employee profile - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

Carla Hill celebrates 15 years at TVS

Oct 26, 2021 | News

“When I first contacted Carla Hill 15 years ago, I wanted her recommendation on who to hire for a new position being created at TVS. I didn’t dream that I could hire her, so the next best thing was her top recommendation,” said former TVS CEO Nancy Stricker. “I thought I had won the lottery when she called me back expressing interest in the job.”

It was a transition period at TVS in 2006. The new job position as Program Manager was created to help transition from state funding to Medicaid funding to support services.

“There were new rules and regulations, and I knew Carla would (and did) lead us through that time in our growth,” said Nancy. She laughed saying, “No matter what changes came, I knew Carla could read it, understand it and explain it to me, thus keeping me from going to jail.”

After 15 years, Carla continues growing and expanding the programs at TVS as the Program Director. When first hired, Carla was in charge of the Life Skills program, the INTERACT program (previously known as ADVP) with individuals working under the 14C contract, and Employment Services. All of these were significantly smaller and have evolved into the programs we have today.

Since being hired, TVS programs have expanded to include two residential facilities in 2010 and branched out into local high schools with the Pre-Employment Transitions Services (Pre-ETS) program in 2019.

Employment Services has developed to support 50 individuals at any given time. One individual has been receiving support of 15 years and another has been successfully employed for 20 years after receiving services from Employment Specialists.

“Carla’s communication and willingness to adjust to VR requirements has helped build a fantastic working relationship,” said Lenora Mathis, Regional CRP Specialist at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. “She is a great partner to work with and we are lucky to have such a strong leader who knows how to get things done.”

Lenora has been working with Carla over the last 15 years. She said, “As Carla learned about services, she was patient, diligent and always made sure everything she and her staff did for clients was very high quality. Her effectiveness in her job is obvious in the performance of TVS’ VR contract.”

As TVS programs have grown, so has Carla. “I am introverted but I feel like I’ve had to force myself outside of that to be more comfortable,” she said. “I am not good with on-the-spot responses but I have learned that taking my time is important because I need to consider everyone that would be impacted; including individuals served and staff.”

Reflecting on her favorite memories, Carla talks about breaking down the stigma associated with 14C and the growth of the Employment Services within the community.

“What has been extremely meaningful to me, has been reinventing what we now call INTERACT,” said Carla. “It is all about thinking about the individuals you support, and making sure they are part of the plan.”

Prior to working at TVS, Carla worked in the field of mental health for her entire career. She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a Master Degree in Social Work and moved around to California and Indiana before relocating back to North Carolina with her two children.

Carla has a love of theatre, and when she is not working you might find her performing or watching a theatrical performance. She also enjoys walking, hiking and working out at the local CrossFit.

“Carla is a beast at CrossFit and is always motivated to push herself and others at the gym and in her personal life,” said Employment Specialist Megan Pilley. “Carla is always there to support me, whether it is at the gym or in my personal and work life.”

Looking ahead, Carla plans to continue attending webinars to stay up-to-date with rules and regulations and to continue serving more people. She says, “The rest of my career here, I will continue being a ‘servant leader’ and will continue to encourage and help DSP’s and Employment Specialists grow and develop new skills. I want to be a support resource for anyone that needs it.”

DSP Sam King celebrates 10 years at TVS

Sep 9, 2021 | News

Being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) takes a special kind of person – one that Sam King says must be able to improvise, be flexible, and have resiliency. For the past decade, Sam has demonstrated all of this, all while being dependable and committed to TVS program participants and coworkers.

“Sam is correct about all these traits, and he displays these skills in his work. Nothing is ever unchanging when working with people, and you must be prepared to go with the flow and possibly turn on a dime,” said Program Director Carla Hill. “Sam has definitely developed these abilities in the dynamic environment where we work. He continues sharing his skills and talents to the delight of our participants and his coworkers.”

Before starting at TVS as an DSP in 2011, Sam worked as a DSP at other agencies in Transylvania County. “I really enjoyed the work and appreciated gaining knowledge about each individual’s personality and hobbies,” Sam said.

“Sam has not only been serving TVS but more importantly the participants in our programs,” reflected Carla. “When he first started at TVS, he had training as an EMT and was also active in the Tennessee National Guard. He would be called to serve one weekend a month with his unit in Tennessee and two weeks a year somewhere in the US to keep his skills sharp. You can see why I was excited to bring him on board.”

Sam also volunteered his free time as a first responder in Transylvania County.

Growing up Sam was an active member of the Boy Scouts, earning his Eagle Scout award in 2001. He moved to Brevard from Atlanta, Georgia to attend Brevard College. In 2008, Sam graduated with a degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education (WLEE). “I really wanted to bring these experiences here and share my love of the great outdoors with the INTERACT program,” he said. “I enjoy the ‘real world’ experiences that are provided by us going out in the community and doing so many different activities.”

INTERACT Supervisor Jeanette Wayne said, “Sam diligently advocates with participants and strives to enrich their lives with meaningful activities and opportunities. He generously shares his talents and skills, especially in the areas of nature and music.”

You might see Sam out in the community with INTERACT participants. They could be volunteering at the Transylvania County Animal Shelter, riding horses at Free

Rein, or just playing some cornhole at the Railroad Depot.

“Sam brings a light-hearted humor to all situations,” said INTERACT Activities Coordinator Brooke Wilson. Brook has worked with Sam for the past 7 years.

“He is an advocate for all people and is a good listener for participants and coworkers,” she continues. “Sam has become more like a family member over the years because he genuinely cares about people and living life.”

Another aspect that Sam brings to the INTERACT program is his love of music. He teaches the music club in INTERACT. “I genre-hop and factor in what club members enjoy to help create the classes,” he said.

Currently, Sam has a newer hobby that involves learning new skills with a turn table.

