Meet The Senior Leadership Team
Dr. Peter and Paulette Teague, Founders. Peter and Paulette pictured with their daughter Jessica are Co-Founders of our organization. Peter and Paulette oversee the day-to-day operations of Jessica & Friends Community and are mentors to the senior leadership team. The leadership team upholds the vision and mission of Jessica & Friends Community and adheres to the Core Values as guiding principles. As parents of a special needs daughter, they have a unique bond with other parents of special needs children. They understand the challenges and can offer reassurance and compassion to our families.
Jane Merolla, Chief Executive Officer. Jane has a demonstrated track record in the leadership and growth of organizations that provide care to adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. This includes comprehensive knowledge of governmental regulations and a history of working closely within county and state government to identify and implement creative solutions benefiting individuals and their families. She has worked in a family established organization, and has the firsthand experience to manage the sensitivities of working with an active Board and founders. Her previous employment includes both large and medium sized organizations, experience that will go far as we chart out our future growth. Finally, her faith walk and embrace of our faith-based mission demonstrates alignment with the key elements of who we are and why we exist.
Kimberly Gockley, Executive Director of Operations. Kim has worked in the IDD/MH field for 34 years, starting in residential then serving in day programs and vocational training facilities. She graduated from Nyack College in Nyack, New York. Kim feels blessed to be a part of Jessica & Friends Community and looks forward to what God has planned as we continue to serve our individuals and families. She is grateful to be able to work for an organization whose foundation is built upon biblical principles and core values that reflect our commitment to Jesus Christ. Kim joined Jessica & Friends Community in January 2020.
Sally Janora, Ministry Support Coordinator. Sally has had a heart for the ministry of 
Jessica & Friends from the beginning. As a parent of a daughter with a disability, she was one of the first parents to join the Parent Support Group in 1998. Sally's desire was to serve God and bring hope to others who are challenged with various aspects of raising a child with a disability. So in 2012 she joined the Jessica & Friends Community family as the Ministry Support Coordinator. She feels blessed to be able to be a source of encouragement, support and prayer to our individuals, staff and parents.
Jessica & Friends Community-Operations Managers
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Jodi Bird Senior House Manager |
Amber Franklin Quality Assurance/ Compliance Coordinator |
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Mary Hildebrand Manager of Home & Community Program |
Treteria Jones Manager of Sarah Kathryn's House |
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Jodi Bird |
Mitch Spangler Manager of David's House |
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Devon Sevret Manager of Old Colony House |
Jade Katz Manager of Jackie House |
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Gretchen Rhodes Manager of Scarboro House |
Pamela Tucker Manager of Kadine's House |
Our Vision
By faith, we strive to fulfill and proclaim the good news of the gospel by providing services to families impacted by intellectual disabilities regardless of financial standing.
Our Mission
Provide faith-based services and supports for individuals and families with autism and intellectual disabilities. We seek to be a community which affirms the worth of all people, supports personal growth and wholeness, advocates for community and church inclusion, and provides opportunities for spiritual growth and service.
Make a Difference
Jessica & Friends Community has many opportunities for volunteers to assist in serving our special individuals and families. Our volunteers consistently remark at how the individuals they serve bring them joy, happiness, and blessings through their service.
Supporting Organizations
