Celebrating the Lives of Those We Have Lost

Olivia Johns

Communications Specialist

Olivia is a people person who thrives on learning from others, exchanging ideas, and seeking opportunities for personal growth. Being of service to others brings her joy, and she is currently enjoying her new life in North Carolina, embracing the beauty and forming new friendships. She is a proud wife and mother to two daughters, along with a miniature Chihuahua who brings her family closer together. “I feel blessed to be a part of Able to Serve and serving alongside our incredible people”.

Core Value: My favorite core value is person focused because I value meaningful connections, learning from others and finding inspiration in the unique perspectives, experiences, and wisdom each person brings. My goal is learn from others while offering something valuable that positively impacts their lives.

Fun Fact: I am currently training for the Richmond, VA Trail Ragnar race. Wish me luck!

Favorite Scripture: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14

Hannah Burt

Communications Specialist

Core Value: As an inclusive person, I relate to the value of being Person-Focused. Every person is a child of God who is chosen by God and should be welcomed, loved, and cherished.

Background: Hannah joined the team in 2024 as a Communications Specialist after studying Business Administration at Liberty University. She seeks to use her marketing skills to magnify the name of Christ. Hannah sees evangelism as a form of marketing with eternal value and is passionate about enabling those with special needs to serve their community for Christ. Her passion for servant evangelism grew as she led her peers in street ministry throughout college, which led her to work at an evangelistic nonprofit in marketing analytics. While she is analytical and logical, she loves to meet new people and go on adventures, especially if it involves something outdoors.

Fun Fact: I used to play in a college version of the reality TV show Survivor. We were not stuck on an island for 40 days like the real show, but there were challenges and tribal councils!

Favorite Scripture: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Erica Adams

Communications Specialist

Core Value: Goal Oriented – Being goal-oriented resonates with me because I am naturally ambitious and find fulfillment in supporting others in achieving their goals and reaching their aspirations.

Background: Erica Adams, a B.S. graduate in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University, was born and raised in the small town of Bunn and now lives in Zebulon with her husband. Having worked as an elementary school teacher in Wake County Public Schools, she now serves the community as a local real estate agent. Erica joined Able to Serve as a Communication Specialist in March 2024 and loves that her role allows her to serve others. Erica is a devoted Christian and strives to stay very involved in her local community and church!

Fun Fact: I love to travel and want to visit all 50 states!

Favorite Scripture: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalms 139:14

Filipe Remelgado

Finance & Operations Manager

Filipe Remelgado, most recently earned a Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in Ministry Leadership. Originally from New Jersey, He moved to North Carolina, along with his wife- Rafaela and three boys- Joshua, David, and Daniel, in August of 2022. He started working at Able to Serve at the beginning of June, 2023. He loves to connect with others and preach when the opportunities arise.

Core Value: Christ-Centered. I live by the ethics of “whatever I do, I do as unto the Lord” and keeping Him at the center of it all.

Fun Fact: I love traveling and have been to five continents with the hopes of visiting all seven within the near future.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Caitlyn Allen

Program Instructor

Caitlyn Allen joined the Able To Serve team in May of 2023 in the midst of our 20th year celebrations! She is passionate about making people of all abilities feel valued and helping them reach their fullest God-given potential. She loves connecting with people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. She is an active member of Hosea Church in downtown Raleigh and has grown so much in her faith since being there.

Core Value: A core value that I especially relate to is Person-Focused. Something that I am passionate about is making every person that I interact with feel valued, heard and loved.

Fun Fact: My last job was at a soap company where I worked on the product research and development team and helped formulate new bath and body products like custom soaps, creams, bath bombs, etc.

Favorite Scripture: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Rachel Barnes

Program Administrator

Rachel Barnes is a North Carolina native, a graduate of N.C. State University and a proud mom of 2 amazing sons. Her professional passion has been found through ministry and non profit work, serving in program leadership roles at the Salvation Army Community Center, Northside Compassion Project and here at Able to Serve, on staff here since 2022. Rachel lives in Johnston County where she enjoys making memories with family and friends, being involved in her church and planning trips to explore new places – especially coffee shops.

