Council Directory

The Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council members are appointed by the Governor with the majority having a recognized disability. All members serve on committees and have active responsibilities.

Membership includes representatives from:

• Disability and advocacy organizations
• Business, industry, and labor
• Community rehabilitation service providers
• Client Assistance Program
• Vocational Rehabilitation/Visual Services Counselors
• Current or former consumer of DRS Services

• Parent Training Information Center
• OK State Department of Education
• Statewide Independent Living Council
• American Indian VR Program
• Director of DRS

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Carolina Colclasure began her role as Program Manager in March 2018. She has experience working with underserved populations with disabilities in Oklahoma and the fact she is bilingual in Spanish helps her communicate with a larger number of citizens. Carolina’s work experience includes serving as Grant Coordinator for the Oklahoma Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program (OKDMERP) since 2016 and working at the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services prior to that.

Allyson is the Director for Sponsored Programs, Department of Wellness at Oklahoma State University. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a Master of Arts in Speech Pathology. Allyson has been with Sponsored Programs at OSU for 10 years where she currently assists with overseeing a number of private, state, and federal grant/contractual programs. She has worked with many agencies, organizations, as well as non-profit entities advocating for individuals with disabilities.

Robin Arter, Executive Director of Think Ability, Inc. has been with the Agency since 1990.  Robin is responsible for providing quality services and opportunities for growth for people with intellectual disabilities and promotes opportunities for success.

Robin is an active member of Oklahoma Community-Based Providers association, currently serves on the Duncan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as the Chair on the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Panel. Robin, a strong advocate for people with I/DD is a current member of the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis and Board of Directors for OK State People First. Mrs. Arter formerly served as Vice Chair on the Council for Developmental Disabilities of Oklahoma and received a gubernatorial appointment to the Blue Ribbon Panel for Developmental Disabilities.  She has also served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee to the Office of Disability Concerns, the State Department of Special Education IDEA-B Advisory Panel, is a graduate of the 2007 class of Partners in Policymaking; a leadership program offered by the Council for Developmental Disabilities, a 2005 graduate of the OK Disability Law Center’s Partners in Education Advocacy and a graduate of Leadership Duncan Class XV.

Robin, together with her husband, Steve and son, Steven live in the Duncan area and are long-term providers of foster care for children with special needs.  They share life with Dustin and John Paul. 

Lori Chesnut has a Master’s Degree in Special Education. As a former Special Education teacher, Lori has worked with students with many types of disabilities. She has served on the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT), and the Oklahoma Transition Council. Lori and her husband, Darren, have two children and two dogs. They all enjoy hiking and camping and Lori also enjoys reading, decorating for the holidays, and Pinterest.

Debbie Davenport is the Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation program for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and is also a graduate of the Northwestern Indian College – Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Institute with a certification in Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Studies. Debbie started her career with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma in 1998 and began her TVR career in 1999 as a VR Counselor. She was promoted to Director in 2006 and currently holds this position.

Debbie has one child who is starting her college career. She loves traveling to new places and creating new experiences.

Melissa Davis is a native Oklahoman and graduated from Lawton High School in 1980. After living in numerous states, she and her husband moved back to Oklahoma to be near their families. Their family has grown substantially over those years with the addition of fourteen grandchildren. Several of Melissa’s grandchildren have been identified as children with a disability. She came to the Oklahoma Parents Center in March of 2018 after using their services and learning about parent’s rights in special education. She has helped a multitude of families learn about their rights and use their voices to advocate for children with disabilities to get the services they need in school. It is Melissa’s goal to learn more about special education and rehabilitative services so that the lives of children with disabilities can be nurtured and flourish.

Lucia Frohling holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has several certifications including an Oklahoma 1st – 8th grade Elementary Education teaching certificate, SHRM-Certified Professional, and a Master IEP Coach®. Lucia is a former public school teacher and has a background in non-profit development and instructional design. She currently serves as the Director of Parent Services for Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement. 

Lucia’s passion for helping families ensure their loved ones have access to resources was ignited after her youngest two children were diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. She is committed to empowering and connecting Oklahoma families with resources and walking alongside them to champion their children’s education and future. Lucia and her husband, Chip, have three school-aged children. 

