Supported Employment Core Training Series Materials

Katie Wolf Whaley
Project Director
Phone: 859-218-5960
Email: kwolf@uky.edu

Katie Wolf Whaley, MSW, is a Principal Investigator and Project Director at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. In her work, she coordinates training & technical assistance on employment strategies for people with disabilities to service providers, job seekers, family members, and businesses. She works in collaboration with partners across the state and nation to build effective systems of support, increasing opportunities for people to gain and maintain competitive, integrated employment. Katie serves by Gubernatorial appointment as Chairperson of Kentucky’s Employment First Council, serves as the President of the Kentucky Chapter of APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First), and has served on the national board of APSE. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

Carolyn B. Wheeler
Project Associate
Phone: 859-218-5970
Email: carolynb.wheeler@uky.edu

Carolyn B. Wheeler is a native Kentuckian with extensive experience in program development, training, and advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families. From November 1990 to the present, Carolyn has been employed on various projects with the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky. Carolyn wrote the legislation for and was instrumental in implementing the Kentucky Hart Supported Living Program.  She is a founding member of Life Plan of Kentucky, which is a pooled special needs trust.  Carolyn is certified as a Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor and provides training on the positive financial impact of working for people who receive Social Security Disability benefits. 

Lisa Carrico
Technical Assistance Facilitator
Email: l.carrico@uky.edu

Lisa brings over 30 years of experience in supported employment services. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Murray State University, Lisa moved to Louisville, where she was first introduced to the concept of supported employment. As her first boss put it, “You’re in it for the long haul”—and they were right. Throughout the next three decades, Lisa served in various roles across the field. Her background includes experience as a direct service provider, agency director, APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) board member, and representative of a regulatory entity. Her work reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Melanie Lybarger
Technical Assistance Facilitator
Email: melanie.lybarger@uky.edu

Melanie has many years of professional experience as well as education in communications, counseling psychology, and career services. As a Credentialed Employment Support Professional (CESP), she has provided direct supported employment services for 9 years, working closely with job seekers throughout the state.  Melanie provides Technical Assistance, working with supported employment specialists, service provider agencies, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. She is an active participant in the Coalition Forward employment alliances in Morehead, Somerset, and Northern Kentucky, supporting relationships between supported employment providers and local businesses. A former self-professed “shy person”, Melanie excels at connecting with individuals and groups and helping people build their networking skills. She is known for her use of analogies and stories to illustrate her ideas. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. 

Zac Sappenfield
Training Facilitator
Email: zac.sappenfield@uky.edu

Zac brings 9 years of experience as an Employment Specialist, including certifications in MG&A Customized Employment and a CESP. Before that, he worked in the public school system in Ohio. He co-leads the SE Core Training Series, is part of the team to reconfigure Customized Employment training (what we have called the Leadership Series), leads additional training opportunities for Employment Specialists, and works on other projects pertaining to supported employment.  Zac holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from Ashland University.

Amanda Hutchison
Curriculum Developer
Email: amanda.hutchison@uky.edu

Amanda is a Curriculum Developer, with a focus on writing online training curricula and creating additional resources to spread information about supported employment to a wide range of audiences. Amanda has a diverse background, working in human resources as a job coach for youth in foster care, facilitating various HR and management courses in higher education, and having a passion for learning and development. 

Chelsea Bocard
Project Assistant
Phone: 859-218-5989
Email: chelsea.bocard@uky.edu

Chelsea is a dedicated Project Assistant at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute. She brings a strong background in student services across various college settings. Currently, she supports the Supported Employment Training Project by coordinating registration for the Supported Employment Core Training Series, developing accessible materials, maintaining the website’s up-to-date content, and ensuring a smooth organizational flow. Known for her attention to detail and collaborative spirit, Chelsea plays a key role in keeping the SETP team aligned and informed. Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky.