So what do you like to do for fun?

In the case of Sonya Theriault, (pictured below) one of our direct support professionals on our Maine team, her hobby might be considered unusual by some.

And we love that here at Living Innovations. Because we embrace – and encourage – the unusual, the creativity, the simple zest for life that all our employees have.

And we recognize the need all of our direct support professionals have to unwind at the conclusion of their workdays.

Sonya, 33, a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in kinesiology, unwinds by playing roller derby as a member of the “Calamity Janes” in the Professional Women’s Roller Derby League in Maine!

She says a friend introduced her to the sport and she was immediately hooked.

“I’m also a certified personal trainer and I’m always looking for a fun exercise to try. At first, I was terrified of it, but when you start hitting your friends it feels pretty good,” she laughs.

After an incubation period learning about the sport at the Derby Skate Club, Sonya joined the Professional Women’s Roller Derby League last June. She was then assigned to her team in November.

She says the league is filled with professional women, many of whom also work in healthcare. They laugh about “hitting” each other.

“It’s cheaper than therapy to get on skates and hit our friends,” Sonya says.

Sonya Theriault. Just one of a plethora of cool people you could meet when you join our team!

Joanne Malise, MSW, LCSW has over thirty years of experience with the Rhode Island developmental disabilities systems. She leads a dynamic team of professionals committed to providing the guidance and support needed to help people to live safely in the community, and experience lives filled with friends, family, personal growth and opportunities. She is a strong advocate for personalized supports and community inclusion

Andrew Taranko has been with Living Innovations since 2006. After graduating from Bentley College with a degree in Business Management, Andrew has spent the past 20 years working in Southern Maine in education, mental health, and developmental services. Andrew studied health policy and management as a graduate student in the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.

 

Michelle Donovan

Kim Einloth joined Living Innovations in 2025. She’s a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Psychology. Her 35-year career in human services in Rhode Island included work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as other vulnerable populations. She is certified as a Person-centered Thinking Facilitator and a Community Rehabilitation Educator.

Keri Lopes began her career in the human service field in 2002, working with and advocating for children, adults and families experiencing behavioral and mental health challenges, as well as substance use disorders and homelessness. Keri joined Living Innovations in 2024 and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in healthcare management. She is dedicated to ensuring that the organization’s mission to provide support to people with diverse needs to have a good life at home and in the community is lived through the work she does each day.

Amanda Parker has worked for Living Innovations since 2008.  Amanda, who has a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in human services, has experience working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, as well as issues related to homelessness, substance abuse, and children’s behavioral health. She is dedicated to ensuring people have opportunities and support to achieve their goals and dreams within the community.