dawnallen@ghainc.org

Dawn Allen has been the Chief Executive Officer of GHA Autism Supports, formerly known as Group Homes for the Autistic/GHA, since 1984. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Pfeiffer University and a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dawn joined the organization as a direct care staff person in 1981 when it was then known as “The Group Home for the Autistic”, the first residence that was home to five children. Since that time, GHA Autism Supports has expanded offering a number of services for individuals with autism. Under her leadership, the entity has grown from an organization serving five children to an organization that currently supports over 100 individuals in programs providing residential, vocational, educational, community and in-home services.

Within her professional realm, Dawn has served as a Past-President of Cardinal Innovations/Piedmont Network Council and Past-President of the NC Providers Association.  Currently, she serves as a member of the Admissions Committee of the Murdoch Developmental Center and serves on the Board of Directors of Rubicon. In both 1998 and 2008, Dawn was named “Professional of the Year” by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). In addition, she was presented the Achievement Award by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Division TEACCH Program in 2008.  In 2012, Dawn was awarded the NC Providers Council “Steve Jordan Lighthouse Award” for her extraordinary contributions to the IDD, MH and SA systems through innovative practices, inspiring leadership and passionate advocacy efforts.  In 2017, she was awarded the Pfeiffer University Distinguished Alumni Award.

Over the years, Dawn has remained active in her community by serving as Past-President and Campaign Chair of the United Way of Stanly County and has served several terms on the Executive Committee of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the Advisory Council for Atrium Health in Stanly County, the Board of Directors for the Stanly County Community Foundation and is also an active member of the Albemarle Rotary Club.

janetbanks@ghainc.org

Janet Banks earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  She joined GHA Autism Supports in 1991 and currently serves as the Chief Innovations Officer where her job responsibilities include psychology programming, behavioral consultation, and the development of training curricula. She oversees the professional development of agency best practices, policies and methodologies. In addition to direct care work, Janet also served as the Director of the Autism Society of North Carolina’s Summer Camp Program and as a TEACCH Therapist.  She serves as the agency international liaison and enjoys traveling to train others about autism and to represent GHA Autism Supports.

toniadiggs@ghainc.org

As the Chief Human Resources Officer of GHA Autism Supports, Tonia oversees the organization’s human resource practices and employee relations. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations. Prior to joining the organization in 1998, Tonia had 7 years of previous human resource management experience in manufacturing and distribution. She is an active member at Memorial Baptist Church in Norwood, NC.

betholivieri@ghainc.org

As the Chief Development Officer of GHA Autism Supports, Beth oversees the research and development of revenue and marketing opportunities, which includes the cultivation of donations through individuals, corporations, foundations and fundraising events.  Prior to joining the organization in 2009, she served as the Executive Director of the United Way of Stanly County and as the Director of Marketing and Human Resources for Home Savings Bank in Albemarle.  Beth is a graduate of Pfeiffer University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She remains active in her community and serves as Vice Chair of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, member of the Stanly County Family YMCA Board of Directors and member of the Stanly County/NC Pre-K Advisory Board.  She is also an active member of First Lutheran Church in Albemarle.

deepankey@ghainc.org

As the Chief Quality Officer of GHA Autism Supports, Dee oversees the agency’s quality services, advanced professional trainings and development.  She is a 1998 graduate of Catawba College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems with a Minor in Sociology.  In 2010, Dee earned her Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University.  She is also active in her community and serves on the Board of Directors of the Albemarle Rotary Club.  Dee has been employed at GHA Autism Supports since 1997.  She is also a member of Living Truth Ministries in Albemarle.

melissarivera@ghainc.org

As the Vice President/Chief Regional Officer of GHA Autism Supports, Melissa graduated from Gardner Webb College with a BA in Sociology in 1992. She attended the University of North Carolina in Charlotte and received her Masters in Special Education in 2000. Melissa has had exposure and direct involvement with the Intellectual Developmental Disabilities population, federal and state waiver support services (ICF & IID), children, aging population, as well as a member of various state affiliated associations. Melissa currently oversees the Wilmington programs.  She has worked in this field for over 30 years in various roles, which has developed her skills which include clinical, medical knowledge, management, operational, dual diagnosis, team building, and leadership roles. Melissa is committed and is passionate about working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

lorishue@ghainc.org

Lori joined GHA in October, 2020 as the Chief of Health Services. After receiving her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from the Louise Harkey School of Nursing in 1998, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston Salem State University in 2003 and her Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University in 2016.

Lori has spent the last 22 years in the healthcare arena starting at Stanly Memorial Hospital and remaining there her entire career at what is now Atrium Health Stanly. She began in 1998 as a nurse in the Emergency Department, and continued in that role until she became a Clinical Nurse Educator for the Emergency Department, as well for the OB units. Lori was promoted to the Director of Emergency Services, a position she held from 2007 to 2020. In addition, she served as a Stanly County Medical Examiner from 2008-2020. Lori is a Certified Emergency Nurse and a Certified Management Nursing Leader.