Meet the Team
Carmela Toler
CEO
Hello, my name is Carmela Toler. I have been providing support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for about 40 years and I have greatly loved my work. A little background about myself starts with my growing up in Indiana and attending Indiana University, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Forensics and later a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Development from Indiana Wesleyan. I am no longer married, but was fortunate enough to have had two daughters, Sataria age 31 and Noni age 23. They bring lots of joy to my life, while my education and experiences has given me the tools to do my best work.
I began serving individuals with disabilities in Ohio as Case Management. In 1987 I began working as a manager for a company in New York City called Aid to the Developmentally Disabled (ADD), in their Group Home and then Supported Living Program.
After New York I worked as a supervisor at Vocation/Day Services in Florida and then back to Indianapolis in 1991 to begin work for St. Vincent New Hope, serving in Group Homes and assisting with the closing of the Institution. In 1992 the State of Indiana received their first Medicaid waivers and St. Vincent New Hope received “20 slots” that began Supported Living. St. Vincent New Hope closed the institution and moved everyone into the community. I have worked as Chief of the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities, State of Indiana; Vice President, Arbitre Consulting and now CEO of LEL Home Services LLC, Indiana, New Mexico, and Ohio.
My training spans the same time frame but was greatly impacted from the very beginning in New York. There was an expose done by Geraldo Rivera called “Willowbrook”. This material instantly became the foundation of my training and gave me a clear understanding of the effects of institutional behavior and the medical model for people with disabilities. Willowbrook was such a compelling nightmare that I vowed to do all that I could to help mitigate the effects of institutional treatment. Additionally, in 1991 I was introduced to Social Role Valorization (SRV). The state of Indiana Department of Disabilities and Rehabilitative Services offered grants to all providers so that all service providers would have this training. This training became foundational to all my work helping managers and Direct Service professions (DSP’S) understand how to bring value to the people they serve by affording them the everyday opportunities like you and I have. That includes the “Dignity of Risk” so people with disabilities have those opportunities for a greater understanding of who they are and who they can become, not only being a “CLIENT.” I hope to continue to learn from the people I serve and to ultimately leave behind a legacy of how we should value individuals with disabilities and that doing so is not that hard.
Cindy Carter
COO
Thirty-five years ago, Cindy started her journey in this field as a Direct Support Professional supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. While attending school, Cindy worked a 48-hour shift every weekend. The provider promoted her to Group Home Manager. Her career path then took her to Park Center, a comprehensive mental health facility. As an Assertive Aftercare Case Manager, Cindy collected information on intensive community supports to reduce short-term and long-term psychiatric hospitalizations. This data supported the implementation of the Home and Community Based Services Waiver in Indiana. In addition to working for residential providers, Cindy provided ICAP evaluations assessing the complexity of individuals’ support needs. Cindy and her husband, Sammie, live in Fishers with three young adult children Noah, Sabrina, and Sammie Q. Prior to joining LEL Home Services, she served as Indiana’s Director of Facility-Based Services supporting agencies providing services to over 3000 individuals. Cindy champions Social Role Valorization, Life-Course, and Person-centeredness principles to support LEL’s Vision of “Inclusion without explanation!” Cindy is currently the Chief Quality Officer at LEL Home Services, an INARF Training and Professional Development Committee member, and an International Social Role Valorization Association advocate.
Avery Williams
CFO
Avery is an accomplished CFO with over 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, and operations. Avery has held several senior positions throughout his career, including CFO, Director of Finance, Controller, and Operations Manager, where he demonstrated his strong leadership skills, excellent analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.
Avery’s areas of expertise include cash management, financial reporting, and risk management. Avery has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex financial challenges, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing solutions that deliver measurable results.
Avery is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and an Associate’s degree in Computer Science.
When he’s not working, Avery enjoys spending time with his family, and attending Highschool and College sporting events.
