Board & Staff
Role of the Council
The Council promotes systemic change and helps build community capacity so persons with developmental disabilities can live, work, play, and learn in the communities of their choice. This is accomplished by planning and implementing innovative service or support model programs, funding research, training advocates, and educating policymakers.
Council Members
DDCO is composed of 22 volunteer members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. In accordance with federal law, at least 60 percent of its members are adults with developmental disabilities or immediate family members of people with developmental disabilities. One member must live in or must have lived in an institution in the past, or be an immediate family member of the same. At least one member must represent a local non-governmental organization.
| Position | Members |
| Chair | Sharon Garrity, Guthrie |
| Vice Chair | Vacant |
| Secretary | Mark Lewis, Norman |
| Parliamentarian | Vacant |
| Finance Committee Chair | Sharon Garrity, Guthrie |
| State Plan Committee Chair | Michelle Kelley, Oklahoma City |
| Advocacy, Training, and Outreach Committee Chair | Janie Fugitt, Oklahoma City |
| Council Members | David Blose, Yukon; Margaret Bond, Broken Arrow; Mindee Brown, Edmond; Jeromy Buchanan, Oklahoma City; Brett Cunningham, Oklahoma City; Debra Espinosa, Oklahoma City; Janie Fugitt, Oklahoma City; Sharon Garrity, Guthrie; Shelly Greenhaw, Edmond; Lori Hauge, Sapulpa; Susan Jorski, Choctaw; Michelle Kelley, Oklahoma City; Sherri Coats, Oklahoma City; Blaine Murdock, Meeker ; Gina Richardson, Oklahoma City; Beth Scrutchins, Oklahoma City; Melissa Sublett, Tulsa; Lori Weider, Stillwater; Devin Williams, Lawton; Valerie Williams, Oklahoma City. |
Agency Representative Council Members
| Agency | Member |
| Oklahoma Human Services, Community Living, Aging, and Protective Services | Jeromy Buchanan |
| Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services | Janie Fugitt |
| Oklahoma Department of Education, Special Services | Sherri Coats |
| Oklahoma Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services | Beth Scrutchins |
| Oklahoma Disability Law Center | Melissa Sublett |
| University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities, The Center for Learning and Leadership | Valerie Williams |
DDCO Staff
Jenifer Randle
Executive Director
Jenifer’s (you can call her Jen) GOOD LIFE includes teaching, reading, writing, watching sports, and anything Star Trek. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Kansas, and a Certificate in Competitive Integrated Employment for People with Significant Disabilities from Utah State University. Jenifer was a Special Education Teacher for fourteen years, spending most of her years teaching students with significant disabilities. Jenifer is a credentialed trainer for Person Centered Thinking and a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador. Learn more about Jenifer by reading her one-page introduction.
John Houston
Planning & Grants Director
John P. Houston is an experienced servant in the nonprofit sector with a demonstrated history of working in the civic & social organizations.
Houston earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology from University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 2010. While the plan started with Houston as an Art major; those days did not last, and the call of the mind was too much to deny. Next, Houston earned a Master of Art (MA) in Nonprofit Leadership from Oklahoma City University in 2018. Seeking to work in the nonprofit sector and learn and work more with Grants; Course was specific to grants and contracts.
Houston is skilled in Collaboration, Nonprofits, Training, Case Management, Client Advocacy and Grant Administration. He was able to apply skills and education gained to support the clinicians working with clients by working on grants and the EMR system.
Houston has spent the last 10 years working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Mental illnesses. Houston has work in group home settings and well as in community health settings as well. Along this Journey he found a love and passion for advocacy and work with intellectual Disabilities.
Houston’s good life includes family time, daily movement, and books.
Dawnmarie Kroft-Martin
Comptroller
Dawnmarie Kroft-Martin has over 20 years tenure with DHS. She currently serves dual roles as Financial Manager/Comptroller over Finance & Data Management for Developmental Disabilities at DHS and Comptroller for the Council.
Dawnmarie enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her interests include kayaking, fishing, and exploring anything outdoors.
Bradley Mays
Advocacy Training Coordinator
Dr. Bradley Mays is the Advocacy Training Coordinator for the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma. Mays coordinates the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum, a five-day summer camp, which provides students with disabilities opportunities to learn skills they will need to advocate for themselves after high school.
Mays also coordinates Partners in Policymaking. PIP is an eight-weekend disability advocacy training for parents of children with a disability, adults with a disability, and professionals in the field of developmental disabilities or related fields. The goal of PIP is to help participants engage effectively with legislators, state and/or local policymakers, and others to advocate for change.
Mays earned a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in Adult & Higher Education and his research interests focus on improving experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities. As a person with cerebral palsy, Mays had a challenging journey on the way to complete his Ph.D., which included two master’s degrees and a bachelor’s degree. This wasn’t the plan, but it helped him understand his passion-helping people with disabilities reach life goals.
Morgan Davis
Self-Advocacy Training Director
Morgan Davis is the Self-Advocacy Training Coordinator for the Council. In this position, Morgan supports persons who have lived experiences in developmental disabilities in delivering trainings and developing curriculum to increase advocacy skills among persons with developmental disabilities, their families, and professionals in Oklahoma.
Morgan graduated with a General Studies Associate Degree from Rose State College in 2017 and completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 2020 from the University of Central Oklahoma. Morgan has is a 2013 graduate of the Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum and a 2017 graduate of Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking.
As a person with Cerebral Palsy, Morgan's advocacy interest includes Disability Intersectionality, or how different societal factors impact People in the Disability Community. Morgan’s unique perspectives benefits the Council. Her one constant desire is to be a help to others.
Alissa Patterson
Administrative Officer
Alissa is the administrative officer for the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO). Alissa has studed business administration at New Mexico State University, and marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. Her role at the DDCO extends beyond administrative duties, as she is also in charge of managing the council's social media presence on all platforms. With a strong desire to serve Oklahomans, Alissa dedicates a significant amount of time providing valuable information and resources to the community.
Alissa's work at the Developmental Disability Council of Oklahoma is focused on advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She is passionate about ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the resources, services, and support they need to live fulfilling lives. In her role, Alissa is responsible for organizing and coordinating events and activities that promote awareness and education about developmental disabilities in Oklahoma. She also works closely with other organizations and agencies to develop and implement programs and services that benefit the community. Alissa's dedication and commitment to her work have made her a valuable asset to the council and to the community as a whole.
