
Our Team Members
The Board and Management of the center have raised the bar and have recruited the best in the field to serve consumers in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The Disability Achievement Center seeks dedication, determination and expertise from those who join its team. Each person has personal as well as professional experience with disability. Many are living examples and mentors to the centers consumers of what people with disabilities can achieve.

Julia Michalka
Program Services Coordinator
Julia returned to her old stomping grounds at DAC in the fall of 2016. Since then, she has been promoted to programs supervisor. She has worked in the disability field since 2003 serving in various roles: Ticket to Work manager for a local deaf service agency, coordinator and supervisor for a sister Center for Independent Living and as a facilitator at DAC. She is a mother of 5 children who are all grown and leading productive, independent lives. She is now a proud "Babi" of a beautiful grand-daughter.

Vickie Penkuhn
Consumer Service Specialist
After retiring from my position as an ILF with DAC 10 months ago, I’m back. I was offered the opportunity to return as the Consumer Services Specialist and jumped at the chance of being part of this amazing organization again. I look forward to supporting our Consumers and Staff in this new adventure.

Christine Sears
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Christine has spent her career as an advocate for people with disabilities in New York State. For over twenty years Christine was the Director of Development and Public Relations for The Arc of Madison Cortland working on capital campaigns, planned giving, grant writer, special events and state and federal government liaison.

Shannon Lensing
Independent Living Facilitator
Shannon Lensing has over 14 years’ experience working in social services. She worked for several nonprofits that include Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services and the Area Agency on Aging Pasco Pinellas. Shannon has extensive history working in case management. Shannon has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas at Rock. She is passionate about working with disabled and elderly consumers. Shannon has volunteered with the Red Cross and recently helped with Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief. When she is not working she spends time listening to live music, gardening and playing with her dog Hobbes.

Ulysses Alexander
Independent Living Facilitator
I have been in the helping professions (human/social services) for 10 plus years to include Directions for Living, Early Learning Coalition and AMI Kids. I graduated from under grad in 2000 earing a B.S. in Corrections/Criminal Justice and started my career as Probation Officer. I also ran a business providing various services to people with disabilities. After gaining extensive work experience, I decided to attend graduate school where I earned a M.S. in Human Services with a specialization in family studies and intervention strategies