Kortney-Lauren Bond
CQO
Kortney-Lauren Bond, began her journey at 18 years old, working as Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide for the aged and disabled. Throughout that time, she provided hospice care. Though difficult she enjoyed it because she helped fulfill bucket list items, make individuals comfortable, bring laughter, and create a space where families could beautifully grieve. In 2014, she graduated from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Political Science and Africana Studies. Throughout this time, she worked at the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Ascension processing medical leaves and improving processes, until she eventually received an offer in 2015, from the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) as a State Program Director, overseeing placement for Supervised Group Living. In 2018, she pivoted to LEL Home Services as a Program Manager.
While employed at LEL Home Services, she advocated for individuals on her roster within the workplace, court system, and team meetings. Her passion and drive for equity led to enrollment in law school, thus in May 2022 graduating from IU McKinney School of Law with distinction, and in April 2022, pivoting to work for the State of Indiana as the Director of Government Affairs. Within this position, she oversaw federal and state compliance with all Medicaid programs; including the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Division of Family Resources, the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning and its Medicaid Healthcare Plans, the Division of Aging, and the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services; thus, discovering her love for research, implementing complex programs and strategic plans, legislative session, and ensuring programs are equitable and adhere to federal law.
In March 2023, she received the opportunity to return to LEL Home Services as the Chief Quality Officer. Within this position, she hopes to ensure internal alignment, fulfill quality metrics, and continuously improve the way we approach quality and compliance, serve as eyes and ears for what is happening at both the federal and state level as it pertains to HCBS services (offering in house legislative and rule-making updates), and help drive the strategic plan as well as a slew of other tasks that she hopes to both accomplish and learn more about.
Kortney-Lauren is a mother to a 9-year-old named Devin with whom she actively raises her partner, Jay, who is both a minister and the guru who taught her law. She serves on the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) Board of Directors as the Secretary. Kortney-Lauren is seeking an appointment to the Citizens’ Police Complaint Board, where she hopes to improve processes, especially as officers are not trained to support nor apprehend individuals with disabilities, mental health, substance abuse disorders, and serious mental illness. Currently, she is pursuing higher education in health law, equity, and compliance. Kortney-Lauren, chooses to be a part of LEL Home Services, because of one profound statement ‘Inclusion without Explanation.’ She believes this one statement has the power to transform the world, and what better place to do that, than with world leaders like LEL!
Jenny Maddux
Executive Director of Inclusion Services
Jenny has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1999. After graduating from Hanover College, Jenny became an Employment Specialist for three years and took great pride in supporting individuals in gaining meaningful employment.
Jenny was a day program manager for 14 years and supported individuals in enhancing their skills so they could live out their best lives. Jenny is grateful for the life lessons she learned while being a day program manager but most importantly for the life-long friendships she has made along the way.
In 2016, Jenny joined the LEL Family. Jenny loves the opportunity to work for an organization that truly values all people and where you truly feel like you are family. LEL has not only impacted Jenny’s professional life. The philosophy of Social Role Valorization is what sets LEL apart and has given Jenny the opportunity to see life through a whole new lens.
Jenny has been a volunteer for Special Olympics for 20 years and enjoys coaching track and field and acting as the current County Coordinator for Special Olympics-Decatur County. She also is part of the Arc of Decatur County executive board and is active in her church in Greensburg as a Sunday School teacher.
Jenny has a husband, Ryan and daughter, Katherine who most definitely keeps her on her toes! Both Jenny and Ryan have a love for their hometown of Greensburg and enjoy volunteering together in different capacities to make their community the best it can be.
Hailey Matrone
Director of Human Resources
Hailey joined LEL Home Services as part of the Business Services team in February 2020. She received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The College of Wooster in 2019. While applying to positions in the Hoosier state, she received a call from LEL Home Services after her resume fatefully landed on HR’s desk. Starting as an HR Assistant, Hailey began to gain education and skills as it related to HR and the Medicaid Waiver industry. She was ultimately promoted to Director of HR in 2022. With a passion for political science and policy, she has found that Human Resources intersects policy with its practical application. Hailey looks forward to continuing her growth in Human Resources as she works with LEL Home Services to achieve their mission and vision.
