Meet The Team Behind Change A Life

COF Training Services - Burlington

Jacinda Rowson

Area Director

I am passionate about working with adults with disabilities because it is deeply fulfilling to support their growth, independence, and overall well-being. I find great purpose in teaching and empowering others, and I am committed to helping each individual live a meaningful and enriched life.

Cottonwood, Inc. - Lawrence

Zoe Surprise-Murphy

Lead Targeted Case Manager

I started in the disability field at 19 as a part-time DSP through a recommendation from a friend to give it a try. I was a film student who was hesitant to do a job involving the care of others. I’d never done anything like it before and it felt daunting. After my first day, I knew I had found what I was meant to do. My career is more than a job - it’s taught me the importance of community, empathy, respect, and advocacy. Being able to help someone where they’re at and see them grow is a privilege and inspires me to do this work every day.

Starkey, Inc - Wichita

Brindilyn Stables

Employment Coordinator

I choose to work with individuals with I/DD because I believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a full life of dignity, purpose, and connection.  I am passionate about supporting people in discovering their strengths, reaching their goals and being valued members of their communities.  Helping someone find independence or meaningful employment isn’t just a job to me – it’s a calling with the belief that inclusion benefits us all.

Goodlife Innovations - Eudora

Angela Rocha-Smith

PFT Trainer

My passion for working with individuals with disabilities started when I was just a child. At eight years old, my father was paralyzed in a car accident. Growing up, I watched him face not only physical challenges but also the judgment of those who couldn’t see past his wheelchair. What they didn’t know was that he was the most independent, capable person I’ve ever known. He taught me to see the person, not the disability. That has stuck with me and became the motto of my career. Today, I’m proud and have a meaningful career where I support individuals in gaining independence, learning new skills, and living life to the fullest. There’s no better feeling than watching someone accomplish something they or others thought impossible. Being a part of that journey is not just a job, it's my purpose.

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas - Hays

Madeline Hutchins

Marketing Manager/Employment Specialist

I began my career in the IDD field helping our individuals find employment in the community. It’s more than just a job, it’s a privilege to get to be a part of someone’s journey as they find a place they’re not only passionate about but valued and respected.  

The relationships I’ve built over the years are what make this work so rewarding. Watching our individuals grow, achieve and feel proud of themselves, is something I never take for granted. 

This job has taught me a lot about resilience, patience, and the power of inclusion. I’m grateful for every day I get to continue it. 

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AbilityPoint - Wichita

Colton Castelli

Finance Director

I stumbled into the IDD field by chance. While working at a CPA firm, I realized that even though I was doing fine, something was missing. I didn’t feel connected to a purpose or cause. Over time, I found that I really enjoyed working with nonprofit organizations. Being able to use my accounting background to support something meaningful felt like the right direction.

That interest eventually led me to AbilityPoint. As I learned more about the IDD community and the organizations supporting it, I was drawn in. Seeing how much providers care and the real impact they have made me want to be part of it. It felt like work that actually mattered, so I got involved and I’ve been here since.

Johnson County Developmental Supports - Overland Park

Rebecca Brady

Residential Team Leader

Working with the I/DD population has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my career. Each individual I’ve had the privilege to support brings a unique perspective, an incredible sense of resilience, and an authentic spirit that reminds me daily of the importance of patience, empathy, and inclusion.

Cottonwood, Inc. - Lawrence

Courtney Herron

Day Enrichment Services CORE Supervisor

I began working as a part time DSP in 2002 in a residential site with 4 gentleman and quickly knew this was the field I was destined for.  I began working at Cottonwood Inc in 2005 as a full time DSP and had a variety of roles over the next 15 years to include the front desk receptionist, DSP in Work Enrichment, Residential DSP, Work Services Program Facilitator and now am lucky enough to run our CORE program with Day Enrichment Services. My time at Cottonwood has taught me so much about love, acceptance, patience and respect.  The individuals we serve are strong, resilient and beautifully capable people that I get to work with daily.  Some people go their entire lives trying to find their home in a career and I am so lucky to have had 20 years into a field that makes every day feel like a brand new day.  

Multi Community Diversified Services - McPherson

Kylee Kaufman

Director of Residential Services

I love what I do because I get to make a real difference in the lives of the people we support. Knowing that our clients are living fuller, more meaningful lives because of the care they receive is incredibly rewarding. I’m equally passionate about supporting the dedicated staff who show up every day to make that care possible. Helping them grow, feel confident, and succeed means our clients thrive, and that’s what it’s all about.