Thank you, Deb and Brian Nelson!

What can you get out of being a shared living provider?

The answer to that question depends on what you are looking for, says Deb Nelson, who, along with her husband, Brian, has been a shared living provider with Living Innovations for 16 years.

“We wanted to help someone and see that we were really making a difference,” says Deb, who once worked as a direct support professional (DSP) and is from Linneus, ME. “As a home provider, you get much more input helping your individual grow as a person because you get to know them. They become part of your family.”

The Nelson’s have been part of the Living Innovations’ team for 16 years. Brian is still working as a DSP.

Community Living Coordinator Angelina Jackman, who works in our Houlton, ME office, says Deb is a joy to work with.

“(Deb) just has an infectious personality. Her attitude is always positive, always upbeat. The bills could be piling up, and everything could be getting canceled, and she doesn’t worry about. She’ll say, ‘Tomorrow’s a new day. Everything is going to be fine.’ ‘’ says Angelina. “Her patience makes other people strive to be patient as well.”

One of the reasons why the Nelson’s decided to join the Living Innovations’ team is because they had been working for another human services agency and were dismayed at the way that organization interacted – and treated – the individuals they were supposed to be helping lead better lives.

Deb says the individual she and her husband shared their home with was initially a challenge. But now that person is a member of her family.

Asked if she has any advice she’d offer others interested in becoming shared living providers, Deb says communication is the key to a successful match.

“It’s not like you have someone who is a border (in your home),” she says. “You’ll find the magic words. They are human. You are human. You’ll know you are on the right path the first time you wake up and realize that that person is another member of your family.”

Putting people first. It’s what we all try to do, every day, at Living Innovations!

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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

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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.

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Michelle Donovan

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Momentum is now Living Innovations! We remain committed to providing support to people with diverse needs to have a good life at home and in the community. Contact us today if you have any questions about this transition.
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Shalyn joined the Momentum team in 2006 and served as Associate Director for 11 years, working alongside Director Dennis Strout to build upon programs and services that empower people to achieve their goals. Since Momentum joined Living Innovations, she has worked to uphold the common mission by assisting with the Momentum integration plan while ensuring those we support receive the highest quality, most personalized services possible.

As an Area Director, Shalyn will work with Maine State Director Andy Taranko, and Area Directors Keri Lopes and Amanda Parker, to oversee all programs and services throughout Living Innovations Maine.