Kathy Evans

Kathy Evans

by | Apr 26, 2023

Hi, I’m Kathy Evans, the new Vocational Coordinator at OPTIONS Transitions to Independence. I am proud to say that I received my Associate of Arts degree at John A. Logan College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education from SIU-Carbondale in 2006. In addition, I have earned additional ISBE certifications in several vocational areas, which I believe will be beneficial in my role here.

My ten years of classroom management experience in the high school setting is also an asset to the program, as I have gained valuable insight into teaching and supporting students with learning disabilities. I have always tended to think outside the box and believe that if a student can find motivation and passion in the task at hand, the student will grow exponentially.

I have local business connections and plan to utilize them to help our students find joy in the journey. I have owned small businesses for several years and have also worked in retail management, and I am excited to share my knowledge so that the students in OPTIONS thrive and prosper.

Before my career in education, I served in the Army for six years, specializing in field communications. During my time in the Army, I learned that self-discipline is necessary in order to succeed, and I plan to bring this mindset to my role as Vocational Coordinator.

I believe that students deserve to gain confidence based on their own merits, with the understanding that they can accomplish the goals that are set in place for them. I also strongly believe that parents are a vital part of this process and have had great success in working with them to achieve their goals for their child.

I am always open and upfront in dealing with expectations that parents and staff have in the development of each student, and I am truly passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of our students here at OPTIONS Transitions to Independence.

 

Nathan Talley

Nathan Talley

by | Nov 16, 2022

Hello! I hope you are excited about this next chapter in your journey to independence. Through 10 years of working in all areas of our program’s holistic model and my Communication degree from SIUC, I am uniquely positioned to share the tremendous progress our students make when working within our individualized programming. My hopes and goals are for all of our young adults to truly embrace their time at OPTIONS Transitions to Independence and to develop the strategies and systems that will allow them to recognize and fulfill their potential throughout their lives.   

Victoria Ruggeri

Victoria Ruggeri

by | Nov 16, 2022


Victoria Ruggeri, M.S., CCC-SLP, is our Speech-Language Pathologist. Always excited to work with students, she provides individual and group speech-language sessions for students in all levels and phases of programming.

Individual speech sessions often focus on interpersonal communication, while groups are comprised of three to four students and target communication skills in broader social situations.

Kelly Vaughn

Kelly Vaughn

by | Nov 16, 2022

Kelly has worked with OPTIONS and Brehm since 2003, beginning her tenure on the Brehm campus. Eventually, she transitioned into the role of Independent Living Counselor at OPTIONS, which she dutifully fulfilled for several years while completing her Masters Degree in Workforce and Adult Education at Southern Illinois University. In 2014, she assumed the role of College Liaison and became part of students’ Academic day. She enjoys all of the events that happen on the OPTIONS and Brehm campuses, and is always excited to be involved in campus life.

Serving an integral role at OPTIONS, Kelly works with students as they take classes at John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University. She assists them as they navigate the infrastructure of higher education, including signing up for classes, staying on track with their assignments, and the pursuit of accommodations from Disability Support Services.

Kelly loves to share her success stories from across the years. She is always encouraging students to work hard, advocate for themselves when needed, and to look to their futures with a positive attitude. 

Jack Frazer

Jack Frazer

by | Nov 16, 2022

Hello! I began at OPTIONS in 2005, teaching courses in English, Psychology of Learning, Computer Information Systems, and Current Events. I have been teaching since 2002 and managed a student-based horticulture program. I am excited that OPTIONS has offered a Lawncare & Landscape Maintenance course for interested students, and I hope there is enough interest to continue the course in the future. I also teach and look forward to a productive learning experience this year for all students enrolled at OPTIONS.