Prior to that, I was in law enforcement for approximately a decade as both a Detention and a Police Officer. I have been around special needs individuals throughout my life, beginning with my uncle but also during my law enforcement career. I have been with Avid since September of 2013 on a full time basis and currently maintain my Peace Officer’s commission by reserving for a local law enforcement agency. I have really enjoyed my transition to Avid Quality Care, where I work with my lovely wife, the CEO, Shelly Clark.
My name is Cody Clark, and I'm the Executive Director of Operations here at Avid.
Hello, my name is Shelly Clark.
My husband, Cody, and I opened Avid Quality Care in 2010. I was given the opportunity to get to know and work with an individual with IDD and a physical disability in the early 90’s. That is when I discovered my true passion for individuals with special needs. I was given the opportunity to work with students as an intern in high school and then with special education students in the “Moving On Up” classroom with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. In 2006, I moved to the Denton Independent School District and continued working with special education students. I was introduced to the HCS world in 2008 and have been blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow every day! I also have the joy of being a mother to my 12-year-old daughter named Justice and my one-year-old daughter named Liberty. Avid and Caring Hands are family-owned companies so my girls are a huge part of that.
Office Staff
Hi!! My name is Alyssa Van Der Stuyf, I’m a case Manager here at Avid. I had the honor of joining the Avid family in March 2017! I graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice. I have five years experience working with this amazing community and over eight years experience of being an advocate. My husband and I are raising two amazing boys!
My name is Ariel Christiansen. I came on with Avid Quality Care in the summer of 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. I am so happy to be a part of the Avid family. I truly love our clients and seeing them happy and healthy is the best part of my job! I graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in psychology and although I'm originally from Dallas, I have lived in Denton for over 9 years. I am happily married to a native Denton-ite and together we have adopted 3 fur babies from the shelter. I have a black lab named Bruce who wears bowties. I am also a proud ``cat lady`` and I love to talk about my friendly felines, Riley and Mr. Pickles.
Hi, my name is Christine Adera. I have been working as an LVN for about 5 years, first in long term care and now with AVID since April of 2016. I have been working with the special needs population off and on for about 13 years, previously in direct care, as a C.N.A and now as a nurse with AVID, a job that I have come to find absolutely rewarding. When I'm not working, I enjoy reading novels, working out, and spending time with my family.
Hi! My name is Kyle Montgomery and I joined the Avid team in September of 2016 as a case manager. I have been working with individuals with special needs for a couple of years now and truly love coming to work every day. I am from Colorado and moved here in 2013 after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Psychology and Business. I recently became a mother to a wonderful little girl named Logan. I also really love animals and have 2 dogs and 1 cat. When I am not at work I enjoy camping, hiking, traveling, reading and spending time with my family!
My name is Paule Jones. I have been in the medical field since 2000. I was born in France and came here when I was 18 to go to school. I met a Texan and never went back. I have had the honor to work with Avid since 2011.
I grew up in North Texas and graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in sociology and minor in medical anthropology. High school is when she began to work with people that have intellectual disabilities in the physical education partner program and Special Olympics, that is where her passion for working with individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities truly started. During and after graduation she was a caregiver for people with IDD and mental health needs.
While Rachel lived in Austin, TX she ran the recreation building at the State Supported Living Facility, provided person centered activities and programs for people with IDD. Participation, learning and independence grew with programs such as Special Olympics, Motor Activities Training Program SOTX, art group, music circle, garden club, trips in the community and special events.
In the Winter of 2017 she moved to Denton to be closer to friends and family; that’s where she continued her work with the state at the Denton State Supported Living Facility in the recreation department where their dances were epic. Wanting a change of pace, she’s excited to be with the Avid Quality Care family where she can help individuals in new capacities.
Hi, my name is Vanessa Larios-Sawyer. I'm from a beautiful place named Colima, Mexico. I relocated to the States in July 2013 and I joined the team officially in May 2014. I'm happily married and my husband and I work with Avid. This is my first time working with special needs and I'm loving it; I love to be part of their wonderful lives and to have the opportunity to meet and learn from them. I'm on the administrative side, doing the billing and the financial part and a little bit of everything when necessary. I like to help others as much as I can, I'm firm in my convictions, and family is very important to me, I have 2 handsome boys Daniel and Levi. I love sunny days. I'm very thankful to be with this company and I love to be part of this wonderful team and great coworkers.
Group Home Staff
My name is Pamela Taylor. I love to shop, read, and spend time with my family. I've worked with Avid since 2013 and love working with this organization.
My name is Wayne and I enjoy fixing and building stuff. I also love cars! I manage the Quail Run Group Home and I have been with Avid since December 2012.
Hi! My name is Angelia. I am a group home manager for the Gayla creek home. I joined the avid team in 2016. I started my journey as a PRN staff working at avids Caring Hands,where I was fortunate enough to meet all of our wonderful clients! From there I began working weekends until I found my home as a group home manager. I have worked in this field for many years starting at the Denton state supported living center in 2012. While working there I realized how truly amazing and rewarding home healthcare could be! I grew up in Denton TX and graduated from billy Ryan high school in 2011. (Go raiders!!)I love music, movies, the 90s and of course, the colors purple and rose gold! I have two cute kiddos and three amazing clients that keep my spirits flying high!
Hello my name is Sheila Nicholes. I just recently joined Avid as of August. I came from Jefferson City Missouri where I was a in home nurse for the elderly. I've been in the care field off and on for about 17 years. I'm known as a jack of all trades :-), I have 20 years of management experience and several trainings under my belt some of which are; working with behavioral youth, working with mental and physical disabilities as well as the elderly. I enjoy this job so much, my heart just melts. I have a passion for it which is what makes me good at what I do. I always try to put my self in their shoes and see things from their point of view as that makes a huge difference.
Diane is proud to be working for Avid Quality Care. She has 36 years’ experience in public education as a bilingual teacher and a bilingual educational diagnostician. She retired in May 2018 in order to begin work with Avid Quality Care as a group home manager. She loves to read and dance and participate in the vocal and handbell choirs at church. She loves to sew and bake and enjoys making craft projects with the individuals in her home and her grandchildren. She enjoys participating in Special Olympics and staying active in the community.
My name is Monika Jones I run the Samantha creek group home. I started with avid august of 2018, and have enjoyed everyday of it growing with my clients. Aside from work I enjoy softball and basketball, doing things with my kids and shopping. EVERY DAY IS A NEW ADVENTURE!