Core Value: Person-Focused: I enjoy creating and being a part of moments in our day program where each person feels seen and valued.

Fun Fact: If I could only watch 2 tv shows for the rest of my life, it would be Alex Trebec-hosted reruns of Jeopardy and Golden Girls.

Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.”

Peggy Woods

Substitute Program Instructor

Peggy is a devoted volunteer and works with our staff team as a Substitute Program Instructor. She joined our team in 2021.

Barbara Dorman

Program Instructor

Barbara attended NC State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She has a brother with Traumatic Brain Injury, so she knew the “role” of having a sibling with special needs so it came naturally to work with individuals with special needs. Her professional career has always included opportunities to serve this population and their families. Barbara primarily worked as a case manager; this provided many different aspects of service and opportunities to meet many different people with many different needs.

Core Value: I like how ATS is person focused. We are each individuals with different skills and abilities. As we learn how each of the individuals in our program adjust to this environment, make new friends, participate in new and different opportunities, we try to focus on assisting each individual accomplish their best individual self.

Fun Fact: When Dave & I married we went to Belize for our honeymoon. This was my first trip out of the country. Belize is a beautiful country and we enjoyed many exciting experiences! I was 42 years old when we got married AND one of the fun “first” experiences included snorkeling; Belize has second largest barrier reef in the world, BEAUTIFUL!

Favorite Scripture: And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. Romans 8:28

Beth Faucette

Program Instructor

Beth Faucette is a graduate of Garner Senior High School and North Carolina State University with a degree in Middle School Math. After retiring from Wake County schools with 32 years of service, Beth joined the staff of Able to Serve in 2022 and loves her role as program instructor. Family time is very important to Beth and she especially loves being Mimi to her 4 beautiful granddaughters. Beth is a devoted member of Ebenezer Methodist Church where she serves on their board and sings in the choir.

Core Value: Christ Centered – Being Christ centered is my life goal because I strive to serve others, in word and deed, in the honor, glory and Spirit of Christ.

Fun Fact: I love to crochet and make beautiful blankets.

Favorite Scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Christopher Beckett

Program Instructor

Chris Beckett joined the Able to Serve team in 2021 after serving as a teacher of long-term-care psychiatric patients as well as students in the public education system. He graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico with B.A in Education. He is also a U.S Marine Veteran and served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Core Value: Good Stewards – God has blessed us with what we have, so we ought to take good care of it while we can. This applies not only to our resources and facilities here at ATS, but also to the participants. We can be good stewards of their time and presence by being that overflowing fountain of God’s love, joy, and wisdom.

Fun Fact: Chris loves to challenge himself (and others) – if it’s not difficult, it’s boring!

Favorite Scripture:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
– Isaiah 41:10

Jacob Sinclair

Marketing & Communications Manager

Jacob Sinclair is a graduate of Campbell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Management. Jacob claims Garner as home, living here since he can remember. Having worked in a variety of ministry areas including camp programming, kids ministry & marketing positions, his heart is for ministry & non-profit work. Jacob joined the Able to Serve team in October 2021.

Core Value: Community-Minded: I love how this core value emphasizes, not just Able to Serve, but our greater community as a whole. It’s amazing to see how God will work in BIG ways when people come together to make a difference & serve.

Fun Fact: The two things that get me through the day are a cup of Coffee & Mtn. Dew!

Favorite Scripture: Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:1-2

Anne Safrit

Program Instructor

Anne Safrit, a B.S. graduate of UNC-Greensboro in Elementary Education, was born and raised in Salisbury, NC, and has lived in Raleigh for 37 years. She is a retired Wake County Public School teacher who was looking for her next adventure and found it at ATS, beginning in August of 2017.

Core Value: Goal Oriented. Trying new things and becoming the best we can be in order to serve others. I enjoy watching the participants engage in activities that encourage leadership and growth. These prepare us for Service!

Fun Fact: I play the piano and the flute. My family was always encouraged to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” I am sharpening my skills for a future Talent Show.

