THE PEOPLE BEHIND ACCESS 2 INDEPENDENCE

Kirk has served as the Executive Director since 2018. Prior to the Executive Director Kirk worked as a Peer Supporter, Transition Coordinator Assistant, Transition Coordinator and MFP/NHT Program Manager. Before A2I, Kirk worked for Lowes as the Assistant Store Manager of Administration, Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) as the Co-Plant Manager after serving 12 years in the United States Army where he was awarded a Bronze Star for Valor, two Purple Hearts and an Army Commendation Medal for Valor. Kirk has PTSD and a TBI which lead to his discharge from the Military which alongside the fact his son has Autism, Dyslexia and a Sensory Processing Disorder has fueled his desire to help others in the Columbus area. Kirk Has two children Brianna and Nolan. Kirk holds an Associates of Applied Science degree in Applied Technology from Central Texas College, a Bachelors degree in Project Management from the University of Louisville and holds an Options Counseling Certificate from Boston University. Currently Kirk is also the President of the SECDA (Southeast Center Directors Association) and sits on the Board of Directors for the Autism Hope Center.

Transition Coordinator Manager

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I have worked with many different types of people throughout my life from behavioral, mental, and adolescent, and I wanted to reach out into the community to find an organization that works with the disabled, a family member told me about Access 2 Independence and I applied and became an employee.

 I am an incomplete paraplegic. After my injury, I never let it keep me down. My goal is to go back to work and so I continued to help the elderly and people with disabilities without realizing I was actually doing some peer support.  Access 2 Independence had heard about me from many people in the community, and so soon I started working.

Accounting

 I found out at a young age that I was dyslexic and wanted to help people. Access 2 Independence has given me a place where I can fit in and achieve my goals of helping others.

DOMINIC PARKER

 Fred Patton

Peer Supporter