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 and started his career here in 2020 as a house coordinator. Steve demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in providing compassionate care and support to individuals with diverse healthcare needs. He quickly distinguished himself as a standout performer, earning the trust and respect of colleagues and supervisors alike. Recognizing his exceptional talents and leadership potential, Steve was swiftly promoted to positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his appointment as Program Director.

Steve attended Shippensburg University for Criminal Justice and Business management. Prior to joining Shared Support South, Steve Tyson held a nursing supervisor position where he honed his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of the complex challenges facing the IDD community. Outside of his professional endeavors, Steve is actively involved with various outdoor activities such as hiking, rollerblading, and golfing.

With a passion for service and a deep respect for the dignity and autonomy of every individual, Steve Tyson continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those served by Shared Support South.

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