All of our staff members must meet a series of stringent criteria to be hired, including completing an FBI and state criminal record check. They are also trained in medication administration, first aid, CPR, behavior intervention, and human rights issues. For more specifics, see our Employment page.
Here is a look at the remarkable background of our management team members:
Ralph H. Combs, Jr., Executive Director
Honorary Member of the Board of Directors
Hired by SVCR in 1999, Ralph has been a tireless advocate of individuals with intellectual disabilities for over 25 years, as demonstrated by his selection as the recipient of multiple key awards for making a dramatic difference to this community.
With an MBA from Shenandoah University, including a Certificate in Health Care Management and a Bachelor’s degree in city planning from the University of Virginia, he is a certified trainer of CPR, first aid, human rights, OSHA/blood-borne pathogens, and behavior intervention.
Currently serving as Immediate Past-President of the Board of Directors of The Kiwanis Club of Winchester, he is also President of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Inc., an advocacy organization serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Ralph is also a founding member and current President of the ADAPT Program Board of Directors, an adult day program planning team. He has held leadership positions in numerous other local organizations. Prior to joining SVCR, Ralph worked at the Grafton School where he supervised 31 residential and day support staff.
A cornerstone of Ralph’s philosophy is that all people have value and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This story reflects the passion he feels for his work with SVCR:
“Some of my happiest and proudest moments have been witnessing our clients’ progress toward independence.
I remember the client who had used a walker for decades, but wanted to climb the 200+ steps of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, N.C. As she paid her entrance fee, the lady at the ticket counter said, ‘You can’t use that walker in here.’ So the client set aside the walker, and I offered my arm for assistance.
By sheer determination, she made it up all those steps to the top observation platform. That day, she inspired me and many other tourists. When she saw the ticket lady after coming down those same 200+ steps, she said to her, ‘You were right. I didn’t need the walker anyway – it would just have gotten in the way!’ ”
Cathy Thompson, Administrative Assistant
A talented force within SVCR, Cathy began as the bookkeeper in 1987. Twice, she has served as interim Executive Director.
With a Master’s degree in environmental biology from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s (cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) in biology from Sweet Briar College, she was education coordinator at both the Columbus Zoo and at the Toledo Zoo in Ohio, where she created their docent program.
Cathy shared this anecdote about her first day of work: She remembers getting a phone call from a client who had just returned via Greyhound Bus from a visit to her brother’s home. The client needed a ride back to her SVCR group home.
Cathy says, “I didn’t know where the terminal was, but the client was able to give me detailed directions, so I succeeded in finding her. From that moment, I knew not to make assumptions about the clients’ capabilities. We can all learn from each other.”
Tina Farmer, Residential Service Coordinator
With a B.S. from Longwood University, Tina has been working with individuals with intellectual disabilities for over 25 years – and has been with SVCR for over 11 of those.
She enjoys the diversity of her position, including the privilege of being able to work closely with the clients and staff, while assisting with the direction of the organization.
A music lover, Tina enjoys most outdoor activities.
Nina Haslacker, Program Manager
With 25 years of extensive training and experience in this field, Nina has been dedicated to the challenging and rewarding work at SVCR for 13 years. She enjoys working directly with the residents, including planning outings and activities to provide them with new opportunities.
She is a big believer in the importance of earning an individual’s trust and fostering positive relationships in which the clients feel comfortable sharing their daily experiences. Her closeness with the clients enables her to encourage them to do the best they can.
Nina says that her key to maintaining good relationships is always having a good sense of humor.
Debra Young, Program Manager
Debra has been with SVCR for over a decade, having started in the human service field in 1998, working for an agency that served adults with disabilities in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Her background is in Early Childhood Development and Behavior Modification.
She creates the kind of environment for the residents at Wickham Terrace that she has in her own home – somewhere to feel comfortable and loved. Her satisfaction seeing the residents achieve their goals never ends, as reflected in this anecdote:
“If you get to work and are having a bad day, you are sure to get a hug and be told that everyone has days like that. Once I was in the car with a client and we were singing along with the radio. She looked straight at me and said, ‘Debbie, don’t quit your day job!’ I laughed so hard that I nearly cried, because this is something my mother used to tell me all the time.”
Debra’s hobbies include spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well as reading, gardening, and doing home improvement projects.
Mike Lackey, Program Manager
Mike, who attended Radford University, has 12 years’ experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and has been with SVCR for two years.
He enjoys helping both clients and staff achieve their personal and professional goals.
Mike enjoys coaching local athletics, golf, and fly fishing.
Kristen Hallowes, Program Manager
Kristen began working in the Human Services field in 1998 in Harrisburg, Pa with adults with Intellectual Disabilities. She enjoys watching the accomplishments and new experiences of the residents and hopes to share many more new experiences with them.
Her hobbies are gardening, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.