Key Staff

E. Kathryn McConaughy
Executive Director

Kate was educated at Utah State University in the Department of Psychology. Ms. McConaughy has more than thirty years of experience working with adults with developmental and physical disabilities, focusing on employment training and adaptive needs. She has worked with Utah State Developmental Center, Salt Lake Community College, and the Center for Persons with Disabilities.

Debbie Rooks
Director of Programs

Debbie has worked in the Mental Retardation/Developmentally Disabled field for over twenty years. She has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in Physical Education (K-12) and Biology. Debbie develops and administers programs to ensure that clients are provided opportunities for independence and individual growth, in a safe supportive environment.

Bill Jacobsen
Residential Program Coordinator

Bill was educated at the University of Utah and has experience in patient care, first aid and CPR training. Mr. Jacobsen has five years experience managing residential facilities.

Christopher Jones
Day Services Coordinator

Chris was educated at Southern Illinois University in the Department of Psychology. Chris has worked as an instructor for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. He has also worked in the field of social services as a coordinator/director for adults with mental illness, drug & alcohol addiction, dementia and developmental disabilities in Chicago nursing and rehabilitation facilities for almost a decade. Chris supervises all aspects of the day services program offerings and ensures that contractual paperwork is completed and submitted in a timely manner.

Leslie McKinlay
Recreation and Fitness Program Coordinator

Leslie McKinlay is the Recreation Coordinator for the Work Activity Center.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Utah State University with a minor in Sociology.  Since 2008 Leslie has been a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a national credentialing program for Health Educators.  She appreciates the variety of activities clients at the Work Activity Center enjoy.  She plans camping trips including waterskiing and canoeing on an annual basis.  She also helps facilitate community outings, cultural events and client exercise programs on a weekly schedule.  She loves the opportunity to help the clients improve their quality of life through exercise, healthy living and recreation.