Learn more about who is behind The JumpStart Cart!
Meet The Board
Our board plays an important role in guiding and shaping the direction of our organization. Each member brings unique experiences, passion, and commitment to our organization. The dedication of our board is essential for our success, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and leadership in making a lasting impact on our organization.
Learn More About our Board Members
Jacqueline Elick
CEO
Co-founder and originator of The JumpStart Cart, is an occupational therapist with over seventeen years experience working with children and adults with special needs. She obtained her degree from Misericordia University and has dedicated her career to help individuals in the Luzerne County area.
Theresa Kline
President
You only need to look as far as Theresa’s niece, Grace, to find what drives her passion for The JumpStart Cart. Grace, diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder with Developmental Delays, reached the end of her formal education, which posed the question, “What is next?” The current opportunities are limited for transition-age individuals. Theresa believes that we need to meet these individuals where they are, concentrate on skills strengths rather than deficits, and provide transferable skills which, with supervision, can produce marketable employment. With a Master’s Degree in Administration of Justice from Shippensburg University, Theresa is a supervisor at the Luzerne County Probation Office. Her altruistic heart takes her beyond these boundaries to many volunteer activities, such as ALS OneHope, The Light Before Christmas, Sensitive Santa and St. Jude’s Church.
Allyson Jones
Treasurer
Dr. Allyson Oliver-Jones is a highly accomplished human resource and management professional with over 25 years of expertise across all facets of HR management, recruitment, and employee relations. Her comprehensive skill set includes pre-employment screening, training and development, strategic planning and analysis, multi-unit management, vendor relationships, contract negotiations, reporting and analytics, HR policy design, productivity management, staffing and recruitment, employee relations, and advanced problem-solving.
Dr. Jones has a proven track record of leading organizations through adaptive change, fostering strong workforce engagement, and delivering exceptional staff relations and communications strategies.
Currently, Dr. Jones serves as a Professor of Business at Lackawanna College in Scranton, PA, where she applies her extensive professional experience to educate and inspire the next generation of business leaders.
Shawna Williams
Secretary
Shawna Williams is a board member who is a licensed social worker with 20 years’ experience in the field. She holds a Master’s degree from Temple University in Social Work. Shawna has past experience in special education working with children with intellectual disabilities for over 10+ years. During that time, Shawna had the opportunity to assist with many activities for the children including field day and prom.
Shawna has a passion to help others succeed and currently works with Children Youth and Families as a supervisor where she utilizes her advocacy skills to assist clients in obtaining needed services. Along with her role at the agency, Shawna is an outpatient therapist at Omni Health Services, where she works with both youth and adults struggling with their mental health. In Shawna’s spare time, Shawna sits on several other community boards including NEPA Human Trafficking Task Force, Dinners For Kids Board of Directors, and the Head Start Family Service Advisory Board. Shawna is a strong willed and motivated individual. Her passion for social work and eagerness to make a difference in the lives of others will assist in enhancing the mission of the cart. Shawna’s goal is to build off of her established community connections in order to increase awareness and involvement with the cart.
Janelle Milius
Board Member
Janelle Milius is a board member with 20 years teaching experience and a special education background. She holds a master’s degree in Reading from Kings College and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Misericordia University. Janelle organized the first Prom for the High School Autistic Support class at New Story, formerly known as Milestones. She is passionate about supporting young adults with special needs, especially in their transition from school to the workforce. Her exceptional skills in organization and attention to detail, combined with her commitment to special education, drive her efforts to enhance our mission. Janelle’s goal is to broaden the cart’s impact, raise awareness, expand The Jumpstart Cart’s initiative to other school districts, secure funding, and increase community involvement.
Deborah Popson
Board Member
A special education professional who spent over 33 years in the field of public education. During her professional time, she worked directly with students with special needs and their families in securing appropriate services to meet their unique needs through the public education setting. Deb taught in the classroom for much of her career and spent her last 18 years as an administrator running special education departments in school districts and an intermediate unit. She also teaches as an adjunct professor in the Special Education Department at Marywood University. Since her retirement in June 2021, Deb has had the opportunity to dedicate much of her time and apply her knowledge and skills in supporting the growth and development of The JumpStart Cart.
Charlotte Weybrecht
Board Member
Charlotte is a Physical Therapist for SESI Schools at The Graham Academy for over 10 years. She takes joy in and is gratified by interacting with and providing therapy to children and young adults with Autism and Emotional Support Challenges. Charlotte is a graduate of the University
of Scranton with over 40 years experience.She has supported the Jumpstart Cart from the beginning as a volunteer and job coach.