“Sam is a great worker. I enjoy learning about different styles of music from him. Sam is a great friend and always is here to listen to me,” said INTERACT participant Jay.

Looking ahead, Sam has no plans on leaving the beautiful Brevard area or TVS. His reasons for staying include some of the same reasons that brought him here originally; stable pay, mileage payback, in-house insurances, and more growth opportunities.

And with more opportunities comes growth, even if that takes time. “I am currently a level 3 out of 4 DSP,” he explains. “Getting a level 4 certification will take me awhile because being a DSP is a full-time requirement.”

Reflecting back on the last 10 years Sam says, “I enjoy the challenges that come with the job and continuing to learn new skills. We have a great team of DSP’s and we all have our own skills that we bring to the program.”

Tracie Thomas — Warehouse Associate

Aug 5, 2021 | Employee Profiles, News

“The most enjoyable part of my job is being a part of the TVS mission. On the struggle days, that’s what keeps me going.”

Graduated from Rosman High School in 1991
Started at TVS in December 2018
College Education: Associate in Arts (AA) from Blue Ridge Community College
Professional Growth at TVS: Originally hired as an INTERACT Direct Support Professional (DSP). “This was the most personally rewarding job I’ve ever had in my life.”
After 9 months, Tracie accepted the HR Administrative Assistant position before being presented with an opportunity as a Warehouse Associate.
Warehouse Associate, in a nut shell: “Responsible for data entry of all incoming materials and ingredients and outgoing shipments of Mountain Maid INDM and Low-Fat Bakery Mix. As well as, moving materials from the warehouse and production locations, and assisting in other inventory or logistic tasks.”
Why TVS? “I had gone through VISION Transylvania in 2015 and toured the facility. I heard about the mission and saw the operation. It was the first place I looked at for employment in 2018 after retiring from elections.”

Career goals? “I plan to keep working towards using my full potential for the company because I have so much more to give. I just don’t know where that will take me yet.”
Previous Work Experience: 25 year career at the local election center working as an election clerk and moving up to the election director.
Favorite part about working at TVS? “The mission first and then the people I get to work with.”
Favorite TVS memory? “A lot. But thinking back, I would have to say that watching INTERACT participants perform a song in sign language at the Transylvania County jail was one of the best experiences. It was heart-warming to watch the reactions from the inmates.”
What makes TVS different? “It is all about working together on a large scale. Each department works independently, together to reach the overall goals.”

Jamie Owen — Production Associate

Jul 9, 2021 | Employee Profiles

“TVS is a good job. It has changed my life ever since I came here.”

Production Associate, in a nutshell: performs production tasks including (but not limited to) palletizing, case packing, and hand assembly.
Previous Work Experience: Previously worked as a Supported Employment client at a local grocery store as a bagger
What brought you to TVS? “I liked TVS better because they welcomed me and offered new stuff to do.”
How long have you been at TVS? 20 years!
Areas of work? Jamie works on AbilityOne contracts helping package products including SuperCereal Plus and Bakery Mix. The products are used to feed U.S. Military Troops and for supplying food for food insecurities, domestic and international with the USAID and the USDA.
Favorite part about working at TVS? “I look forward to the company picnics with bounce houses and food.”
After work? Jamie can be found dancing, singing country and bluegrass music, bowling, and talking about the Special Olympics.

Wonder Woman, Lauren Bell, celebrates 10-year anniversary at TVS

Jun 2, 2021 | News

Lauren Bell celebrated her decade of employment at TVS on May 20, 2021. “People sometimes call me Wonder Woman,” said Lauren. “I have definitely gained more muscles from working here.”

Lauren is described as “an energic individual who is always smiling and laughing” by her supervisor, Noah Orr. “When I started at TVS two years ago, she was my ‘go-to’ person when it came to ways a few of the production lines run,” he said. “She is a joy to be around and I am very pleased have her as part of my team.”

Originally, Lauren was hired to work on the Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk (INDM) line. Since then, she has grown to learn many different operations within TVS including, multiple production lines, packaging, case sealing, palletizing, and hanging bags.

The TVS job opening was printed in the Transylvania Times, remembers Lauren. “I saw the posting and said, ‘Let’s give this a shot,’” she said. “I didn’t know much about TVS back then.”

Long time coworker and friend, Cathy Miller giggles as she describes Lauren as “mean.” Cathy laughs and explains, “No, she isn’t mean at all. Lauren is a great person and really likes to laugh. She would do anything for you, and she has grown a lot working here at TVS.”

Cathy helped train Lauren when she was first hired. “I remember working on the packaging tables with Cathy and Risha Smith,” said Lauren. “We would all laugh and have a fun time as I would accidentally over throw the bags for them to package.”

For the past seven years, Lauren has been working on 2nd shift blending, working by hanging bags and dumping set ups. “If you talk to my parents they would say that I like going to bed late and sleeping late,” laughed Lauren. “I have no plans to switch off of 2nd.”

After a decade of learning several different areas in production, palletizing and hanging bags are two of Lauren’s favorite jobs. “I never thought I would be able to palletize because of how tall I am,” she said. “I am always on the lookout for doing new things and moving into new positions.”

In 2017, Lauren was TVS’ Self-Advocate at the SourceAmerica Grassroot Advocacy Conference in D.C. “At the conference Amber Fredrick and I went exploring to find a store to shop at. We didn’t know where we were,” remembers Lauren with a laugh. “Part of what made the trip so great was the adventure of ‘getting lost’ and just walking around and talking.”

Over the years, not only has Lauren watched TVS grow and find consistent and steady contracts. She has also grown within herself. “TVS has allowed me to challenge myself,” said Lauren. “I have always had supervisors that push me to try new things. Each person I’ve met here has helped me grow and understand different things going on.”