Paul Pieper has had a distinguished 25 year career of working as a volunteer, caseworker, and advocate for those with special needs. It is his passion. He started St. Mary’s Independent Living Extensions to create a faith based agency to benefit those with developmental disabilities and give them independence within the community. He was the recipient of the Mensch Award for Exemplary Service, chosen as employee of the year at JFCS, and featured on the PBS documentary “Thou Shalt Honor”. Paul has employed a notably well trained and experienced staff to assist SMILE’s family members in achieving independence in life.
Click here to view an article that appeared in the Georgia Bulletin about SMILE.
email: paulpieper@smile4.info
Sister Tirhas is a Catholic nun member of The Daughters of Saint Anne order. The order has purchased a house that has been converted into a convent so that they may bring more sisters to the area. The two nuns here now, Sr. Tirhas and Sr. Luciana began their journey from Eritrea a country in Eastern Africa. They have made it their mission to work with the Disabled Adult community at SMILE. They currently run the Day Program.
Jean Martinez was born in Rochester, New York, and grew up in the Netherlands. She returned to the United States and began her career in behavioral sciences. She
graduated from Manhattanville College with BA in psychology. She speaks five
languages. Jean co-authored anger management group therapy programs for juvenile
courts. She worked at the Marcus Autism Behavioral Center as a technician in severe
behavior department and in the language and learning center. Jean has also worked in
psychiatric hospitals, leading group therapy programs using guided imagery and yoga
for dual diagnosis interventions. She is currently continuing her education at Purdue
University for a masters in behavioral sciences. Jean is a certified Mindset trainer.
Jean is a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities. Her passion comes from her
professional experience and her personal experience as a mother of a child with unique
abilities.
email: jmartinez@smile4.info
Sister Luciana is a Catholic nun and member of The Daughters of Saint Anne order. The order has purchased a house that has been converted into a convent so that they may bring more sisters to the area. The two nuns here now, Sr. Tirhas and Sr. Luciana began their journey from Eritrea a country in Eastern Africa. They have made it their mission to work with the Disabled Adult community at SMILE. They currently run the Day Program.