Meet the Team

Jim has been the Chief Operating Officer of Living in Family Environments since August 2017. He originally joined the company as its Chief Financial Officer in November 2016 before being promoted to his current position. He holds a degree in Finance from The Ohio State University and started his career in the retail field working for Big Bear Stores Company. Upon leaving Big Bear as its Director of Accounting Operations in 1997, Jim embarked on a new career path focusing on non-for-profits and healthcare. Since 1997 Jim has worked for various mental health agencies and skilled nursing facilities primarily as a financial executive.

It was the 13 years he spent at nursing facilities that fueled his passion for working with the Developmentally Disabled. Jim has been deaf since childhood and has long been an advocate for the Deaf, hearing impaired and all individuals who live their lives with disabilities. While Chief Financial Officer at a skilled nursing facility that serves the Deaf and hearing impaired, he developed polices and programs that championed independent living rights for the Deaf residents, and equal employment opportunities for the Deaf staff.

“Coming to Living in Family Environments with the opportunity to use my position to advocate and promote independent living options for the Developmentally Disabled has been extremely gratifying. It is my goal to continue our mission of providing services to people with disabilities that enables them to live their lives independently, and as fully as possible. Of equal importance, I strive to create a positive working environment and culture for all our caring employees. Energetic and motivated employees are key to our consumer’s success.”

Christine Ireland has been the Program Director since August 2021 for Living in Family Environments, Inc. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Director of Compliance starting in March 2020. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University. She has some post graduate work completed in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Christine stated in the field when she was 19 years old as Direct Support Professional in 2001 with Living in Family Environments, Inc. She worked from 2001-2004 with many individuals within Living in Family Environments, Inc. Christine held the positions of Program Manager and Program Director from March 2004-May 2016 at Living in Family Environments, Inc. Christine worked at Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities as Service Coordinator from May 2016-March 2020 before accepting a position back at Living in Family Environments, Inc.

“Living in Family Environments, Inc. is truly my home. I am excited to be back working within this organization. I am excited to see success stories of individuals we serve.”

Jean Turner has been the Assistant Program Director for Living in Family Environments since August of 2021.  Jean is responsible for the agency’s documentation systems, records compliance, and functions as an assistant to our Program Director by handling responsibility for hiring and staff schedules at our sites. Jean brings with her a wealth of experience which includes a long-standing position with a realty company in the Columbus area and formerly as well as being the agency’s Office Manager from 2016 to late 2019.

In August of 2009 Jean joined the Living In Family Environments team within the Gahanna School District where she was part of their children’s program. She then segued into assisting individuals within their own homes as a Direct Support Professional before taking on her current role. In fact, Jean continues to be present in many individual’s homes providing guidance and supports while still performing her duties as Office Manager as that continues to be her passion.

“Living In Family Environments is such a close knit organization. In my time here I’ve had the amazing opportunity to see people I’ve known over the years grow and develop as individuals and met many wonderful families. We’ve had so many success stories that I’m happy to have played a part in and see people achieve their dreams, be it from being able to living on their own, to going to places they may never have been, or to finding the job they’ve always wanted.

I take my job here and its responsibilities very seriously. We are here to help others, and it’s my goal to set that tone for everyone. A friendly smile and a listening ear go a long way. I also want to ensure that when people come to the office it’s a positive experience. I love what I do and simply want to pass that along to others.”

Karen has been with Living In Family Environments since 2006. She provided IP nursing care for the owner’s children since 2000 and was asked if she would like to broaden her talents by teaching as well. Knowing the joy of working with her own clients, Karen was happy to enter into a greater family circle where she could help others provide quality care. She completed the Train the Trainer certification and has taken on the role as lead trainer for Medication Administration classes as well as delegation of nursing oversight for staff. Karen also directly supervises Living In Family Environments’ nursing team.

Karen holds a Bachelor’s of Science in education from OSU and she has held her nursing degree and R.N. license since 1982. Her previous working experiences include Grant Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Riverside Hospital. Karen spent several years with the Ohio Department of Health doing required yearly hospital licensure visits. Karen has been a foster parent for a teenager and later for a medically fragile baby and understands from personal experience some of the challenges families face. Over the years she has been involved in several committees for rules and regulation changes and been a strong advocate for children and adults with developmental disabilities to live and flourish at home and in the community.

As of 2016, Karen no longer is directly involved with IP nursing but loves to meet families with Living in Family Environments regarding their medical needs. She prepares and assists with assessments, information and ongoing issues while working alongside the agency’s other nurses to address them in a timely manner. She feels it is incredibly important to give individuals and their families peace of mind that their loved ones will be supported.