Meet Our Team
CEO WELCOME
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Opportunity Enterprises’ website. Whether you are considering services for yourself or a loved one, are a current or future staff member, supporter, donor, or customer of one of our business services, thank you for taking time to learn about our amazing people.
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Opportunity Enterprises is a premier agency, providing educational, vocational, and residential services to more than 1,000 youth and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. We continue to provide services focused on goals and choices through a variety of day service programs, curricular activities, and enrichment programs like art and assistive technology.
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With the care of our dedicated employees, amazing people are making grand strides towards self-sufficiency and independence every day.
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Our services provide hope to not only a family, but a community. Our commitment is to uphold this hope daily because of the incredible support from community leaders, families, businesses, and sponsors who support our mission. We are an option for many families in our community, and we are honored to be promoting more purposeful and enriching lives for individuals with disabilities in Northwest Indiana.
​I invite you to continue your journey with Opportunity Enterprises. Follow us on social media and invite your friends to do the same. Volunteer at one of our events or for one of our programs; the experience will change your life. Donate to our mission; you will change the lives of children and adults with disabilities right here in your community. Find your own unique way to become a part of our mission. Thank you for taking the time to learn about the amazing people we serve.
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Thank you,
Neil Samahon
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Freyek Chairperson Horizon Bank
Beth Casbon Vice Chairperson Komyatte & Casbon, P.C.
Patrick Lyp Secretary City of Valparaiso
Kathleen Smith Treasurer Porter Township School Corp.
Nicole Alcorn Teachers Credit Union
Jim Alex FirstLight Home Care
Chris Beebe HealthLinc
Denise Conlon NIPSCO
Rod Gayda Gayda Properties, Inc.
Erin Hawkins Valparaiso Community Schools
Shannon Lee Shannon C. Lee and Associates, P.C.
George Pati Valparaiso University
Marc Ruiz Oak Partners
Stephanie Swearington Porter Starke Services
Ann Marie Woolwine Krieg DeVault LLP
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Neil Samahon Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Stephanie Anderson Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
Kacie Ensign Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO)
Mark Fisher Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Valerie Thill Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Julie McKean Senior Director of Facilities, Safety, and Compliance
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jodi Barnard Supported Living Director
Lisa Barrios Daily Living Skills Director
Kent Butler Director of Transition Services
Tracey Byron Marketing Director
Karen Cantwell Enriching Possibilities Director
Lisa Cole Senior Director of Day Programs
Dawn Crozier Group Home Director
LaShanta Downs Thrive Director
Cassandra Dunn Facilities Director
Shannon Keaton Curriculum Director
Amanda Geary Transportation Director
Mike Gutchewsky Director of Accounting
Joe Hogan Director of Business Services
Carrie Johnson Director of Community Employment
Walter Lenckos Senior Director of Respite Operations
Alison Martin Development Director
Tiffany McCammon Senior Director of Social Services
Liz Metts Senior Director of Business Operations
Melinda Mote Quality Assurance Director
Suja Pati Respite Director
Kathleen Parks Senior Director of Employment Services and Transition
Erin Robbins Agency Training Director
Nichole Schaefer-Murray Respite Director of Adventure
Rebecca Scott Senior Director of Residential
Want to learn more about becoming one of our amazing team members? Check out our open positions here.