Lucia is active in the community and serves on several boards, including Payne Education Center, the Oklahoma Medical Board Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse OPNA Advisory Committee. She is also a community reading tutor and a founding member, and Past Chair, of The STEAM Engine. She and her family are active in their church and kids’ schools. Lucia enjoys spending time with her family, and friends, at church, and learning new things.

Melinda Fruendt, was appointed as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on Monday, November 5, 2018. Fruendt was previously DRS chief of staff for DRS’ seven divisions with 25 statewide programs focused on employment, education, independence, and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. Her past positions include executive-level project coordinator for DRS and program manager of the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council, a DRS partner. She earned a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Oklahoma State University. Fruendt and her husband Paul farm and ranch in Guthrie where they have a cow-calf and stocker operation, as well as diversified crop production.

William Ginn has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. Within the Office of Disability Concerns, William has served as a program specialist and as director of CAP (Citizens Advisory Council). He has also worked for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services as a case manager (10 years). And, recently, he has volunteered with People First, an organization that promotes socialization and self-advocacy by, and for, adults with a cognitive disorder. William enjoys reading, vegetable gardening, riding his bicycle and his two cats!

Sharon, a native of Northern Ireland, has lived and worked in Oklahoma for over 20 years. She has a long and established career in training and development and consulting. Sharon has worked in many industry sectors, including Hospitality and Tourism in the US and UK and finance in the US, and over the last fifteen years, she has focused on Manufacturing in Oklahoma. Sharon is the founder and President of Harrison Consulting, a Workforce and Training company. Harrison Consulting facilitates the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliances Workforce strategies as the Vice President of Workforce Development and is responsible for focusing on facilitating employer-driven workforce solutions among manufacturers in partnership with key state stakeholders. In addition, Sharon and her team conduct workforce research, develop grant applications, and program implementation.

Angelamarie Jaworski has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor/Specialist with DRS since 2016, working primarily with adult consumers with hearing loss in Tulsa but recently transferred effectively in June to Oklahoma City taking over the transition caseload. Angelamarie is hard of hearing and reads lips fluently with the use of American Sign Language as her preferred mode of communication. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Idaho State University and a Master’s from Western Oregon University in Rehabilitation Counseling with over 10+ years of experience in the counseling and rehabilitation fields, not limiting to life and job coaching in three different states: Washington, Texas, and Oklahoma. You will find Angela as a committed individual with pride in being direct, spontaneous, and communicative with a focus on serving or providing services to the deaf and hard of hearing, but not limiting to teaching and educating the community, employers, educators, and many more on how to work in collaboration to better serve this unique population.

Nikki Jolly is a proven leader with a demonstrated history of success in improving outcomes. She is skilled in nonprofit organizations, public speaking, and counseling, her skills have been developed through experience in the public school sectors and nonprofit work. Nikki is passionate about helping individuals with special needs reach their full potential and make positive changes in communities. She graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, she later completed her certification in Special Education and received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Harding University. After a career in education, she is now the Chief Program Officer at The Bridges Foundation. Nikki and her husband, Justin, have three children. They enjoy serving their community together through their church and Bridges, attending college football games, and their children’s sporting events.

Julie is the Director of OKIPSE Alliance. OKIPSE Alliance has the goal to educate, advocate, assist, and collaborate for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) options for students with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in Oklahoma.  Julie is the Founder of LeadLearnLive, a non-profit organization that partnered to begin the first IPSE program in OK at Northeastern State University, as well as her alma mater – Oklahoma State University. She also serves on the national Technical Assistance team for Think College.  She is proud to be a mom to a young adult who travels to his own drumbeat and loves anything outdoors, especially with her husband and son.

Scott works for Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor in Oklahoma City.  He’s been on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Oklahoma since 2014 and is the current Vice Chairman. He has a bachelor’s degree from Cameron University and a master’s from The University of Oklahoma.  Scott is also a member of the DRS Business Advisory Council. Having a disability himself allows him to be a vested champion for those with disabilities.

He loves traveling, spending time with family, Rotary club activities, and college football.

