Our Team

In 2005, Shane began working in services for individuals with developmental disabilities as a Program Director at an agency in Evansville.  While there, he also held the position of Quality Assurance Director, and was responsible for reporting to the state, as well as maintaining and addressing quality concerns. After graduating with a master’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2008, Shane created a startup program for the agency where he began his career.  The program provided behavior management services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, in addition to individuals experiencing mental illness. Due to changes at the local agency, Shane and his business partner took a leap of faith and formed our own organization to provide behavior management services:  APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES opened in 2014. Their hands-on experience in the field made them aware of the lack of services in various waiver areas. This enabled Apex to branch off into providing other waiver services (RETH in 2014) & (Residential Services in 2015). Shane holds a master’s degree in Social Work from USI, where he also received his bachelor degree in psychology in 2006. He also received associates in Arts & Science from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Illinois. A native of Eldorado, Illinois, Shane has called Evansville home for the past 11 years. He and his wife, Evonne, have three children.

Amanda began serving individuals with developmental disabilities in 2005. In 2007, she joined another waiver provider as Service Coordinator. Amanda has been a member of the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team since May, 2015. Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in health services from the University of Southern Indiana.  She resides in Evansville, Indiana.

Kim began working in services for individuals with developmental disabilities in 2008. Prior to joining APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, Kim worked in waiver services as:

 

• Operations Manager for Supported Living,
• Program Coordinator for Supported Living,
• Human Resource Coordinator
• Lead staff working with individuals with disabilities

Prior to working with individuals with disabilities, Kim served those with mental illnesses and substance abuse as a Mental Health Tech at Southwestern Mental Health Services, and Stepping Stones. Kim Zimmerman has a master’s degree in social work from University of Southern Indiana. Upon completing her master’s degree, Kim completed her internship with ResCare as a Behavioral Clinician. Kim Zimmerman has her bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from University of Southern Indiana. Upon earning her bachelor’s, Kim Zimmerman served internships at Evansville Children’s Psychiatric Center, Aurora, and Evansville Juvenile Court System. Kim Zimmerman resides in Evansville, Indiana.

In 2008, Jennifer began professionally serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Crown Point, Indiana. In 2009 she was named “Employee of the Year” by the facility. Shortly after being recognized for her outstanding service, she was promoted to Habilitation Manager.  In this position, she supervised an Assistant Manager, 55 employees, and 25 clients. In 2012, Jennifer relocated to Evansville, Indiana, where she joined an organization providing services to individuals with disabilities. In December, 2015, Jennifer became a member of the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team. She serves as Program Director.

Bobbie is well known in the community having provided job placement and related services for 29 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana.  She has been instrumental in developing several programs in the community and has the philosophy that “everyone deserves the opportunity to try to work in the community”.  Bobbie has always put the clients needs and desires first when in comes to seeking the appropriate level of employment for the individual.  She plans to carry the same values working for APEX.

A 2012 graduate of University of Southern Indiana, Jeanie holds a bachelor’s degree in health services.  Jeanie launched her waiver services career in early 2013, and has held positions in the Evansville area as Service Coordinator and Case Manager. In July 2016, Jeanie joined the APEX Team as a Program Director for individuals living at Jacob’s Village. Outside of serving others, Jeanie enjoys spending time with her fiancé and daughter.

A graduate of Indiana State University, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Brian worked in the Mental Health field for 8 years and Clinical Pharmacology field for 4 years. Pyers launched his waiver services career in early 2018 and has held Program Director positions in the Evansville area. In July 2018, Brian joined the APEX Team as a Program Director for individuals in the Evansville area. Outside of serving others, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

Melissa began her career in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional working with individuals in group homes.  After 5 years of working in this field, she moved to a more low key position.  Soon realizing she needed a more people oriented position, Melissa pursued a career as a Job Developer helping clients find jobs. Her free time is devoted to spending time with her family.

Prior to joining the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES administrative team, Debbie Lefler was gaining in-depth experience in the field of health services. Most recently, she served as Executive Administrative Assistant at Deaconess VNA Plus, LLC. Prior to that, Debbie was a Certification Clerk with the Vanderburgh County Health Department. She has also served as a Clerical Associate at both The Women’s Hospital, and Deaconess Hospital. In every capacity, Debbie’s expertise contributed to the smooth operation of each organization. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to her role here at APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES.

