Staff

Jeannine Lyons is the esteemed Executive Director of The Arc of Shelby County. With over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, empowerment, and community integration for people with disabilities.

Under her leadership, The Arc of Shelby County continues to grow and expand services, reaching an average of 1,500 individuals and families each year. She oversees the implementation of innovative programs designed to enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

Jeannine holds a Child Life and Family Services degree from Louisiana Tech University and has been recognized for her achievements in Leadership as a recent graduate from Leadership Shelby County. She received recognition from Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services as the recipient of the “Dream Team” award. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual is valued and can achieve their fullest potential.

You can reach Jeannine at jlyons@thearcofshelby.org

Carole joined The Arc of Shelby County in April 2024 and serves as the Director of Development and Community Relations.

In her role as Director of Development and Community Relations at The Arc of Shelby County, Carole oversees all aspects of fundraising, grant management, donor relations, events, and community outreach. She plays a key role in developing partnerships and driving initiatives that support the mission and vision of the organization.

Carole holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from SUNY Delhi, and holds a strong background in marketing, community development, fundraising, and event management. She has been very involved in Shelby County for 20 years volunteering and serving on numerous committees, fundraising, and as a business owner.

Please feel free to contact Carole at carole.lyons@thearcofshelby.org to learn more about being involved with our organization.

Tonya Travis is our Director of the New Visions Community Day Habilitation Program. This program serves adults with intellectual disabilities, and it is her passion that they are empowered through advocacy, support, and coaching to live life to the fullest within a community that they choose.

Tonya’s employment within the Arc of Shelby County has spanned four years. During that time, she has worked in many different departments. Each department strengthening her skills set and expanding her knowledge about the different needs and phases of an individual’s life. This only increased her love for individuals with disabilities.  Those different departments were Employment and Community Outreach.

Tonya has always loved helping others. She has done this throughout her life; whether in a Special Education classroom or in her personal life. She is happily married to her husband of 29 years, has a daughter who just graduated from South Alabama, and a son who is 22.  Her son is on the Autism Spectrum and when he was diagnosed at three, this is when she found her purpose.

Please feel free to contact Tonya at tonya.travis@thearcofshelby.org to learn more about our New Visions Program.

Heather graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Child & Family Development. She spent her early years teaching. She began working at The Arc of Shelby County in 2009 as an Employment Specialist and within a short time became the Director of Employment Services. 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. Having held the role of a job coach is instrumental as she leads the employment team and provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by individuals served.

Heather has been instrumental in creating inclusive employment opportunities and fostering partnerships with businesses to promote diversity and accessibility in the workplace. Under her leadership, the agency has placed hundreds of individuals in meaningful employment, tailoring job placements of each individual served while ensuring that employers have the support, they need to create an inclusive work environment.

Please contact Heather at heather@thearcofshelby.org to learn more about our Employment Services.