Meet The Kentucky Team
Jessica Paris, Executive State Director- Kentucky
Experience: I have been providing Case Management services since 2015. I began working in the IDD field as a Direct Support Professional in 2011 and then as a Quality Assurance Coordinator.
Why I Joined Columbus: I joined Columbus when they first came to KY because they cared! They cared about us as their employees, but more importantly they cared about the people that we get the privilege to support.
How I describe Columbus to others:I would describe Columbus to others as an agency that cares and stands by their quality! They ensure that the people we get to support have the best quality of services possible.
Outside of Columbus: I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and two children.
Education: BSW, Campbellsville University Contact: Jparis@columbusorg.com
Dustin Anderson, Case Manager
Experience: I have been a Case Manager in Kentucky since 2009.
How I explain Columbus to others: Columbus Organization is an organization that provides the highest quality Case Managers to ensure optimal services are provided.
Outside of Columbus: I am married with two children and I enjoy traveling and playing guitar in my spare time.
Education: BS, Indiana University
Contact: dkanderson@columbusorg.com
Jana S. Burton, Case Manager
Why I joined Columbus: I became a Case Manager and joined The Columbus Organization with a strong desire to make a positive difference in functionally and mentally disabled people’s lives. I have a high work ethic and as a mother of a challenged son, I understand the hardships families face from childhood through adulthood.
How I describe Columbus to others: The Columbus Organization is a large company which allows them the resources to provide over-site and quality care for their clients. The Columbus Organization strives to be the best in their field and has wonderful case managers that are dedicated to their clients.
Experience: I have 33 years of experience as a Direct Support Professional as well as being Certified in Brain Development. I have been involved in Waiver Services for over 12 years and specialize in Participant Directed Services – Personal Assistance through Supports for Community Living in the state of Kentucky.
Outside of Columbus: I enjoy my family of four which includes a step-grandchild I am raising after the death of my step-daughter. I enjoy water activities, family fun, animals, and Christmas!
Education: BS in Business Administration and Office Management (Emphasis in Management and Human Resource), Cumberland College Associate Degree in Legal Secretary and Office Administration, Somerset Community College, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, Certified in Child Brain Development by The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential
Contact: jburton@columbusorg.com
Angela Coots, Case Manager
Experience:I have been a case manager since 2007 with SCL and MPW Waiver clients. I have spent 16 years as a case manager and 4 years in direct care services previously.
How I explain Columbus to others: Columbus is a conflict-free case management agency that provides caring services for all of their clients. Our team members are well trained with many years of experience with various locations throughout the state.
Outside of Columbus: I am a wife and mother of two. I recently celebrated the arrival of my first grandchild! I enjoy camping with my husband, spending time with my family, going to church, and swimming.
Education: BS Human Services & Counseling, Lindsey Wilson College
Contact: acoots@columbusorg.com
Carnetta Collins, Case Manager, Human Resources/Counseling
Why I joined Columbus: The case management company I worked for was bought out by Columbus Organization. I have enjoyed working for Columbus and enjoy being a case manager.
Experience:I have worked as a case manager for 15 years and enjoy my job and working in the field that I do. I enjoy the population that I work with and feel like I am giving back to society and fulfilling a purpose.
Outside of Columbus: I am a mother of two children and two grandchildren. I have worked all of my life and enjoy going to the beach and reading books.
Education: BS in Counseling and Human Services, Lindsey Wilson College
Contact: ccollins@columbusorg.com
Megan Davidson, Case Manager Supervisor
Experience: I have been working with adults and children with disabilities since 2006, joining the Columbus team in Summer 2019. I started my journey years ago as a direct support professional to adults with IDD and eventually became the Program Director of the agency. I began providing case management in 2016 to assist others in reaching their personal goals.
Why I joined Columbus: I joined Columbus because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, helping them navigate the world and assist them in becoming their most independent self.
How I describe Columbus to others: Columbus as a great agency that is dedicated to putting our clients health, safety, and well-being first. Our agency strives to ensure that our clients and families are well-informed and provide assistance to navigate a more inclusive lifestyle for our clients.
Outside of Columbus:I am a married mother of two teens who enjoys reading, camping and trail riding in KY, watching my children’s marching band and sports, and spending time with my family.
