My name is Cody , and I'm the Executive Director of Operation here at Avid.

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.

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

Jennifer

RN

My name is Jennifer Accardi. I have been in the medical field for 10 years, first as an EMT and medical assistant as active duty Air Force and then become a Registered Nurse and moved to Texas. I had the opportunity to work with special needs children in the elementary schools while completing my degree. I’ve been with Avid since 2018 and enjoy working in a HCS program.

Andrea

Financial specialist

Ariel

Billing Specialist

Hi my name is Ariel Wilson! My partner and I started working with Avid Quality Care as a foster care providers in November of 2016. In April of 2019 I was given the wonderful opportunity to join Avid’s office team as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant. I absolutely love being a part of this company and community of clients! I am from the Denton area and graduated from John Guyer High School in 2009. When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old son Jameson and partner Greg Herrera.

Vanessa Larios-Sawyer

Assistant Manager

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.

Ariel C

Program Coordinator

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.

Regan Steen

HR Coordinator

Briana Johnson

Office Manager

Lakisha Nash

LVN/Case Manager

Diane Barbee

Case Manager

Sheila McClain

Quality Assurance

Carmen Sawyer

Administrative Assistant

Group Home Staff

Elizabeth

Group Home Manager

Wayne

Group Home Manager

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.

Pamela

Group Home Manager

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.

Sharmaine

Group Home Manager