Our Team

Vivian J. Turner, MPA

President and CEO

Vivian J. Turner, MPA, is the President and CEO of Forward Journey. She has spent almost 30 years in the nonprofit field, both in the United States and abroad. Vivian came to work for our organization in the summer of 2007. Her nonprofit work has included living and serving in Haiti, working in admissions for a nursing home and running the housing program at The Arc of Delaware. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Goldey Beacom College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware. Vivian and her husband live in Middletown, Delaware.

Tracey Miller

Director of Development

Tracey Miller is the Director of Development at Forward Journey. She has over 25 years of experience in development along with over 30 years of experience in community engagement. Most of those years were with not-for-profit organizations or volunteering.

She lives in Wyoming, DE with her wife, Dr. Christie Miller and two daughters, McKelden and Zella. Additionally, they share their home with three dogs, Giles, Maple, and Clementine. Tracey loves the mountains, especially her home in Virginia.

Erin Chandler, BSN, RN

Director of Nursing

Erin L. Chandler is the Director of Nursing for our organization. She has over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse with a diverse background in long term care and community health nursing. She has worked with children and adults who have developmental and physical disabilities as a medication nurse and as a skilled unit nurse for residentially placed adults and children with neurological challenges. In this role, she was responsible for the assessment, evaluation and planning of healthcare services. Her job titles include the responsibilities of a Staff Educator, Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinator, Assistant Director of Health Care Services, Clinical Care Coordinator, as well as Director of Nursing, Clinical Manager, and Wound Care Nurse.

Michelle Shorter, SHRM-CP

Director of Operations

Michelle Shorter is the Director of Operations of Forward Journey.  Hired in June 2014, Michelle is responsible for the coordination and evaluation of the Human Resources services, policies, and programs for the company. She also oversees the company’s IT operations and facilities management, and manages a variety of participant matters including billing, attendance, invoicing, payment reconciliation, transportation, discharge, and parent/guardian/group home communication.  Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Delaware. She is also a certified HR Professional through the Society of Human Resource Management. Michelle has a diverse employment background having worked for the du Pont family, MBNA America, and as a residential realtor. She is a horseback riding and therapeutic instructor for individuals with disabilities and foster children at Equissential Growth Strategies in Bear, Delaware.

Melissa Beaty, MS

New Castle County Program Manager

Melissa Beaty, MS is the Program Manager of Forward Journey. She is responsible for day-to-day programming and the supervision of the Program Associates and the Assistant Program Manager at the New Castle site. Hired in 2015, Melissa came to us with an extensive background in human services. She holds a Master’s Degree in Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University and Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware. Melissa has worked with many different populations. She is driven by a desire to help others and create a better life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Melina Coates

Assistant Program Manager

Melina Coates has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Northern Colorado, is a certified paralegal and obtained a certificate in volunteer management from Delaware Technical and Community College. With a work history in direct support care, she became a part of our team in December 2021.

Melina is passionate about advocacy and most enjoys helping people—participants and staff—find their best ways to shine. She lives in Wilmington with her partner of over 20 years, their kids, and an ever changing menagerie of animals.

Darlene Myers, RN

Kent County Program Specialist

Darlene Myers, RN began her employment with Forward Journey in March of 2022 with a long history of nursing and management experience. With a degree acquired at Delaware Technical and Community College, most of her career has been spent in nursing care and senior living environments. In these roles she was responsible for creating and implementing policies to meet patient needs while providing staff oversight and monitoring ensure the delivery of quality services. She is responsible for the management of direct care staff and program management as well as conducting nursing duties at the Kent County location.

Kalyn Gibbs, LPN

New Castle County Program Nurse

Kalyn Gibbs, LPN, is a Delaware native and has experience in the medical field as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a CNA Supervisor. Kalyn earned her LPN and has worked as a charge nurse for the past year at a local medical facility.

Deanna Pedicone

Operations Coordinator

Deanna Pedicone is the Operations Coordinator for Forward Journey. Deanna has spent the majority of her 30 year career in the disability field, working with The Arc of Delaware and the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies as well as the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.  Deanna began her position with Forward Journey in January of 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware. Deanna volunteered with PAWS for People, providing children and individuals with disabilities with therapeutic pet visits, which is where she first interacted with Forward Journey and its program participants.  Deanna lives in Newark with her husband and two children.