FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

I got into this business for the purpose of helping people. My personal story is one of having to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve my dreams. So, I understand what it means to be on the outside looking in and wanting to do something that seemed out of reach. I believe nothing is impossible. It may require thinking outside the box and developing new techniques and approaches, but it can be done. I started as a Recreational Therapist, then I became a Case Manager and later in my career I worked as an educator. I have seen things from many vantage points, and I felt like I could combine my experience and bring something different to the provider world.  It has been the most rewarding endeavor of my professional career.”

Sherry Lynn Hawkins – Destiny Management Founder and President

“We don’t want to just make changes—we want to make changes that make a difference in the lives of people—changes that mean something to them and bring joy in every season of life.”

MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

September Stallings has worked in the field of IDD since high school when she worked at what is now J. Iverson Riddle Development Center. During her career she has worked in various positions and worked as a consultant in program development for a number of years before starting with Destiny Management in 2005 as a consultant for licensure and accreditation, and became the Quality Management Coordinator in 2010. She believes in “looking beyond” and has a passion for empowering individuals with IDD to find their own purpose and realize their extraordinary potential. September brings a high standard of professionalism and excellence in all she does and works hard to bring a clear and informed understanding of Medicaid services and changes to our consumers and their families, the direct support staff, supervisory staff and the agency as a whole.  September has strong communication and leadership abilities and works diligently to assure the agency is following and complying with all DHHS clinical coverage policies and CARF standards.

Human Resources

Geri Garrity has been a part of the Destiny Management team since 2006, transitioning from a fulltime Qualified Professional to Human Resources Coordinator and Intake Specialist in 2016. Geri obtained a Bachelor of   Science in Communications Degree with a concentration in print journalism from Appalachian State University in 1996 and is part of a quality driven recruitment team of Qualified Professionals at Destiny Management.

“There is something very special about introducing someone to this field, who may have never considered working with someone with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and them discovering a hidden passion. I was that person 20 years ago. I’m so thankful this field found me. I look for people who are looking for a place to serve. Destiny is a great place for that.”

MEET OUR QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Bringing 100 Years of combined experience in the I/DD Field

Melissa Sears began working for Destiny Management in 2008 as a Qualified Professional before transitioning to Billing Support Specialist in 2014. Melissa is also a lead administrator for the agencies electronic health records system and is responsible for learning and helping to implement new technology systems within the agency. Melissa graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Prior to joining Destiny Management, Melissa worked as a CAP Case Manager at Mental Health Services of Catawba County in 2001 and as a Qualified Professional at another area provider. Melissa has a strong ability to multi-task and work with various aspects of Destiny’s technology infrastructure, including training and instructing others. She has s strong skill set for detail-oriented job tasks.

Peggy England retired from J. Iverson Riddle Institute  after working 30 years as a Licensed Special Education Teacher. She joined the Destiny Management team in January 2008 as a Qualified Professional, bringing a breadth of knowledge on person centered strategies to help persons with I/DD succeed despite physical, mental and emotional challenges. Peggy is also a licensed NCI instructor and has served as the Heritage Day Program Coordinator in Drexel. Peggy has dedicated her entire professional career to making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities, including Children’s Program Director for Lauren County Community Action in SC and Assistant Director for the Association of Retarded Children. Peggy was introduced to the I/DD field as a teenager during a campus visit to Western Carolina Center with her high school. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Appalachian State University.

Jane Murphy has a long career working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Senior Adults. Her education background includes degrees in music, music therapy and counseling with an emphasis on the geriatric population. Jane’s career in Human Services extends from working at the Stockely Center in Georgetown, Delaware to Western Carolina Center in Morganton and Community Alternative Programs in the Unifour area.  Jane joined Destiny Management in 2010 as a Qualified Professional and continually serves with passion and determination to bring consumers and their families forward with available service options.  Jane’s commitment to her community and her strong consumer advocacy skills has helped bridge a pathway for I/DD consumers to access and participate in community life and create meaningful growth and ongoing progress.

De’Nea Huffman started as a fulltime QP with Destiny Management in January 2014 bringing a strong background in Human Services, including education and early intervention services to persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. De’Nea worked for J Iverson Riddle Institute for 15 years, and taught Kindergarten, Special Education and English as a Second Language for 17 years for Burke County Public Schools. De’Nea is an alumni of Appalachian State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education, Birth to 5, and English Second Language and her Masters in Special Education/Severe Profound.  Her roots in the Human Services field runs deep and were sown early in her life.

“My dad worked at the deaf school and the center as I was growing up. I spent a lot of hours with him at work. I just always wanted to work with people with disabilities.”

Brendan Ahern started with Destiny in 2014 as direct support trainer, prior to transitioning to a Qualified Professional in 2018.    Hi, I am Brendan Ahern. I have been in the I/DD field as an advocate and a worker for over 30 years. I have a B.A. in English from Stony Brook University (in Long Island,  New York) (Class of ’93) and a Masters of Science in Student Personnel Administration (now known as Higher Education Administration) from Buffalo State College (1996). Being disabled myself (ASD/Asperger’s), I personally know the benefits of inclusion through diversity and acceptance of all individuals. I like to share my experiences and make special connections with the clients I serve.

Brandon Letterman is the newest Qualified Professional to join Destiny Management starting in 2019.  As an AFL provider and former group home manager, he brings a strong understanding of residential services requirements and how to provide not just a home environment but a family environment for consumers. Brandon started his journey in Human Services at Western Carolina Center (J Iverson Riddle Institute) in 1997 as a trainer. He later worked as group home manager for a community provider and in 2004 became an Alternative Family Living (AFL) host provider, while continuing his education.  In 2008 Brandon obtained an Associates Degree from Western Piedmont and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Appalachian State University in 2010. Brandon brings a high standard of excellence in his clinical duties and possesses strong verbal communication and problem solving skills.

Administrative And Medical Staff

REGISTERED NURSE

Jeanne Lyle retired from J. Iverson Riddle Institute in 2003 after 30 years of employment. During her time there, Jeanne Lyle worked in broad range of capacities including Healthcare Technician, Behavior Modification Technician in the Psychology Department, Research Assistant with Road Runner Project, QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional), Recreational Assistant, Lead Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse Supervisor. Jeanne has diverse experience in the medical field working with children and adults in institutional settings, hospital settings, home health services, group homes, and in community based programs. Jeanne’s rich history and nursing background allow her to partner with families and other community providers to assist consumers in achieving their fullest potential. Jeanne joined the Destiny Management team in 2008 as an RN and Medication Administration instructor. She has also served as a Qualified Professional.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Sherry Bivens graduated in May of 2005 from Western Piedmont Community College receiving an Associates Degree in Medical Office Administration and certificate for Medical Transcription. Sherry has been with Destiny Management since the company was established in 2005. Sherry has a high standard of excellence in her work and strives for perfection in order to advance services for consumers and the agency. Sherry also serves as a Billing Support Specialist and Payroll Coordinator. Sherry’s friendly voice is generally the first voice people hear when calling Destiny’s corporate office in Drexel, and she is willing to stop anything she is doing to help and assist others. Sherry also helps facilitate and coordinate timely communication and information within various departments of the agency.