About Us

This high-energy CEO and growth-oriented leader of Blue Sky’s progressive agency is dedicated to transforming workplace performance as a champion for case managers, Medicaid members, and their families. His start-up dream was to create an agency of social service professionals who could benefit from the use of innovative technology. Essentially, these systems help case managers spend more time with Medicaid members and less time copying, scanning, and faxing tons of paperwork. Additionally, Joseph’s childhood experiences solidified a core belief in advocating for and defending people with disabilities against bullies while leading causes to preserve self-directed, inclusive, and meaningful lives.

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Joseph received his Master of Business Administration degree in Leadership and Management from Walden University, and he earned a Master of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Joseph is a retired U.S. Army officer who served with distinction in the Infantry and Public Affairs (PAO). His professional interests focus on implementing a leadership and business strategy for Blue Sky, using the world-renowned Baldrige Excellence Framework, which is the nation’s only Presidential award for performance excellence. In his free time, Joseph enjoys daily physical fitness, Tai Chi workouts, golfing, and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. Joseph’s greatest joy comes from life with his wife, Barb, their four children, and three grandchildren—a family that keeps him grounded, grateful, and passionate about helping others live full, meaningful lives.

Tara Clarkson is a Co-Founder and the Executive Director of Blue Sky. Her 15 years of experience focused on extensive work with Intellectual and Developmental community programs. As the Executive Director, Tara supports Blue Sky's Medicaid members to live their best lives through a person-centered planning process. Tara ardently lives by her stated philosophy: "We can go faster alone or farther together, which is what Blue Sky does better than any other agency. Our network of support and responsiveness to member issues is one of the best in Kentucky.

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As a strong advocate for Medicaid members, Tara ignites the agency's vision to make systems and processes easier, faster, and more efficient for case management contractors. She also oversees the billing consultants (contractor supervisors) for Blue Sky. Tara was instrumental in the customized implementation of "MyInterCare," the agency's IT vendor (SaaS), to go paperless with tons of required Medicaid documentation for a large case management agency. Tara earned higher-education degrees with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. Her Hobbies and Interests include: Re-Enacting 18th Century Living History, calligraphy, and textile crafts.

Brittney McConville is a Co-Founder and the Director of Business Information Systems at Blue Sky. Brittney provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology (IT) environment. Brittney was instrumental in the implementation of "MyInterCare," the agency's IT vendor (SaaS). The agency's use of paperless, electronic, and web-based software systems provides case management contractors easy access to necessary documentation and participant management tools from any location with internet capabilities.

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Brittney's goal is to help case managers spend more quality time with clients versus paperwork. "My dream was always to help the people helping the people. I tend to think about how processes can be simplified or how technology makes lives easier and better, which makes Blue Sky one of the top IT innovators in Kentucky." Brittney earned her higher-education degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Brittney treasures her role as a mother to three young children and loves spending family time at the playground or gathered around the table for game night.

Chris Lanham is a co-founder and case management contractor for Blue Sky. His extensive experience and personal commitment to overcoming his physical disabilities (spinal cord injuries) make him a highly sought-after case management contractor. Also, he's a distinguished Billing Consultant (contractor supervisor) for Blue Sky. "As case managers, we bring a high degree of respect, empathy, and compassion to our Medicaid members. I am consistently inspired by the passion, fighting spirit, and how our agency advocates for the special interests and needs of our Medicaid members.

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As an exemplary agency partner, Chris works intensely to advocate for people to live their best lives with developmental disabilities. Chris is admired for his tenacious spirit in challenging the status quo and optimizing a person's choice to live independently in Kentucky. Over the years, hundreds of the agency's Medicaid Members enjoy his annual special events -- "Go Fishing: A Night at the Lake." As the agency's director for referrals, he helps transition waiver participants to case management contractors with the intent to meet the "Freedom of Choice" desires of Medicaid members to live independently in the community.. He earned his higher-education degrees with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Louisville. Chris is a self-proclaimed "huge outdoors nut" for hunting and fishing. He also enjoys going to concerts, running a small bait business, and volunteering in the local community.

Rhonda Shaver is a co-owner and case management contractor for Blue Sky. Her 25-plus years of case management experience add value and professionalism, which serves as a model for other contractors to emulate. As an exemplary agency partner, Rhonda works intensely to ensure the agency is a true, loyal champion for contracted case managers and Medicaid members. Additionally, she takes stands to challenge the status quo and to advance solutions that target the best outcomes for the agency and its Medicaid members.

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Rhonda supports the agency’s Medicaid members to live their best lives. “I got into the social services field because I am passionate about helping people. I pretty much guide people in every aspect of their lives, just about everything from housing, employment, day programs, to medical care, while constantly taking phone calls from people who need help and support. I love it though. It makes a real difference in a person’s life and mine, too!” Rhonda earned her higher-education degree with a Master of Arts in Sociology from Morehead State University. Rhonda enjoys reading, playing tennis, weight-lifting, and walking. Additionally, Rhonda is a member of the West Broadway Church of Christ.