Education: BS Human Services, Child and Family Welfare, Kaplan University Contact: mwdavidson@columbusorg.com
Misty Hayes, Case Manager
Experience: I have been providing case management services in the IDD field since 2004. I began my career as a direct support staff in a residential home at the comprehensive care center, Adanta, before beginning to provide case management.
Why I joined Columbus: I enjoy helping and working with people we serve to ensure that they have a great and rewarding life!
How I describe Columbus to others: I describe Columbus as an organization that is driven and focused on providing excellence in care to the persons, they serve to ensure they are living their best quality of life.
Outside of Columbus: Along with my husband and teenage daughter, I enjoy being active in our church and community as well as watching and traveling to my daughter’s school sporting events.
Education: BS in Criminal Justice, Eastern Kentucky University Contact:mhayes@columbusorg.com
Christy Kemper, Case Manager
Experience: I have 15 years’ experience in the IDD field. My passion began while providing direct care. I have held various positions in the IDD field including Direct Care Professional, Supported Employment Specialist Supervisor, Program Director of Day Training, Community Access, Supported Employment and Residential Level I services. I have 6 years’ experience in Case Management.
Why I joined Columbus: I joined the Columbus Organization because I have the desire to serve individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
How I describe Columbus to others: The Columbus Organization’s mission is to assist children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities achieve independence through a life that is meaningful to them. The Columbus Organization provides Case Management services statewide to individuals being supported through various waivers including the Supports for Community Living (SCL) and the Michelle P. Waiver (MPW).
Outside of Columbus: I enjoy spending time with my family, two children and husband. In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors-kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming. I have spent three years volunteering as a youth Sunday School Teacher.
Education: BS, Human Services and Counseling, Lindsey Wilson College Contact: bckemper@columbusorg.com
Melinda Lewis, Case Manager
Experience: I have worked in this field for over 20 years. I started in college as residential staff and day center staff. I then became a day training supervisor and then a case manager.
Why I joined Columbus: The company that I previously worked for was acquired by Columbus when they came to Kentucky. I have been with them ever since!
How I describe Columbus to others: Columbus works with others to help them achieve their goals that they have set for themselves.
Education: BS from Eastern Kentucky University Contact: mlewis@columbusorg.com
Jessica Meadors, Case Manager
Experience:I have worked with the IDD population since 2007. I began my career at Oakwood and moved to Case Management in 2010. I am an advocate for individuals and enjoys being able to assist in any way I can.
How I explain Columbus to others: I explain Columbus to others as a conflict free case manager for the scl waiver in KY. I assist with managing individuals waiver program and monitor for health safety and welfare of the individual throughout all service providers
Outside of Columbus:I am married and have 2 small kids at home whom I love spending time with. I enjoy being outside and like hiking, camping and traveling to new places.
Education: BS, University of Louisville | MS, Lindsey Wilson College in human and health services Contact: jmeadors@columbusorg.com
Melanie Thacker Parsons, Case Manager Supervisor
Experience:I have been working in the IDD field since 1996. I began as a case manager and I have been a program director, supervisor and filled a quality assurance role through the years as an IDD professional. I joined The Columbus Organization in 2020 and returned to my first love in the field, being a case manager.
Why I joined Columbus: I had been working in another field and this was a way to return to the field that I love–Disability Services. I have worked in different areas of this field and case management was always where my heart was and where I started. This was an opportunity to return to it.
How I explain Columbus to others:Columbus is a group of like-minded people who believe in providing the best supports and services to a people with disabilities and other needs. This population is often vulnerable and devalued but we at Columbus want to teach and advocate for these folks so that they receive the best supports that can be had in their state.
Outside of Columbus: I am a lifelong farmer. My husband and I now operate our family’s farm in Rockcastle County, Kentucky where I have lived my entire life. I love to raise a garden of vegetables and each year I have a large flower garden of pollinator flowers.
Education:BS Psychology, Eastern Kentucky University | MA Applied Behavior Analysis, Ball State University
Contact:mtparsons@columbusorg.com
James Powell, Case Manager
Experience: I served as a professional in the Kentucky Public Education Program for 28 ½ Years to include Teacher, Counselor and Special Education Director. When I retired in 2012, I became a case manager.
