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Adria M. Maples is the Director of Residential Services for Walk of Joy. In this role, she develops, advises, manages, directs all aspects of this division.
Prior to joining Walk of Joy in July of 2020, she spent over 20 years working in the field of banking with US Bank, Fifth Third and several credit unions She worked in several different divisions in management, operations and retail. She has spent many years caring for people in her personal life in a direct care capacity.
She believes all individuals with disabilities have a voice. We should create as many opportunities as possible to help them achieve their independence in life. She also empowers people with disabilities to achieve their personal goals. She feels that everyone deserves love.
To contact Adria please email her at adria@walkofjoy.org or go to our website at walkofjoy.org.
Anthony Barnhart serves in several capacities with Walk of Joy. He is an Employment Specialist with the Go Bloom employment division and is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) Lead in the residential division. In his role as an Employment Specialist he coordinates employment supports, job placement, and job training for individuals and teams.
In his role as a DSP Lead, he coordinates and oversees all services delivered in the homes and community for the people we serve.
Anthony has spent over 10 years working in the field of adults with disabilities. He began working as a DSP and then was promoted to be the lead of a residential site.
Anthony believes that individuals are assets to our community and supports integrating all individuals into the typical workforce. He is passionate helping people of all abilities to reach their full potential and flourish in their pursuit of their dreams.
To contact Anthony Barnhart please email anthony@walkofjoy.org or go to our website at walkofjoy.org.
Debbie Ellis is an Integration Specialist for Walk of Joy residential services and the Flight day program. She also serves as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at various sites. In her role as a DSP, she provides support and assistance to individuals in their home and community to ensure that they are reaching their independence goals and are fulfilled in their lives. As an Integration Specialist, she searches for, and coordinates opportunities for individuals to be an integral part of their community where they can connect with people through based on their gifts and talents.
Debbie has spent over 30 years as Recreational Therapist, a DSP and Care Coordinator for Brookside and CCI in Cincinnati.
Debbie believes everyone has a voice. It is very important to her that everyone has someone to help advocate for them and that they have an intricate part of choosing what they want in their life. She helps people at Walk of Joy find their voice so that they can live and work in what makes them happy and to have a fulfilling, purpose filled life. She is also passionate about volunteering, animal rights and enjoys time with her family.
To contact Debbie Ellis please email her at Debbie@walkofjoy.org or go to our website at walkofjoy.org.
Wendell Anderson Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Walk of Joy which was started in June of 2008. He is also the founder and owner of the agency and all the divisions. In his role, he is responsible for every aspect of the organization, from finances, to operations, directing and developing programming for all divisions. He works collaboratively with several agencies in our community that serve people in need. He also serves on the Executive Board of The Academy of Direct Support Professionals. He is a founding member of the Gold Standard Organization supported by Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities services, and was chosen to participate in an Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Grant to strengthen agencies by being Trauma Informed. He is also the Founder and Executive Board Member acting as the President of a Non-Profit Agency InJoy Revival, which has a mission to serve people who serve people.
Wendell has spent over 20 years serving people in need in several capacities. He began his work as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) in several facilities and in their homes. He was a Certified Independent Provider for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODDS), he was a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Ohio Valley Residential Services (OVRS) and was later promoted to House Manager. He then worked at Cincinnati Recreational Commission (CRC), Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Division, where he was a Director over several recreational programs. He was then a Care Coordinator at Hamilton Choices where he managed and coordinated care for children and families within a Wrap Around model of care. He went on to work for Support Care as a Service Support Coordinator over four sites that supported individuals with disabilities. He then went on to start his own agency with his wife Jessica Watanabe in 2008 where he has been ever since.
Wendell’s life is guided by faith in God and in belief that we are all created for a purpose. This purpose can be realized by seeking understanding and acceptance of each other, which will lead to healing and love for one another.
To contact Wendell please email him at wendell@walkofjoy.org or go to our website at walkofjoy.org.
Whitney McNiel is the Director of Programming and Career Services for Walk of Joy which includes the Flight day program and Go Bloom employment services. In these roles, Whitney develops, advises, manages and directs all aspects of each of these divisions. She is Trauma Certified and uses a Trauma Responsive approach to help people build upon their resilience and healing journey.
Prior to joining Walk of Joy in April of 2015, she spent over 20 years working in the field with Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Therapeutic Recreation Division, directing and operating many programs, Lexington Parks Recreation and Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Park Administration with an emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Kentucky University.
Whitney believes in advocating for all individuals with disabilities and creating as many opportunities that she can for them to achieve as much independence as possible. She also empowers people with disabilities through educating, training and encouraging them to achieve their personal goals. She feels that working with people with disabilities teaches her about life, love and acceptance of all.
To contact Whitney please email her at whitney@walkofjoy.org or go to our website at walkofjoy.org.
