Staff

At the heart of the St. Augustine Center for Living is a dedicated and experienced staff who keep the facility running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Click on a name below to read more about each of the Center’s staff members or visit the Employment page for information on how you can join the team.

Bill and Karen Walter, Owners

Bill Walter was raised in Glen Cove, New York, and graduated in 1984 from Flagler College in St. Augustine. While attending Flagler, he met his wife of 30 years, Karen Higdon Walter, formally of Lakeland, Florida who also graduated from Flagler College.

After graduation, Mr. and Mrs. Walter chose to make their home in St. Augustine. They have each worked with the Developmentally Disabled population for over 28 years, making it both their career and passion. In 1983, the Walters began their employment with SACL. Bill has worked at SACL in the capacity of houseparent, weekend supervisor, QMRP and Administrator for 23 years prior to ownership. Karen worked as houseparent, social services staff, weekend and night shift direct care staff, Living Unit Services supervisor and QMRP for 21 years. They purchased the facility in June of 2008. Additionally, Bill was employed as a QMRP in an ICF cluster in Jacksonville and as a residential supervisor with ARC of St. Johns for a number of years. Karen was employed as a Medicaid Waiver Support Coordinator for the State of Florida for 8 years.

  

The Walters have an open door policy for both; family members of the clients they serve and for those interested in the rehabilitation and care of the residents and the Adult Day Program individuals at SACL. Past and current participants include: the University of St. Augustine, St. Joseph Academy and Pedro Menendez High School. In addition, SACL has been the host site of the Flagler College Best Buddies program for the past two years.

The Walters have two children and one granddaughter. They both enjoy spending their free time outdoors.

Donna Peacock, Administrator

Donna is originally from Fulton, NY (that’s Upstate NY)! An Army Veteran, she received her BA from Northwestern State University and a Masters in Special Education from the University of North Florida. After working 30+ years for people who have special needs, whatever that means, she wouldn’t trade it for anything else. As a counselor for “Project CORE”, a mental health program, she provided counseling and behavior management services to children, families, and teachers, in the Putnam County School System. In 1985, her introduction to Developmental Disabilities was as the Social Worker for ARC St. Johns. Two years later, she became the Assistant Executive Director. 19 years later, she sadly resigned, relocating outside Albuquerque, NM. In New Mexico she taught 6th and 7th grades, both Inclusion and Self-Contained classes, at Eagle Ridge Middle School (2005-2007). She joined SACL in March 2010 as the QMRP and October that year became the Administrator. She has one grown son, Erik Helpenstell, and two granddaughters, Kayge and Hailey. “It’s been an amazing, wild ride and 30+ years later I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!” [back to top]

Kathy Young, QMRP

Ms. Young holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis. She’s worked in the fields of mental health and developmental disabilities for over 30 years as a group therapy leader in a psychiatric setting, as a home & community based Medicaid waiver support coordinator, as well as in a variety of positions at SACL, from trainer to her current QMRP position. In her free time Ms. Young’s interests include gardening, the beach and her pets. [back to top]

Christine Ragosta, RN/Director of Nursing

Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Ragosta holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing in addition to many years of on the job experience in hospital and community health nursing. She joined the SACL in August 2011 after six years at the Agency for Health Care Administration as a Registered Nurse Specialist responsible for surveying health care and facilities such as SACL for regulatory compliance. About her job Ms. Ragosta says, “I am honored to be part of such a dedicated team and to service this welcoming group of remarkable individuals.” [back to top]

Tamara Holtz, Residential Supervisor

Ms. Holtz has 15 years of experience working with developmentally disabled adults and children. During her tenure, she has had the opportunity to experience a variety of positions including both direct care and supervisory roles. As the current daytime residential supervisor for the St. Augustine Center for Living, she oversees the day to day operations of the four cottages at SACL in addition to developing and writing programs designed to maintain and improve learned skills. [back to top]

Sandy Martz, Habilitation Supervisor

Ms. Martz holds a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in specific learning disabilities. She is an instructor with the First Coast Technical College and has enjoyed her placement at the St. Augustine Center for Living for almost twenty years. Classes under her direction focus on basic academics and socialization skills. Though Ms. Martz is the teacher, she feels she’s the one who’s learned the most over the years from the SACL residents. [back to top]

