From the photo booth to the dance floor, we had a BLAST celebrating Valentine's with our incredible participants & their families! Valentine's Dance 2024 was definitely a night to remember!
Valentine’s Dance 2024
Blog
Erica Adams has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem State University. Erica was born and raised in a small country town called Bunn. Now happily married and living in Zebulon. As a native of the Raleigh area, she has worked locally as an elementary school teacher in Wake County Public Schools. She is now a local real estate agent and joined Able to Serve as a Communication Specialist in March 2024. Erica is a devoted Christian and strives to stay very involved in her local community and church! Erica loves to travel, explore the outdoors, and shop in her free time.
Filipe Remelgado, originally from New Jersey, initially aspired to become a veterinarian
but felt a divine calling that led him to seminary. While pursuing his theological studies,
he actively contributed to the family manufacturing business, gaining a strong work ethic
and business acumen. Filipe also volunteered as a Youth Pastor, leaving a lasting
impact on young minds and further solidifying his commitment to ministry.
To enhance his understanding of pastoral ministry, Filipe earned a Bachelor of Science
in Pastoral Ministry and Bible from Nyack College, followed by a Master of Arts in
Evangelism Church Plant from Liberty University. These educational pursuits equipped
him with a deep understanding of scripture, principles of ministry, and the tools to
spread his faith and establish thriving congregations. Recognizing the value of blending
theology with practical leadership skills, he obtained a Master of Business
Administration from Rutgers Business School, empowering him to lead with wisdom and
strategic thinking.
Continuing his pursuit of growth, Filipe later earned a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry
Leadership from Liberty University. Throughout his career, he held various roles within
churches and organizations, including Youth Pastor, Director of Finance and Operations
for the family business, Business Administrator, Teaching Pastor, Finance Administrator
for a large church, and Executive Director of Business Development Operations and
interim VP of Finance and Operations for Pillar College. These roles showcased his
leadership abilities and dedication to guiding organizations toward financial and
operational stability and growth.
In 2022, Filipe and his family- (wife- Rafaela and three sons: Joshua, David Jeremiah,
and Daniel), relocated to North Carolina, seeking new opportunities to impact and serve
communities with his diverse skill set an unwavering commitment to faith, leadership,
and organizational excellence. With his theological education, business acumen, and
varied leadership experiences, Filipe Remelgado is an exceptional individual poised to
catalyze growth, transformation, and spiritual enrichment in any context he serves. Filipe joined the Able to Serve team in June 2023.
Caitlyn Allen is a devoted Christian, daughter, sister, and friend. She is an active member of Hosea Church in downtown Raleigh and has grown so much in her faith since being there. She is a people person and loves connecting with and getting to know people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. She is passionate about making all people of all abilities feel valued and loved. Caitlyn joined the Able to Serve team in May 2023.
Rachel Barnes has a B.S. in Business Management from N.C. State University. As a native of Wake County, she has worked locally for the non profit community, beginning with director roles here at Able to Serve, Raleigh’s Salvation Army Community Center and Knightdale’s Northside Compassion Project. Rachel joined the Able to Serve team in October 2022, working with and for her favorite people and their families throughout Wake and Johnston counties. She and her family enjoy the outdoors, trying new restaurants and watching YouTube when they are not outdoors with friends.
Peggy is a devoted volunteer and works with our staff team as a Substitute Program Instructor. She joined our team in 2021.
Barbara Dorman joins us as a Program Instructor, after volunteering and five months of substitute teaching here at Able to Serve. She is excited to continue serving the participants and families here in this new role! Barbara retired from Case Management after 20+ years of working with individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities( I/ DD). Barbara and her husband, Dave, are active members of Highland Baptist Church. They participate in annual mission trips with Belize Mission Project, providing dental and some medical care to the people of Belize. Barbara is very excited to continue serving at Able to Serve as our program continues to grow! Barbara joined the Able to Serve team in January 2023.
Beth Faucette joins Able to Serve after retiring from the Wake County Public School system with 31 years in education. Beth is a devoted Christian and member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church where she sings in the choir. She loves spending time with her family, especially her son, Joseph, and son and daughter-in-law, Will and Angel. Beth is excited to continue educating others as she watches them learn, grow, lead and serve. Beth joined the Able to Serve team in August 2022.
Christopher Beckett is a devoted Christian, husband, and father who entered the teaching field nearly 5 years ago following his service in the United States Marines. He has worked both in public schools and in psychiatric care settings, serving his community to improve the chances of success in life for those under his tutelage. Chris joined the Able to Serve team in November 2021.
Jacob graduated from Campbell University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Business Management. Jacob comes to Able to Serve with a variety of ministry experience in Digital Marketing, serving at a local church as the Kid’s Ministry Director, and in several positions with LifeWay Christian Resources CentriKid Camps. Jacob joined the Able to Serve team in October 2021.
There’s no other way to say it—Anne loves children. She loves the service of teaching and watching her students learn. Anne holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has forty-one years of teaching experience, both in the private church setting as well as over 31 years in the Wake County Public School System. Anne and her husband, Alan, belong to St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh where Anne has taught Sunday School, VBS, co-chaired the Children’s Ministry and is a Wake Interfaith Volunteer. When Anne retired, Brenda Hammond invited Anne to visit Able to Serve where she continues to teach and serve. Anne joined the Able to Serve team in August 2016.
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.
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.
Before coming to Able to Serve Sophia worked in management for the Department of Corrections and in childcare development. She also dedicated time to being a stay-at-home mother and wife to her three children – Cody, Bradley, Grace, and her husband Donnie Ray. When Sophia and her family discovered that Grace has a rare brain disorder, her interest in the medical field and her passion for working with people with special needs piqued. She went back to school and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Liberty University with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Office Assistance. After graduation, her job search led her to Able to Serve. Sophia says, “I have found my ‘why’. It has been, and is, to serve Christ with my whole heart, and in so doing, serving Him the in the exceptional abilities community. I thank God for my faith, my family, and the many doors He has opened that brought me to this point.” Sophia joined the Able to Serve team in July 2019.
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 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.
“People with cognitive/physical disabilities are able to serve.”
The above quote is a closely held belief that Carlton had long before it became the name of the organization he would found in 2003. For the first four (4) years, he held the titles of Van Driver, Volunteer, and Chairman of the Board. In 2009, he stepped down from the board to accept the vacant part-time position of Executive Director, and a year later, moved to full-time, while managing a staff of three (3) program coordinators to facilitate the daily operations of the growing organization.
Carlton is a graduate of Campbell University and has a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from Southeastern Theological Seminary.