Rachel Kidd is a co-owner of Blue Sky Case Management, where she brings compassion, creativity, and dedication to her work supporting adults and children with disabilities. Her journey began in a day program, where she discovered a deep passion for helping individuals reach their fullest potential — a calling that led her to case management. Rachel believes every person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as an individual. She approaches her work with warmth, empathy, and respect, connecting deeply with the people she serves and helping them build meaningful, fulfilling lives within their communities.

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In addition to her work as a case manager, Rachel also serves as a billing consultant for Blue Sky, ensuring that every service is delivered with care, accuracy, and integrity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisville and brings both heart and professionalism to every aspect of her work. Outside of Blue Sky, Rachel enjoys spending time with her children, quilting, dancing, and reading. Her goal is simple yet profound—to help every person she supports feel valued, empowered, and capable of achieving their goals.

Niki Brown is the newest co-owner and an experienced case management contractor for Blue Sky. Niki brings an extensive social services background to her Medicaid members. Also, she's a distinguished Billing Consultant (supervisor) for Blue Sky. Niki said, "I love helping people with special needs to conquer the daily challenges life can throw their way. And, I love celebrating their successes and providing a platform of stability to help them through difficult times.

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Her attitude and approach to case management are equally contagious, as she blends positivity with kindness and respect in most situations. Niki credits her grandmother for teaching her to nurture relationships with those she cares about, which she models with a kind and optimistic spirit for her Medicaid members. "Optimism is a magnet. If you stay positive and optimistic, good things and good people will be drawn to you," she said. In addition to more than 15 years in social work, Niki earned her higher-education degree with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Kentucky State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sons, traveling, and listening to podcasts about finances and healthy living.

Nina Pickett specializes in creating strong, vibrant relationships with Medicaid members, as one of Blue Sky's most experienced and sought-after case management contractors. She gains trust with her Medicaid members and establishes strong relationships to help them move forward to live their best lives. Additionally, Nina is experienced in SCL Participant Directed Services (PDS), providing long-term care support and services that help Medicaid members of all ages across all types of disabilities to maintain their independence and determine for themselves what mix of personal care services and supports works best for them.

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Nina brings more than 25 years of social service experience and knowledge for Medicaid waiver children and adults. Nina is a key leader in the agency's Diversity and Safety Workgroup: Coping with Racism and Violence. She facilitates conversations with Medicaid members and families to help minimize risks associated with the health and safety of the agency's "high-risk" clients. Nina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

Stacie Centers is one of Blue Sky's most responsive and caring case management contractors for Medicaid members. One of her highest priorities is to assist and transform Medicaid members to achieve their highest potential in waiver programs, namely the SCL Participant-Directed Services (PDS). She is keenly aware of the importance of perception, planning, listening, empathy, and caring in supporting the client. "I think it is very important to be a good team player," she said. Stacie was awarded the prestigious honor of 2022 Top Case Manager of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Private Providers. This accolade is a testament to Stacie's outstanding dedication, exceptional skill, and profound impact on the lives of those she serves.

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I want my clients to be able to access the community and do things that other people are able to do. For example, I like to go shopping, out to eat, and go to fun events, which is what I encourage my Medicaid members to do." Stacie earned her Master of Science degree in Human Services from Capella University and a Bachelor of General Studies in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. She enjoys spending time with her four children, while being the primary caregiver for two miniature horses, named Stanley and Ollie, her dogs, Sally and Ethel, and eight (8) barn cats!

Marsha Wheatley promotes healthy outcomes and hopes for Medicaid members, as one of the newest and experienced case management contractors for Blue Sky. She calls "mom" a hero because of the encouragement she provided Marsha to pursue her own dreams, which she returns the favor with confidence and faith in her waiver participants.

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Marsha places enormous value on respecting the uniqueness and differences of the agency's Medicaid members while providing the assistance to help them live their best lives. "As a case manager, my strength is to help Medicaid members and family members work through difficult situations and solve difficult problems. When I see waiver participants, who are realizing their dreams, I get an enormous sense of satisfaction." Marsha earned her Master's of Education in Counseling and Human Development and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Lindsey Wilson College. She is also a member of the National Counseling Association. In her spare time, Marsha enjoys watching Psychological Thrillers and making old, antique things new again or finding a fix-it project around the house.

Samantha K. leverages her extensive background in special education and her role as a case management support broker to passionately advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. Samantha has a deep understanding of the unique support needs of her clients. Her work with the Michelle P Waiver (PDS) at Seven Counties Services equips her with the insights and skills to effectively relate to both clients and caretakers, providing professional advice and support tailored to individual needs.​

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Guided by her mother's values of strength and independence, Samantha empowers her clients with compassion and resilience, believing: "We can all do hard things and better things are waiting." Outside of her professional life, she cherishes time with her husband and her beloved fur baby, Oreo. Samantha stays active through participation in Hot Mess sports leagues, enjoys reading, and is on a journey to reconnect with her passion for yoga and fitness.

