Denise Miller

My experience in the Human Services field is a very personal one. Having a sister who was born with a disability, gave me the ability to see things from a guardian/ family member perspective, as well as from a caregiver perspective. My parents were also foster parents for countless children with disabilities.

In 1978, after a county case manager had suggested the idea, my parents, John and Evelyn, founded JEC Miller, Inc. Having such a personal relationship with all of these individuals was the foundation for my passion for advocacy and providing quality care and support. Although I have always been involved with JEC Miller, Inc., it was in 2012, after the passing of my mom, Evelyn, that I became the owner of the company. My main priority is to ensure that the legacy my parents, John and Evelyn, established lives on.

Chad Cornelius

I began my career in Human Services in 1990, when I got a job as a direct care staff in a 32 bed facility. I honestly had no idea what I was getting into! Prior to that, the only experience I had with disabilities was living with my younger brother who was born with a developmental disability. Little did I know, I would quickly fall in love with the people served and would make working in this field my life-long career. I graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a double Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Human Resource Management.

I joined the JEC Miller family in 1992, and over the years I have held every possible position within the company, from part-time direct care staff to my current position of CEO. I feel a very strong commitment to provide the very best support, encouragement, and care to the individuals we serve. I love what I do, I love the people we serve, and I cannot imagine doing anything else. My hope for the future for people living with disabilities is that they have every opportunity to live their lives to the fullest, pursuing the things that make them happy. It humbles me to think I can play a small part in that. Evelyn Miller appointed me CEO in 2009, and I spend every day working to make her proud, and ensuring I help carry on the legacy she and John created.

Julie Cornelius

My career in the Human Services field began 15 years ago when I started working in a group home for adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Since then, I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services as well as Human Resource Management from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. I have worked for JEC Miller, Inc. for 14 years in a variety of different roles, and currently serve as the Executive Director.

One of the aspects that I love the most about working with the individuals we serve is when an individual learns or achieves independence in their life where they previously needed assistance. It is really great to work for a company with people that strive, as a team, to make the homes of the individuals we serve a place they want to come home to, a place that they know they have a voice and can be heard, and a place where they can grow and accomplish great things. It is a reward in itself to be surrounded by people who want to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we care for and serve.

My hope for the future of JEC Miller, Inc., and for all those living with disabilities is that the world will continue to see the value and the reward that these individuals give back to us everyday.

Adam Gregg

In 2002, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from South Dakota State University. While in school, I was privileged to be a captain and member of the South Dakota State Baseball Team- Go Jacks! Following graduation, I began working with at risk youth as a Direct Support Professional.

Not long after, in the fall of 2002, I began working with JEC Miller, Inc. as a Facility Coordinator. In 2006, I became a member of the administrative team as the Program Manager where I worked as the scheduling coordinator, hiring manager, and quality assurance manager at the sites. In 2010, I became the Program Director of JEC Miller, Inc. and shortly after, in 2012, I became the Director of Program Services- a position that I love, and currently hold.

There’s nothing I am more passionate about than empowering individuals with all levels of abilities. In all of my years of service at JEC Miller, Inc., I have enjoyed watching the individuals we serve grow more confident with their abilities and take control of their lives with the supports of the JEC Miller, Inc. team. I truly love and enjoy all the people we serve, and the great people I am fortunate to work with everyday. My hope for the future is that JEC Miller, Inc. will continue to grow as an agency and be a leader in the industry.

Melissa Kokales

My career in the human services field began when I was a senior in high school, and I job shadowed a Program Director of a group home in Morris, MN. After the two- day assignment was up, they asked if I would accept a position as a direct support staff. Since then, I have gone on to get my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and I am currently working on my Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

I have over 10 years of experience in this field, helping to support and encourage individuals with disabilities. I have been with JEC Miller, Inc. for over 4 years, and my current position is that of Designated Manager. My favorite part of working in this field is empowering individuals to find and use their own strengths. My favorite part of working at JEC Miller, Inc. is that the staff and administration here have the same passion for empowerment and advocacy that I do. It’s great to be part of a team that you respect and admire.

My hope is that over time, all of the little efforts that we each make to better the services in this field will add up to make a big difference one day. As for JEC Miller, Inc., my hope is that we will continue to advocate, empower, and support the individuals we serve, while maintaining a positive work environment for those who do the supporting.

Rick Anderson

I have always enjoyed working with people and creating smiles, no matter where I am. My journey began as a salesperson, and progressed into working as a trainer for corporate managers. In November of 2000, after JEC Miller was introduced to my life, I immediately knew Human Services was my passion.

I’m a proud member and Front Line Supervisor of the NADSP (National Association of Direct Support Professionals). Working with JEC Miller and the NADSP has provided me with the education, tools, and support needed to make a difference in the lives of those I have the privilege and honor of working with daily. Working with the amazing individuals we serve has been the most rewarding gift I could have ever received. To be a part of a company with such integrity and commitment has been a blessing, and I cherish each day with gratitude.