Gerri McNamara, Workshop Supervisor

A University of Florida graduate, Ms. McNamara has on the job experience as a supported living coach with the Alachua ARC. She has also worked as a Medicaid waiver independent support coordinator. Her favorite quote comes from Guiness World Record holder for longest wheelchair wheelie, Robert M. Hensel, who once said, “I have a disability yes that’s true, but all that really means is I may have to take a slightly different path than you.” [back to top]

Kathy Waite, Communications Supervisor

With a bachelor’s degree in sociology and an associate’s degree in sign language interpreter training, Ms. Waite joined the St. Augustine Center for Living staff in February of 2010 to run the communications department. Although she has no previous work experience with the developmentally disabled population, she has valuable life experience with a granddaughter who has many of the same attributes. She uses the term “attributes” because she believes these characteristics may set them apart, but they also win your heart. [back to top]

Laverne March, Night Supervisor

Ms. March began her second round of employment at the St. Augustine Center for Living three years ago. She is currently the night staff supervisor. Ms. March attended Florida A&M University. She enjoys volunteering with youth. [back to top]

Bruce Hinchliffe, Behaviorist

A board certified therapist, Mr. Hinchliffe has served individuals with developmental disabilities for over twenty years. He has experience as a behaviorist with both children and adults. He is retired from Duval County Public Schools and joined SACL in January 2011. [back to top]

Bryan Walter, Behavior Specialist

A 2009 graduate of Flagler College, Mr. Walter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Social Science. He came to the St. Augustine Center for Living upon graduating and is currently a Behavior Specialist. He has also coached basketball at Nease High School for the past three years. [back to top]

Matt Burkholder, Behavior Specialist

A member of the St. Augustine Center for Living staff since 1993, Mr. Burkholder has held several positions ranging from direct care staff to shift supervisor to his current position as behavioral assistant. His achievements in client care, staff management, and behavior modification have made him a valuable member of the SACL team. [back to top]

Monica Neumann, Human Resources/Records

Ms. Neumann is originally from Long Island, New York, but relocated to St. Augustine, Fla. in 2003. Although she enjoyed the four seasons of New England, she says she enjoys the warm weather  even more! Ms. Neumann holds an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in the Executive Secretarial field and 30 years of work experience. She has been a part of the St. Augustine Center for Living since 2003 in the position of Human Resources/Records and her duties include maintaining all clients’ and employees’ records and just “pitching in” where needed. Her interaction with the clients is extremely fulfilling and rewarding. She views each of her days at the St. Augustine Center for Living as not only a challenge and an enjoyment, but a true gift. [back to top]

Sheila Holley, Accounting Department

Ms. Holley joined the accounting department at the St. Augustine Center for Living in April 2009. Her first accounting position was with Flagler Hospital in 1987 when the hospital was still located on the downtown bay front. Prior to working as an accountant, she was a lab technician for 17 years. She enjoys working at the Center for a variety of reasons, but mainly because she loves seeing the difference this facility makes in the residents’ lives. [back to top]

Ruth Andrick, Bookkeeper

Ms. Andrick joined the St. Augustine Center for Living staff in November of 2004 shortly after relocating to Florida from Pennsylvania. Before becoming a book keeper for SACL, she worked in real estate management and had her own business for over thirteen years. She has two grown children and is actively involved in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue. [back to top]

Shannon Walter, Support Technician

A 2011 graduate of Flagler College, Ms. Walter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in Arts with a minor in History. She has worked at the St. Augustine Center for Living since 2007 in the capacity of Adult Day Training staff, receptionist, and currently as a support technician. [back to top]

Regina McKee, Cook Supervisor

Ms. McKee has been the Cook Supervisor at the St. Augustine Center for Living for one year. Before joining the staff at the St. Augustine Center for Living, Ms. McKee accrued 30 years of experience working in various restaurants around St. Augustine including Village Inn (19 years), Denny’s (7 years), Cracker Barrel, Mom & Pops Buffet, a few smaller restaurants downtown and at the San Marco Nursing Home (3 ½ years). [back to top]

Allen Brown, Maintenance Supervisor

A native of Saranac Lake, New York, Allen spent 20 years on active duty with the New York Army National Guard prior to working for the St. Augustine Center for Living. Following his retirement in 2006, he relocated to St. Augustine. He has worked in the maintenance department for over three years and has been the maintenance supervisor since March 2011. He and his wife Karen have been married for 34 years and have three children. [back to top]