PAO Staff
Administrative Staff
Executive Director
Kathleen S. Allen
I was the Executive Director of PAO for 17 years prior to my retirement in June of 2023. I have a degree in Psychology, and I’m licensed with the State of Michigan as a Social Worker. Before that, I was employed at Community Mental Health in Midland for 15 years, with the first 12 years as a case manager and was promoted to a supervisor of the after-hours on-call department for the last three (3) years. Believe it or not, I started my career as a Direct Support Professional in a group home setting. I’m also taking care of all background checks, onboarding and the orientation of new hires within PAO, as well as any Human Resource concerns that may come up. In time, I’ll find someone for the training and onboarding position too.
Accountant
Julie Bullock
Julie comes to us with tons of experience. She has her degree in Business Administration and started her career as a Direct Support Professional with PAO. After that, she became our Accounts Receivable/Billing Specialist back in 2005/2006. Since then, she’s been with Samaritas (formerly known as Lutheran Social Services) as their In-Home Services Biller for the past 21 years. Welcome back, Julie.
Services Team Leader
Gary DePeal
Gary DePeal has returned to PAO and is extremely dedicated to those we serve and our employees. He started with us as a Direct Support Professional and moved to a position within our office in 2023. He’s currently the Services Team Leader and oversees the day-to-day functions of this team. He’s working hard to assure everyone is following our policies and procedures and will help you with anything you may need, from covering a shift to finding coverage should you be sick or wanting a vacation.
Service Team Coordinator
Cortney Harrison
Cortney Harrison is new to PAO and she’s catching on quickly. Her history in working with people includes MyMichigan Medical Center assisting in patient care and reporting to nurses, as well as being employed at MidMichigan Industries (a nonprofit that provides community-based services that supports youth and adults with special needs). She’s happy to help in any way possible so you can be successful in your role.
Service Team Coordinator
Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith is also new to PAO. As a former firefighter, Ryan has also worked directly with people with special needs through a non-profit called Michigan Community Services. With Ryan’s help, our goal is to bring back in-person CPR, first aid & AED use. He’s reliable, trustworthy, and believe it or not, he types 100+ words/minute with 100% accuracy! Ryan’s working towards his Applied Sciences degree.
Administrative Assistant
Lori Fitting
Lori is very energetic and has lots of smiles when greeting someone in person as well as being friendly over the phone. She has her degree in Information Systems Management and was the Office Manager at Community Mental Health in Midland for 16 years. Lori has been tasked with analyzing, evaluating, and revising our office procedures to improve the efficiency of our workflow. She’s professional, respectful, and has a great understanding of PAO’s mission.
Board of Directors
President
Mark Gandy
Senior Director Risk and Compliance
Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union
Vice President
Lori Isenhart
Human Resources Manager
Northwood University
Secretary
Melissa Headland
Mechanical Engineer
Dow Chemical
Treasurer
Barbara Junga
Consultant
Midland Furniture Garage
Board Member
Dirk Zinkweg
Marketing Professor
Northwood
Board Member
Taylor Hesch
North American Market Manager, Consumer Solutions
DOW
Board Member
Andy Thompson
Attorney
Poznak Dyer Kanar Schefsky Thompson PLC
Want to learn more? Get in touch by visiting our office in Midland, calling us at (989) 837-8350 or sending us a message via our Contact page.
Primary Communities Served
Midland
Bay City
Sanford
Auburn