Currently, I work as the Quality Assurance Coordinator at JEC Miller, Inc., which allows me the opportunity to be part of the Administrative team while still getting to be out in the field interacting with the individuals we serve and their support staff on a daily basis. My hope for the future is that I will get to continue to watch the individuals I have worked with for years continue to grow and make themselves proud.

Anna Newberry

Although I have always had an interest in the field of human services, it was during my junior year of college that my interest for the field – turned into a passion for the field. I took a course called “Adaptive Physical Education” – and during that semester I worked with children with special needs. I immediately fell in love with the course, the individuals, and the field. One year later, I graduated from Luther College with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology – and just one week after graduation, I began my work with JEC Miller, Inc.

Over the past five years, I have learned that this field can provide an unbelievable amount of self-reward – but it doesn’t stop there – love, passion & heart are also in the mix while working for JEC Miller, Inc. My position as the Staffing Coordinator, allows me to interact with not only the individuals that we serve, but the staff and administrative team as well. Across the board, you will find that the staff of JEC Miller, Inc. possess enthusiasm, motivation and integrity – but most of all – a whole lot of heart. As JEC Miller, Inc. continues to grow and thrive, my hope is that we can continue to prove that hard work, passion, and heart can make all the difference in the lives of the individuals we serve.

David Berres

My journey into the Human Services field is unique, yet exciting. I began my life living on a farm in western Minnesota, where the greatest diversity came in the form of what kind of truck your family preferred and drove! Throughout my years growing up, I knew that I wanted to help people, but wasn’t certain in which facet I wanted to do so. Eventually my path would lead me to schooling in a different sense of helping people, a Criminal Justice degree. During college I volunteered at the local high school assisting the special education department conduct sporting activities. I was sincerely touched with how fast I grew attached to the individuals in the program.

I graduated with my Criminal Justice degree and pursued several positions around the state. Struggling to find a job in the area that I preferred to be in, I decided to join the Army. I was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, my eyes were opened to the atrocities that mankind can inflict on one another and ultimately I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted to do to help people. Upon my arrival back in the states, I re-evaluated my priorities and decided that I wanted to be more active in making positive changes in people’s lives. This led me to begin working with my brother as a Program Specialist at a day program in St. Louis Park, where I worked for nearly 7 years. I began working for JEC Miller in 2012 as a direct care staff, then moved into a Designated Coordinator role, and ultimately the Designated Manager position.

My passion in providing the best care possible to the people we serve is unrivaled, and my desire to learn new ways to assist in continued independence for our consumers is ever growing. My hope for JEC while we continue to grow as a company, we continue to strive to provide top notch service, which will ultimately improve the lives of the people we serve, while doing so passionately, and without limitations.

Missy Bighley

I started my career in Human Services with J.E.C. Miller Inc. in 1994. I started in a part time position that quickly evolved into what would become my career. After 17 years of managing group homes, I made the decicion to seek out a new career challenge. I was accepted into the Dietetic Technology Program at Normandale Community College in 2010 and graduated with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Dietetic Technology in 2012. After working in nursing homes as a Clinical Dietetic Technician for four years, I have returned to my passion of working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. This is truly where I belong and I want to continue to provide the consumers the opportunities they deserve and to help them strive for independence and celebrate their differences. J.E.C. Miller Inc. paved the way for so many and I am proud to represent their core values and plan to do so the best way I know how.

Carolyn Blais

From an early age I gravitated towards helping others; volunteering at local shelters, hospitals, and spending time in my Mom’s Special Education classroom. I always knew that I wanted to be in a role where I could have a positive impact on others lives.

I began my college career focusing on Early Childhood Special Education and in 2005 I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in Psychology.

My first role out of college was as a Program Supervisor where I managed three group homes serving clients with a variety of Developmental Disabilities.Since then I have worked with both adults and children with varying levels of abilities and diagnoses.
Most recently, prior to starting my career with JEC Miller Inc., I was the Director for a company serving adults with severe mental illness and chemical dependency needs.No matter the individual I am working with,one thing has always remained the same– my drive for making a difference in someone’s life and empowering each person to see their potential.My hope is that my role at JEC Miller Inc. will help continue the positive influence we have in the lives of the individuals we serve and to show others what a blessing it is to work in this field and for JEC Miller Inc.

Sarah Hobbie

My mom has been a special education teacher for over 20 years.I remember her telling me when I was in high school that I would follow in her shoes.It was after that conversation that I became a teacher’s assistant for the special ed classroom my senior year of high school. Since then, I went on to get my bachelors degree in Sociology from South Dakota State University.

I have over 5 years of experience in this field including interning at a substance abuse and mental health agency, becoming a direct support professional and mental health case manager, and a Designated Coordinator for the last two years at a day center. I am very passionate about this field and the individuals we serve.With the person centered approach, it has been great to watch individuals advocating for themselves and achieving their goals.I look forward to bringing my enthusiasm and experience to my new position as a Designated Coordinator at JEC Miller, Inc.