Favorite scripture: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Jordan McLaurin

Program Instructor

Before coming to Able to Serve, Jordan spent two years working at A Small Miracle where he worked as a one on one caregiver for people with special needs. Jordan began working at Able to Serve as a substitute program instructor before transitioning into a full time role in 2021. Jordan has an Associates of Arts degree from Wake Technical Community College. Jordan joined the Able to Serve team in August 2020.

Trista Schaefer

Administrative Coordinator

Before coming to Able to Serve, Trista worked as an Administrative Assistant for a local church. She is an active church member at Aversboro Road Baptist Church and volunteers with the women’s ministry. Trista dedicates her time to being a wife to her husband Kurt and mother to her three children – Scott, Brandon, and Ryanna. Trista has an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. Trista joined the Able to Serve team in March 2021.

Sophia Mercer

Program Instructor

Sophia Mercer received with honors an Associate of Science degree through Liberty University in the Medical Office field at the age of 50 to 53. She was reared mostly in a small rural town in Eastern North Carolina, called Pink Hill. That was the longest area she lived in. Her father was in the army so she moved around quite a bit. Sophia was born in Paris, France and shortly after she was born they moved back to the states. Sophia have an older sister and two younger brothers. Sophia & her husband have been married for 35 years and in the Raleigh area since 1987. They have three children – Cody 26, Bradley 24, and Grace 17. Grace is her special needs child and one of the many reasons God planted her at Able to Serve. “We love Jesus and do our best to live a fruitful life with our walk and our talk and sharing the gospel with others”.

Core Value: Christ – Centered. I love that we keep Christ as the central focus of our day. As staff we start out each day with a devotion. We have either classroom devotions or we have a pastor come in and do a devotion. We may bridge an activity we are doing and bring it back to Christ. We serve our community in ways that honor Christ. I love that being Christ-Centered is our number one core value.

Fun Fact: I love hanging out with people who have a quick wit about them, that make me laugh. I love watching good clean comedy movies, and love watching Christian stand up comedy. Busting a gut is one of my favorite things.

Favorite Scripture: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13

Amber Mitchell

Program Coordinator

Amber believes everyone is called to serve God and serve others. For nearly 10 years, she has served in the local church with children, youth and outreach. She also worked as the Graduate Assistant for Church Relations at Campbell University’s Divinity School for four years before joining the Able to Serve team. Amber has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity from Campbell University.

Nick Bazzelle

Curriculum/Logistics Coordinator

Nick Graduated from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2016 with a Bachelors in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. Nick also worked for a company called A Small Miracle, where he received special needs training and worked with clients one-on-one for over a year before joining Able to Serve. Nick joined the Able to Serve team in November 2017.

Carlton McDaniel, Jr.

Founder & Executive Director

Carlton McDaniel, Jr. is the visionary behind the belief that “People with cognitive and physical disabilities are able to serve,” a principle that has guided his work for decades. He founded his organization in 2003 to bring this vision to life, and during its formative years, he played multiple critical roles, including Van Driver, Volunteer, and Chairman of the Board.

In 2009, Carlton transitioned from the board to take on the part-time role of Executive Director, and just a year later, he moved into the position full-time. Since then, he has managed the organization’s growth, leading a dedicated team that shares his commitment to giving abilities a chance.

Carlton is a graduate of Campbell University and holds a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from Southeastern Theological Seminary. His professional journey includes roles with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and as the National Special Needs Consultant for LifeWay, where he has been a passionate advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

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Olivia Johns

Communications Specialist

Hannah Burt

Communications Specialist

Erica Adams

Communications Specialist

Filipe Remelgado

Finance & Operations Manager

Caitlyn Allen

Program Instructor

Rachel Barnes

Program Administrator

Peggy Woods

Substitute Program Instructor

Barbara Dorman

Program Instructor

Beth Faucette

Program Instructor

Christopher Beckett

Program Instructor

Jacob Sinclair

Marketing & Communications Manager

Anne Safrit

Program Instructor

Jordan McLaurin

Program Instructor

Trista Schaefer

Administrative Coordinator

Sophia Mercer

Program Instructor

Amber Mitchell

Program Coordinator

Nick Bazzelle

Curriculum/Logistics Coordinator

Carlton McDaniel, Jr.

Founder & Executive Director