How I explain Columbus to others: Columbus answers for all individual needs in all aspects of life
Outside of Columbus: I enjoy being involved in church, spending time with my family and playing golf.
Education: BS and Rank I in Counseling, 5th Year Program for Special Education Western Kentucky University, MA Austin Peay State University Contact:jpowell@columbusorg.com
Leslie Perdue Case Manager
Experience: I have been a Case Manager for 13 years, joining The Columbus Organization in 2020. I began working in the field years ago at an ICF/MR. I enjoy helping others and continue to advocate for families in western Kentucky.
Why I joined Columbus: I joined The Columbus Organization because I wanted to continue to pursue my love of working with others in a company that provides structure and advancement.
How I describe Columbus to others: I described The Columbus Organization to others as a caring company who is ready to go above and beyond to provide case management services and to be an advocate for the client.
Outside of Columbus: I am a mother of two boys and I enjoy spending my time watching their sporting events, traveling, crafting, and spending time with my family.
Education: BIS, Murray State University Contact: leperdue@columbusorg.com
Jessica Vaughn, Case Manager
Experience:I have been a case manager for 7 years. I started out in this field as a direct support professional. I then did records clerk while I finished college. This is when I found my passion in case management.
Why I joined Columbus: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a big place in my heart and I enjoy focusing on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
How I explain Columbus to others: Columbus is very positive and responsive to everyone including employees, guardians, staff, and especially the clients we serve.
Outside of Columbus: I am a wife and mother to 3 beautiful children. I enjoy spending time with my family and helping others. Finding new adventures and creating memories is very important to me.
Education: BS from Eastern Kentucky University, Minor in Special Education Contact: jvaughn@columbusorg.com
Rachael White, Case Manager
Experience: I have been a Case Manager for 10 years and prior to that worked as an paraeducator in a special needs classroom.
Why I joined Columbus: I joined Columbus because I wanted to be part of a team where I felt supported by supervisors and administration.
How I explain Columbus to others: The Columbus Organization is a Case Management agency with a wonderful reputation for helping others and going above and beyond for the participants we serve.
Outside of Columbus: I’m a mother of two teenagers and have two dogs. I enjoy spending time with family and crafting in my spare time.
Education: BS Psychology and Science Contact: rawhite@columbusorg.com
Malissa Wright, Case Manager
Experience: I have spent the last 5.5 years as a case manager with the Columbus Organization but have been in the field for 17 years as a case manager and Day Training staff.
How I explain Columbus to others: I feel the case managers at Columbus strive to advocate for their individuals and strive to take care of their safety, health, and welfare. Which makes The Columbus Organization a company that has the client’s best interest at heart.
Outside of Columbus: I have three grown children and enjoy spending time with family.
Education:BS Human Services and Counseling, Lindsey Wilson College Contact: mwright@columbusorg.com
Shenea Wallin, Case Manager
Experience: I have worked in the IDD field since 2010. I started as a Direct Support Professional and moved to a Medical Coordinator position until I became a case manager in 2015.
Why I joined Columbus: I love being part of the journey to help others achieve their goals and live their best life.
How I explain Columbus to others: Columbus is a supportive team and is focused on quality care to those we serve.
Outside of Columbus: I enjoy spending my free time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible.
Education: BA, Midway College Contact:sjwallin@columbus.org
Amber Clark, Case Manager
Experience:I am new to the case management world. I previously worked in Human Resources at NKADD, where one of my responsibilities was hiring IDD case managers. I found that I wanted to be working out in the field to serve people. I have a passion for serving people and the community. I am excited for this new role and know that I work with many experienced and passionate people to help me learn along the way.
Why I joined Columbus: I wanted to wake up every day and know that I am making a difference in people’s lives. I strive to assist the individuals that we serve in having meaningful lives.
How I explain Columbus to others: The Columbus Organization puts people first to support our approach to better the lives of the people that we serve. We do this by providing quality services to enrich individual’s lives and give their families peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for.
Outside of Columbus: I’m married and a new mom to a sweet girl, who was born on our anniversary. I also have a cat and a dog, love going hiking, crafting, and caring for my collection of house plants.
Education: BA, Communications and Sociology, Eastern Kentucky University Contact: anclark@columbusorg.com