Susan Arwood
Susan Arwood - NADSP Director of Certification
Susan was the Executive Director of Core Services for 11 years before leaving in 2025 to pursue an exciting new job at the NADSP, overseeing their E-Badge Academy program. Her leadership and wisdom helped shape the trajectory of Core Services and revolutionized what it means to be Person-Centered. She remains our sage/guru/guiding light. Prior to her time at Core, she spent 30 years helping people to find meaningful employment with Vocational Rehab.
Beth Blevins
Beth Blevins, MAT, is a special education and English language arts educator whose experience spans K–12 education, inclusive higher education, transition and employment services, professional learning, and systems change. She currently teaches high school special education in an inclusion ELA setting and has 10 years of classroom experience. Beth previously served as Community Integration Coordinator with Access ETSU, an inclusive higher education program, and as Employment First Education and Accreditation Coordinator with Tech First SHIFT. In those roles, her work included transition and community-based learning, accessible curriculum development, professional education, and supporting organizations in translating person-centered values into everyday employment practices. Her background in multidisciplinary anthropology and human rights informs her interest in how systems shape people’s access to autonomy, opportunity, and belonging. Across her work, Beth focuses on challenging imposed limitations and expanding what people with disabilities are supported to imagine and pursue.
Nicole DamaPaleto
Courtney Kelly Chapman
CQL Vice President of Training and Special Projects
Courtney Kelly Chapman provides leadership in the strategic development of numerous CQL services including training, certification, consultation, and special projects. This includes the planning, creation, coordination, and implementation of the services and associated activities.
Allan Cole
Allan is a lifelong self-advocate, proudly leading an independent life. He has worked at Food City for the past six years and was recently promoted to Head Bagger. He is a member of the State of Tennessee’s Licensure Review Committee. He loves Star Wars, movies, game shows, and the rock band Foreigner. He is a devoted member and acolyte of the Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.
Nicole DamaPoleto is an actor and facilitator with more than 18 years of experience as a trainer. Currently, Nicole works for the NADSP as Director of Communications and Programs working to further NADSP’s mission to elevate the role of direct support professionals. She is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. Nicole has worked in various industries from movie marketing to clowning but her passion for building connections and sharing stories has always remained. She resides in Upstate New York with an unhealthy sense of optimism, her husband and two mischievous cats named after root vegetables.
Katherine Dunbar
CQL Vice President of Services and Systems Excellence
Katherine Dunbar oversees CQL’s core services and provides strategic direction involving accreditation, training, and certification. Katherine has decades of experience in the field, holding various leadership positions and was responsible for directing services in multiple states.
Anthony Grindstaff
Anthony has been a DSP for 21 years, 19 years with Core Services. Anthony has earned nationally recognized credentials as DSP III by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals and also holds SHIFT Certification. Anthony is a e-Badge Reviewer for NADSP. During his tenure at Core, Anthony was Employee of the Month for February 2022. Anthony has assumed different roles at Core including DSP, House Manager, Team Leader, and Job Coach. Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Alex Head
Alex came to Core in March of 2023 and ever since he has exemplified what it means to be Independent! He works at Lowes where he has a reputation as one of their most valuable and reliable employees. Alex is an avid content creator on TikTok with a growing following. He uses that platform to share his passions for Disney, Marvel Comics, 90s television, and much more. Alex has big dreams and isn’t afraid to pursue them!
Abigail Noah
Abigail is a strong self-advocate and pioneer in the use of Enabling Technology. From advocating to a change in support providers, to setting up her own online banking, to enrolling in and completing an Administrative Assistant course at Penn Foster, she is not afraid to stand up for her rights and take matters into her own hands when necessary. In 2025 she became a certified AIMS trainer, helping others to advocate for themselves as she has done. In 2026 she accepted a job as Core’s first ever Peer Support Specialist, working with other persons receiving supports to advocate for themselves and achieve their dreams. She was presented the Trailblazer Award by DDA Commissioner Brad Turner.
Shalita Wells
Shalita Wells is a seasoned leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, recognized for her commitment to person-centered practice. A native of Memphis, she began her career as an Independent Support Coordinator before serving as a Program Manager for an Intermediate Care Facility in West Tennessee. She later joined the West Tennessee Regional Office Intake Department as a Transition Facilitator, guiding people receiving support through important service transitions with clarity and compassion.
More than fifteen years ago, Ms. Wells moved to Nashville to join the Person-Centered Practice team, first as Deputy Director and later as Director. In these roles, she helped strengthen statewide practice standards, foster collaboration across provider organizations, and advance efforts that promote autonomy, inclusion, and quality for people receiving supports.
Ms. Wells is committed to continual growth and professional development. She is a graduate of the Tennessee LEAD Alliance 12 and the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services, Alliance 2. Widely respected as a skilled trainer and facilitator, she is passionate about partnering with organizations and people receiving supports to cultivate environments where person-centered approaches can thrive.
She and her husband, Chris, are the proud parents of their son, Silas.
Larry Williams
Larry owns his own home where he lives by himself and his two cats: Kitty Poppins and Titan. He utilizes technology to control parts of his home which would otherwise be inaccessible. In 2022, Larry advocated for a change in conservator, establishing his brother in place of a paid conservator. In 2023, the first lady of Tennessee, Marie Lee, visited Larry’s home as part of her Tennessee Serves initiative, providing Larry with a much needed 2nd door opener. He enjoys wrestling, Tennessee football, and spending time relaxing in his home.