Chris launched his waiver services career in early 2013 and has held positions in the Evansville area as Field Coordinator and Program Director. In June 2017, Chris joined the APEX Team as a Program Director for individuals in the Evansville area. Outside of serving others, Chris enjoys spending time with his fiancé and son.

In 2012, Jessica began serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Henderson area. She graduated from University of Southern Indiana in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services. Jessica gained her experience by working as a Direct Support Professional and Residential Manager, as well as assisting with her younger sister who has Down Syndrome. Jessica joined the Apex team in May 2018 as a Program Director.

Before coming to APEX, Van was a job coach for 4.5 years performing evaluations on clients to determine if they are able to work in the community.  After retirement from Vocational Rehabilitation, he worked under a grant for 5 months for Aurora as an intake specialist working directly with the homeless population.  Van was also a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for almost 35 years. He continues his work with APEX. Van holds a Bachelor’s Degree from IU and a Master’s also from IU with a degree in Counseling and Guidance.  He is married to Patty and they have 5 children and 9 grandchildren.  Van is also known as “Jasper the Clown” with the Hadi Shrine.

Theresa Stiff studied Accounting at Ivy Tech and USI.  She comes to us with 11 years of experience in this field. Her background consists of client trust funds, burial trusts, ARC trusts, Medicaid eligibility and billing, accounts receivable/payable, payroll and office management.  She has organized a team for Komen Race for the Cure for the last 10 years, a charity she finds close to her heart.  She has also held volunteer positions with the United Way, Girl Scouts, American Legion and Parent/Teacher Organizations.

In 2000, Carmen began serving individuals in a shelter workshop in Anderson, Indiana. Over the past 26 years she has gained experience in vocational evaluation, community based services, as well as serving as Program Director in a day program. Carmen joined the Apex team in October 2016 serving as Program Director.

In 2002, Shannon began serving individuals in a supported living setting in Ebensburg, PA. In 2004, she moved to Indiana and provided supported living services as a Program Specialist for 12 years. Shannon has gained experience as an Employment Specialist for individuals, as well as assisting with her Brother who has autism. She has served in the home health care field for 11 years. Shannon joined the Apex team in May 2018 serving as Program Director.

Before coming to Apex John worked for Advantage Solutions Merchandising as a Retail Sales Merchandiser for 4 months. Prior to that, he worked for Walmart Stores Inc. in many roles over nine years. John has over 10 years of retail experience.  He is the Chief of Operations for the Evansville – Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency. John loves spending time with his wife and family in his free time. Although Johns doesn’t have any kids, he enjoys helping the Hadi Shriners and the Hadi Shrine Funsters during some of their community events such as their Fall Festival Face Painting Booth and Hadi Shrine Circus.

Prior to joining the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team, Grant has been employed in the healthcare field for the past 9 years. He has gained knowledge of insurances and billing from previous management positions and has an extensive data entry background. He is excited to continue helping others and keep advancing his knowledge in the healthcare field as part of the finance team with APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES.

Danielle has always wanted to serve children. She chose a career in social work after seeing the positive results counseling had among the young clients at a youth correctional facility where she was employed. Danielle earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana in 2006. Her bachelor’s degree is also in social work. Danielle’s professional experience includes working in elementary, middle, and high schools. In these settings, she helped youths who had issues in the classroom, at home, as well as those with behavioral concerns.  While her expertise also encompasses case management, Danielle prefers the rewarding client interaction her position at APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES enables her to have.

William C. Barnes Jr. has been serving individuals with disabilities since 2003. With experience in multiple service areas, he now focuses on Behavior Supports. William holds a master’s degree in social work, and has conducted research, as well as presented on subjects that include, “Addiction and Disabilities,” “Synthetic Pharmacology,” and “Crisis Intervention.” In addition to his clinical work, he is a professor in the department of social work at the University of Southern Indiana. William also serves as Lead Pastor at Sojourn Church. In this capacity, he encourages deepened relationships with God and one another. Personally and professionally, he is committed to elevating the level of community awareness about the special population we compassionately serve at APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES. It is William’s hope that as a community, increased awareness will motivate us all to better serve one another.

Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Jacob joins APEX with over 8 years of experience. Creighbaum earned his Associates in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana in 2012. He went on to earn his BSW in 2012 and his MSW in 2013 both through the University of Southern Indiana.

Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Evansville in 1995.  After graduation, he joined Welborn’s Mulberry Center Addiction Unit in Evansville.  While there, he continued his education, and in 2003, earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana.  As a graduate student, Todd provided group and individual therapy for adults and adolescents on the Addiction Unit.  It was during this period that he began working on the Mental Health Units at Mulberry Center. Additionally, Todd provided substance abuse assessments for patients in the Emergency Room at Welborn Hospital. After earning his MSW, Todd:

• Worked as a Day Reporting Officer for the Vanderburgh County Drug Court
• Provided psychiatric treatment at Deaconess Cross Point until 2007
• In 2007, he began working for the University of Kentucky’s Targeted Assessment Program in McLean, Henderson, and Union County, Kentucky. This program provided in-home assessment and referral services to parents struggling with substance abuse, mental health, intimate partner violence, and learning problems.

• Was an Adjunct Professor at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky
• Served as Director of the Social Work Program at Brescia University

Todd joined APEX in 2014. He is married and enjoys attending his children’s school and sports activities, including hockey, tennis, and lacrosse.

Jerriann Spradley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana in 2003. While finishing her bachelor’s degree she worked at Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center until 2005. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Sothern Indiana from the one-year advanced program in 2004. After earning her MSW, she took a position as a Case Manager with Ireland and Luzio Home Based Services in 2006. In 2009, she began to work as a Service Coordinator for Bridges of Indiana. In June 2015, she began to work for Apex Behavioral Services as a Behavior Management Clinician.

Kristin Creighbaum earned her Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Evansville in 2008, while there, she had the opportunity to study at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. Kristin completed internships with the Department of Homeland Security, the Warrick County Health Department, and Atria Assisted Living. After graduation, Kristin worked as an Employment Specialist with Evansville ARC and later as a Program Director and Human Resource Coordinator/ Recruiter with Dungarvin Indiana. In both roles, Kristin supported individuals with disabilities and is experienced in transitioning individuals from state-operated facilities to community living. Kristin has also worked in Human Resources and Recruitment within the travel nursing industry. Kristin resides in Evansville, IN with her husband and two children. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys music, art, traveling and spending time with her family.

Allison brings more than 25 years of professional experience to APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES. Her career serving individuals with developmental disabilities includes these positions:

 

• Director of Access Services and ADA Compliance at St. Martin’s College
• Learning Specialist for Students with Disabilities at Seattle University
• Educational Research Coordinator at the University of Arizona
• Behavior Interventionist in K-12, as Behavior Clinician; waiver services
• Behavior Interventionist in K-12, as Behavior Services Director; waiver services

Allison holds a master’s in education-counseling and post-secondary disability services. Her undergraduate degree is in sociology, with emphasis on family structure and dynamics. A native of Washington State, Allison has called Indiana home for nearly 10 years.

John obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University. He received a master’s, also in social work, from the University of Southern Indiana.  Over the past 20 years, John has worked in various social services settings and agencies. His extensive experience includes:

• Helping clients of all ages, and their families
• Serving as a Therapist in an inpatient psychiatric hospital
• Being a Social Worker and Program Coordinator/Developer for several geriatric psych programs
• Serving as a QIDP/Behavioral Consultant at long-term care nursing facilities
• Working as a Behavioral Clinician

In his spare time, John spends time with friends, family, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brian Terry was born and raised in Henderson, KY. He has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Prior to joining APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, he worked at Ireland Home Based Services as a family counselor. He has an A.A. in Management, B.A. in Human Services Management, and an M.A. in counseling from Liberty University. Brian is married with 3 children and enjoys working out and watching Louisville Cardinal football and basketball.