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.
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.
Karli Middleton
Executive Administrative Assistant
Karli Middleton joined LEL Home Services in May of 2023. Karli went to IUPUI for 3 years, where she was working to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Conventions and Event Management. She started working in the event industry at a wedding venue on the southside, where she worked her way up the ladder and into management in under 2 years. While working in the industry, Karli’s love for working with people grew exponentially. When Karli was approached with the opportunity to come and join the team at LEL Home Services, she knew it was where she was being called!
Karli lives in Greenwood, with her two furbabies. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and pets. She enjoys hiking, camping, photography, and all things books. Karli enjoys developing relationships with new people, and continuing to grow her knowledge in all things personal development, and the industry!
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.
Hollie Burres
Executive Director of Program Services
Hollie Burres joined LEL Home Services in December of 2015. Hollie graduated from Indiana University Southeast with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2010. After graduation, Hollie started working in the field with individuals with intellectual disabilities as a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional in 2011. That position sparked a passion for work in this field and as a result, Hollie decided to further her education and graduated from Ball State University with a master’s degree in Executive Development for Public Service in 2012. Hollie enjoys developing relationships with those she supports as well as promoting their growth and increasing their independence.
Hollie lives in Sellersburg with her husband, Michael. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets as well as exploring new restaurants within her local community.
Leslie Holleman
Executive Director of Program Services – LEL Foundation
Leslie began her career on the front line of human services in 1995 as a direct support professional. Once she completed her college degree in psychology, at Purdue University, she started providing case management services. Leslie worked for INARF, First Steps and the Medicaid waiver prior to coming to LEL in 2016.
Leslie started at LEL as a direct support coach and continued to have a burning passion for more quality programming. Leslie was the first Coach at LEL focused on Program Development and is now full time in Program Development. Leslie has been an integral part of creating programming at LEL such as Food for Thoughts, the Engage, Good Life Ambassadors, virtual programming, Lunch with Friends, Respite Nights and LEL adventure camps. Leslie has found a passion for creating programming in a way to promotes our individuals to excel and work towards their best life. Leslie is part of the Social Role Valorization and Medical Protectors team at LEL.
Leslie’s desire to serve others is rooted deep from her professional and personal life. Leslie’s first born son, Christopher, has a rare disease, Glut 1 Transport Deficiency syndrome. It is a rare diagnosis and took 10 years to diagnose. She is passionate about helping families find resources to thrive in their world. Along with her husband and other families, Leslie was involved in starting the Glut 1 Deficiency Foundation which is now a very successful world wide organization.
Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 boys and 2 girl dogs. In her spare time, Leslie likes to act, write, sing and be silly. She is a volunteer for Special Olympics and active in her community in Westfield.
Valerie Smith
Executive Director of Quality Services
Valerie Smith started her work in the Human Services field in Colorado in 2007 and has worked in a variety of residential and community programs. She joined LEL in December 2018 as we began our expansion of services in New Mexico. In her initial role as Service Coordinator, Valerie was instrumental in partnering with individuals, families, DSPs, community agencies and the State, educating them about LEL Home Services and how we help our individuals live their best lives. In October 2020, Valerie was excited to take on the role as Director of Quality, providing support for our programs across Indiana, Ohio and New Mexico. Valerie is passionate about quality initiatives, performance measurement, ongoing process improvement and strategic planning. She is thrilled to expand Social Role Valorization teachings across the organization, having broadened her knowledge through PASSING, attending various workshops in Model Coherency, Medical Safeguarding, the Sanctity of Life, and even teaching SRV Leadership at an international level. Valerie is a certified Crisis Prevention and Intervention Instructor.
She shares a home with her husband, daughter, five dogs and a micro-pot belly pig in Sharpsville, Indiana. Valerie grew up in a military family and even attended school oversees, where she developed her love for travel. She has been to various countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Scotland, Japan, Australia and even got to see the late Queen Elizabeth in England!