Taylor Rhoades is a distinguished healthcare leader renowned for his expertise in cardiology and healthcare administration. Graduating with a degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2012, he embarked on a journey marked by remarkable achievements. Since joining Mercy Ardmore in September 2021 as Director of Cardiology, Taylor’s exceptional leadership and commitment have propelled him to the position of Director of Operations, where he oversees multiple divisions including Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, Respiratory Services, and Sleep Medicine.

Beyond his operational duties, Taylor serves as Mercy’s Diversity Officer, actively promoting inclusivity in Oklahoma communities. He is instrumental in expanding the organization’s Pathway to Employment Program into Oklahoma City and Ada, Oklahoma, and spearheads leadership training initiatives with a focus on developmental disabilities. Furthermore, Taylor chairs the Diversity Advancement Council and mentors participants in the BIPOC mentoring program, which saw remarkable success in its inaugural cohort in 2023.

Taylor’s career spans diverse healthcare settings, from community hospitals to academic institutions in Texas and Rhode Island. Notably, he held the position of Director of Radiology and Cardiovascular Services at Duncan Regional Hospital, where he showcased his adeptness in managing critical healthcare functions.

In June 2023, Taylor Rhoades earned his Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health, solidifying his commitment to healthcare excellence and ongoing learning. Beyond his professional endeavors, he advocates for pediatric rare liver diseases through his involvement with the Global Liver Institute, reflecting his dedication to healthcare beyond his daily duties.

Residing in Newcastle, Oklahoma, with his wife and three children, Taylor draws inspiration from his family in his pursuit of healthcare excellence and community engagement. His unwavering commitment to leadership, healthcare excellence, and community service distinguishes him as a prominent figure in healthcare management.

Sarah Soell is the Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma. She has been a member of DSACO since 2006. As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, she has volunteered with the organization in numerous activities, having served on the Festival and 5K Committee, and serving as co-chair for two years. Prior to accepting the role of executive director, she was president of the board for DSACO. Before joining DSACO as the new executive director, she worked for the University of Oklahoma as the associate vice president for Public Affairs for 17 years, where she coordinated numerous events and projects, advertising, and various other media-related activities. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and her master’s degree in hospitality administration with a specialization in meeting planning. She is involved in various other organizations including serving as a sustaining member of the Junior League of Norman, where she served on the board for two years, and serves as Vice President of the Cleveland County 4-H Foundation. She and her husband, Preston, along with their three children reside in Norman, where they are members of the First Christian Church. Sarah was a member of the 2003 Leadership Norman Class and was selected as Oklahoma Magazine 40 under 40 in April 2008. In 2020, Sarah was a KFOR News Channel 4 Remarkable Women Finalist.

Sarah is a tireless advocate for the Down syndrome community. She advocates daily for the needs of the family and for each self-advocate. She ensures DSACO’s fundraisers, programs, and activities all align with the mission to ensure the success of the organization. Under her leadership, DSACO serves more than 1000 families, has increased fundraising efforts by more than 50 percent, and has made an impact on the community, elevating DSACO’s status and visibility. Sarah never turns down a hug and will always ensure individuals with Down syndrome are accepted, respected, included, and given the opportunity and choice to create their own meaningful pathway to success.

Cameron has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, both from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Cameron is the Work Force Staffing Manager for Amazon, leading a team that hires all tier-1 warehouse workers in Oklahoma. In his past 11 years of work experience, he has worked directly with hiring, onboarding, training, and leading employees, many with disabilities. His passion for the council’s mission comes from these experiences and his desire to support programs that result in the success of persons with disabilities in the workplace. 

Cameron and his wife, Deanna, have two children. They enjoy running and spending as much time as possible outside as a family.

Charity Woods has worked for DRS, specifically Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired for the last 5 years. Charity earned her degree from East Central University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science with a focus on Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation for both degrees. Charity primarily worked with adult clients previously and is now working with adult and Transition students in Ada and her surrounding Counties. Charity is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and is excited about the opportunities for growth and contribution in her future endeavors.

Charity has her own story of raising her daughter with multiple disabilities and is trying to be an inspiration to others, illustrating the transformative power of a mother’s love and the resilience that can emerge in the face of adversity. Charity’s journey shows others the importance of empathy, compassion, and the impact a single individual can have on the lives of those they serve.