Our Staff
Brianna Blake
Brianna is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College Chicago. Commencing her career as a Senior Administrative Assistant and Music Teacher, she has honed her skills in managing diverse tasks and fostering an inclusive learning environment for students ranging from ages 18 to 60, including those with disabilities. With a rich background in marketing, events, and hospitality, Brianna is poised to leverage her multifaceted expertise to empower and advocate for the Disability Resource Center - Joliet and its constituents. brianna@drcjoliet.orgKindall Carmouche
Kindall is the Program Manager at DRC. Kindall works with our Community Transition Service program, which helps consumers in nursing homes gather natural and physical support and helps them move into new permanent independent housing within the community. Kindall provides outreach support within the community and she also works with our Fast Track program. Kindall implements new lesson plans in High Schools and Colleges within the Will and Grundy service areas. Kindall studied Criminal Justice at Chicago State University and Joliet Junior College. Kindall brings 17 years of experience to empower people with disabilities to realize that no dream is too big or too small to achieve. When Kindall is not working she enjoys relaxing and catching up with family and friends. kindall@drcjoliet.org
Kevin Huckfeldt
My name is Kevin Huckfeldt. I am a full-time Independent Living Advocate and Fast Track Coordinator at Disability Resource Center. I am excited to work with students in the Fast Track program and work in a team-supportive environment. I am a proud alum of Joliet Junior College and Aurora University where I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work. I have experience facilitating, teaching, and developing life skill lessons such as self-advocacy and peer support groups. Self-advocacy is a topic very important in my life. I want to instill in consumers that self-advocacy is about knowing yourself, and knowing what support you need..
Additionally, I have previous experience as an intake and referral intern, I assisted with senior care programs such as meals on wheels and community care programs. I also answered a variety of information and referral questions that directed consumers to the appropriate services. In my spare time, I believe in the benefits of self-care. kevin@drcjoliet.org
Sam Knight
Sam has been an Independent Living Advocate with Disability Resource Center for the past 8 years. Sam’s favorite thing about what he does within our organization is helping people with disabilities find affordable and accessible housing. When Sam is not working, he enjoys watching football and Cubs baseball. sam@drcjoliet.org
Missy Martin
Missy began her career in 2012 when she was hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Within that same year, Missy was promoted to Program Manager. In December of 2017, she was promoted to Executive Director.
“As the Executive Director, it is a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside so many talented and dedicated people. My duties are many and varied, and no two days are the same! Whether it’s supervising our direct support staff, researching grants, implementing and administrating programs and new initiatives, completing reports, representing the Center at various policy meetings, and more, I am so pleased to be associated with an organization that works to empower people with disabilities to live self-sufficient lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and hope to do more traveling”. missy@drcjoliet.org
Julee Opel
Julee Opel received her associate's degree in art at Joliet Junior College and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on social work and addiction studies. Julee has 20 years of experience working with people that have disabilities. Julee works with our Fast Track and SKILLS classes as well as hosting DRC’s Women’s Support Group. Julee also helps to provide Assistive Technology devices to those who have communication issues. Julee loves working with young adults and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. When Julee is not working she enjoys working out, reading books, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. julee@drcjoliet.org