. alicia@drcjoliet.org
Sarah Sinner
Sarah is the Program Manager for the Pathways to Partnerships Program. The goal of the Pathways Program is to teach students with disabilities life skills necessary for living independently. Sarah received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University and has experience supporting people with disabilities. She is incredibly passionate about disability rights and history. Sarah's goal is to aid in creating a world that is accessible for all through education and resources. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and traveling. sarah@drcjoliet.org
Riley Spreadbury
Riley works as an Independent Living Advocate and Fast Track Coordinator here at the Disability Resource Center. She received her Master of Arts degree in Disability Studies at the City University of New York and her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Illinois State University. She is currently working toward a certification in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies. Riley is incredibly passionate about disability rights especially pertaining to resource education. She wants everyone to know their rights! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, board games, and spending time with friends and family! riley@drcjoliet.org