Mary Curtis brings nine years of experience as a registered nurse to Blue Sky's case management team. Mary is driven by a genuine commitment to evaluating client needs and designing customized person-centered care plans that empower Medicaid members to live their best lives. Beyond just medical management, Mary prioritizes client education and lifestyle-appropriate solutions, fostering strong relationships with clients and their families through her compassionate approach.​

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Mary's journey in nursing has been profoundly influenced by her high school psychology teacher, who saw a special quality in Mary; she learned the importance of seeing the goodness in everyone and advocating for clients throughout their service planning. In Mary Curtis, Blue Sky clients not only have a proficient case manager but also a compassionate advocate who is deeply committed to their well-being. Outside of her professional life, Mary enjoys road trips, camping, and hiking with breathtaking mountain views, where she finds both inspiration and relaxation

Misty McGuire brings more than 20 years of experience as a nurse and a helping professional. She is dedicated to supporting Medicaid members in living their best lives. Her philosophy centers on advocacy — ensuring that individuals can express their needs, desires, and goals, especially when they may not be able to speak up for themselves. For the past 14 years, she has worked extensively with survivors of brain injuries, drawing on her compassion, deep listening skills, and commitment to person-centered care to help clients achieve greater independence and quality of life.

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Misty earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Human Services. Her professional interests focus on empowering clients through holistic, individualized case management and continued learning in the human services field. Outside of her professional life, Misty enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, listening to music, attending concerts, and camping. She credits her father as her greatest inspiration — instilling in her a strong work ethic and a lifelong passion for helping others.

Amanda Armes is one of the longest-tenured case management contractors at Blue Sky. She is driven to best serve the agency's Medicaid members with her fun, creative approach to leading person-centered meetings. "I love to see breakthroughs in the lives of our Medicaid members. Whether it's gaining the trust of my clients, achieving goals, or completing a puzzle … whatever the positive, big or small life change may be," she said.

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Amanda prides herself on being able to use her nursing background to be a strong voice for Medicaid members to resolve complex medical issues. Since high school graduation, Amanda has worked in multiple nursing home settings: Alzheimer's/Dementia, assisted living, and hospitals. Also, Amanda worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Adult Health Care (ADHC) and Community Living Supports (CLS) settings and provided 1:1 supervision. Amanda earned her Bachelor's of Social Work degree from Spalding University in 2012. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Honors Society through Spalding University. She enjoys spending time with her daughter. Amanda watches Netflix, listens to music, cooks, spends time with family members, and takes drives on country roads to enjoy nature.

Laura Frick is a strong advocate for Blue Sky members, as she recognizes the person-centered uniqueness in Medicaid members to determine the most beneficial waiver services for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said, "I have always had a soft spot for helping people communicate, while being an advocate for people who often do not have a voice that is heard or communicated in ways others can."

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As a case manager, Laura is a passionate and highly sought-after contractor because she builds cohesive teams, recognizing the importance of person-centered approaches to design the best lives of Medicaid members. Additionally, she integrates various activities, access to individualized hobbies and interests, and looks for fun ways to inspire physical activity to enhance better health outcomes. Laura earned her higher-education degree with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisville. Recently, Laura expanded her role at Blue Sky as Referrals Coordinator and Billing Consultant (Supervisor). Her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail make her a natural fit for guiding processes, supporting her team, and ensuring services run smoothly from start to finish. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, attending concerts, spending time with the family, working out, and watching science documentaries. Laura is a person who loves tattoo art by Eric Brede (2018), as seen with an image of her "Tree of Life"

Season Harrig-Seitz specializes in the delivery of Michele P. Waiver services for adults and children living at home. As a case management contractor, Season is truly dedicated to helping Medicaid members grow up to live independent lives. “With the help of parents, I get to see many of the big moments and phases of life -- early childhood, high school, living alone, and getting jobs,” she said.

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Season demonstrates case management competence and social service professionalism in dealing with her clients, families, and other providers. “I am a huge advocate for my clients. I will go above and beyond to ensure they are cared for to meet their needs,” she said. Season serves the agency with distinction as a member of its “Champions Club” by earning performance awards for Medicaid visits and compliance documentation. Season earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Communication from the University of Louisville.

Oglanda, as a case management contractor, continues to make a positive difference by supporting Kentucky's most vulnerable citizens, or those born with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She commits herself to creating person-centered plans that enhance the lives of her Medicaid members. 

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Oglanda assists the agency's Medicaid members by living their best lives and expressing their needs and wants in the best ways possible. She is also experienced in the state guardianship and family support programs in Kentucky. Oglanda earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Spalding University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Kaplan University.

Stevonea McDonald is a dedicated and compassionate social services professional with more than 13 years of experience in contract case management, specializing in SCL/MPW waiver services. Her career is grounded in a profound commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others, a philosophy she views not merely as a job but as her true calling. Before diving into the “Medicaid Waiver world,” Stevonea honed her skills and showcased her passion by managing cases for youth who had aged out of foster care, as part of the Project Life- Chafee Independence Program with Louisville Metro Government. This extensive background has driven her lifelong mission to improve the lives of those she serves.

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Stevonea McDonald is a proud alumna of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Consumer Science. Born and raised in Louisville, KY, Stevonea maintains strong ties to her community. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, jogging, and spending quality time with her family. She is an active volunteer at her church’s nursery and has a particular fondness for Mickey Mouse, reflecting her joyful and caring spirit.