
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

Rick AmRhein Emeritus

Chris Beebe HealthLinc

Denise Conlon NIPSCO

Rod Gayda Gayda Properties, Inc.

Dana Rifai Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

Erin Hawkins Valparaiso Community Schools

Shannon Lee Shannon C. Lee and Associates, P.C.

George Pati Valparaiso University

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

Dena Smiley Executive Assistant
LEADERSHIP TEAM

Sarah Britton Simply Amazing Market Operations Director

Jodi Barnard Supported Living Director

Lisa Barrios Daily Living Skills Director

Kent Butler Director of Transition Services

Karen Cantwell Enriching Possibilities Director

Lisa Cole Senior Director of Day Programs

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

Cassie Stanley Renewed Horizons Director




Want to learn more about becoming one of our amazing team members? Check out our open positions here.