Carrie Tackett
Executive Director of Strategic Operations
Carrie Tackett joined LEL Home Service in March 2019, bringing to LEL her wealth of career experiences across the realms of child welfare and women’s health. She is a skilled administrator who is known for being able to accomplish any project with excellence and grace. Additionally, she has been a professional baker and still finds her happy place in the kitchen. LEL’s commitment to improving the lives of others spoke deeply to her and drives her work supporting the company. Outside of work, she spends as much time as possible with her dog, Darby, enjoys the outdoors through hiking and gardening, and traveling with her husband.
Clark Taylor
Organizational Readiness Specialist
Clark Taylor is an Organizational Readiness Specialist who assists LEL Home Services (LEL) to drive change, and manage resistance in preventive, proactive, and responsive ways. He began employment with LEL in May 2013 and is multifaceted in the work he does and committed to excellence.
He began his professional career as a Job Coach for friends referred by organizations in Central Indiana, including Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services, The Private Industry Council of Madison County, Janus Developmental Services of Noblesville, The Criminal Justice Center of Madison County, and Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana to name a few. Clark also worked for a variety of companies including Oscar L. Taylor Plastering, Delco-Remy, Fisher-Guide, Chevrolet Truck and Bus, Urban League of Madison County, American Trans Air (ATA), Roth Young Personnel, as well as self-employment.
Clark learned, at an early age, to be resourceful, work hard, be respectful, to love Jesus and be a servant leader to all in his community. He volunteered with the Mayor’s Council for Economic Development, the Anderson (Indiana) Chamber of Commerce, Sherman Street Church of God, and Anderson Packers Adult Tackle Football Program.
Clark’s family includes five (5) adult daughters, ten (10) grandchildren, and two great grandchildren…”The Brady Bunch in Living Color”! He and his wonderful wife, Nancy (The Boss) have been in love for over thirty-two (32) years. They are dedicated to their family and remain actively involved day-to-day. Both Nancy and Clark value a commitment to the “Golden-Rule” and show kindness and love continually to family, friends and neighbors.
Ball State University (BSU) – Muncie, Indiana is where Clark attended and majored in Political Science/Sociology and minored in African American Studies. He attended BSU while working to support his young family. Clark is a Viet Nam veteran who worked on assault helicopters and served proudly in the U.S. Army. He is a “scrapper”; enjoys working in his “shop”.
Finally, Clark believes in serving and accepting all individuals, and showing genuine love, compassion, and respect.
Jeanne Eaves
Director of Referrals and Community Engagement
Jeanne has had over 22 years in the Disability field and came to LEL in 2010 after being a case manager for many years. LEL only served 92 individuals at that time and Jeanne helped expand and grow LEL’s footprint to over 1125!
Prior to working in this field, Jeanne had been working in the service of others.
She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in 1983. After college, she got married and had 5 children. A healthy lifestyle is very important to her and later, she completed a graduate certification in Integrated Nutrition from Columbia University in New York. She counseled nutrition to underprivileged pregnant women to help offset infant mortality rates. She also was a Doula to new mothers, assisting them in their post-partum stage.
For many years, she was involved in inner-city ministries that helped marginalized people gain value, self-worth and get their needs met, who were not accepted in mainstream churches. Jeanne worked in social services at Community Development Centers and Head Start, helping marginalized people obtain resources needed for a better life.
Jeanne married her husband, Larry, 8 years ago and together they have 6 beautiful adult Daughters and 1 son. The joy of their lives is watching their 3 grandsons grow into who they are meant to be!
Jeanne’s had the privilege to work on an amazing team of co-workers at LEL to help educate our staff about what it means to have inclusion in the community, the importance of valued roles and that all people have the right to live, love and work toward their goals. Jeanne absolutely loves working with our wonderful individuals, learning about them, befriending them, and advocating for their BEST life!
