Administrative Staff

Jeannine Lyons
Jeannine was named Executive Director of The Arc of Shelby County on March 1, 2021. She previously served as the Director of Children’s Services for The Arc of Shelby County since 2014. She has twenty-six years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She received her degree from Louisiana Tech University in Child Life/Family Studies. Jeannine joined The Arc of Shelby Co. in 2002; before joining the team she worked as a District Early Intervention Coordinator for Jefferson/Shelby Co. She was chosen and served as a Service Coordinator Mentor through the Alabama’s Early Intervention Mentor Program. Jeannine also received the “Dream Team” Award from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. Contact Jeannine at jlyons@thearcofshelby.org.

Cindy Massey
Cindy is the Chief Financial Officer/Human Resources Director at The Arc of Shelby County. Cindy graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a B.S. degree in Accounting. She has 31 years of experience in Accounting including 11 years working with nonprofits. Contact Cindy at cmassey@thearcofshelby.org.

Jennifer Ellison
Jennifer is the Director of Development and Community Relations. She joined The Arc of Shelby County in September of 2016. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in Development, having worked both in non-profit and higher education, and is passionate about serving individuals with disabilities. Her previous work experience includes serving as the Chief Development Officer for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham and Development Director at Kid One Transport. Contact Jennifer at jellison@thearcofshelby.org
New Visions
Children’s Program

Jenny Terrell
Jenny became Director of Children’s Services in March of 2021. She previously served as an Early Intervention Service coordinator for The Arc of Shelby County. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from The University of Montevallo in 2006 and Masters of Social Work from Samford University in 2016. She received her Alabama state license to practice Social Work in 2007. Jenny worked with families and children in Shelby County for 2 years before joining The Arc of Shelby County in 2009. Contact Jenny at jterrell@thearcofshelby.org.
Employment Services

Heather Bell-Lawing, CESP
Heather graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Child & Family Development. She began working at The Arc of Shelby County in 2009 as an Employment Specialist. She enjoys working with adults with disabilities and their families. Helping individuals reach their goals and live a successful life in the community is top priority. Contact Heather at heather@thearcofshelby.org.