Competitive Employment
Meet the Team

Matt joined BCI in 2020 with a diverse background in employment services, recruitment, and nonprofit leadership. With a demonstrated track record of building programs and relationships that create opportunities for people with disabilities, he is passionate about empowering people to realize their potential and articulate their value. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership.

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Jeremy joined BCI in 2018 following an impressive 18-year tenure at Ranken Technical College. As a founding member of the Skills Center team, he now serves as the Director of Program Quality and Integrity. In this capacity, Jeremy oversees outcomes reporting and various facets concerning the quality and funding of all BCI programs. He finds immense fulfillment in witnessing the successes of individuals served by BCI in their careers. Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a master’s degree in Counselor Education.

Darcell joined BCI in 2020 as a Vocational Instructor and in 2021, assumed responsibility for coordinating our summer employment program for young adults. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Lindenwood University and a long history of diligently preparing people with disabilities for competitive employment. Previously, she worked for the Center for Specialized Services and the St. Charles School District. Darcell cherishes her students and their expressions of pride and accomplishment.

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Kenda joined BCI in 2024 after seven years with the Center for Specialized Services. During her time there, she held various director and vocational evaluation roles as an Autism Specialist and currently holds a certification as a Work Incentive Practitioner. Passionate about BCI’s mission, she finds it highly rewarding to contribute to an organization dedicated to improving lives. She is committed to helping adults with disabilities recognize their potential and creating inclusive environments where diversity is celebrated.

Michele joined BCI in 2023 as Transportation Manager but today is the Director of Competitive Employment for Illinois. With a background in education and non-profit management, she began her career as a Special Education Teacher and holds a degree in Education from Missouri Baptist University. Previously, Michele worked at Human Support Services in Waterloo, IL, in various roles. Her philosophy on inclusion centers on ensuring equity and accessibility, treating all individuals with respect and dignity, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Michele’s passion for inclusion is deeply personal, inspired by her experience as a parent of a child with an intellectual disability.

Before joining ITI in 2024, Andy was the Program Manager at Developmental Connections in Branson, working closely with individuals with disabilities. His role focused on enhancing life skills and promoting independence. Driven by his belief in everyone’s ability to contribute to society, Andy values the uniqueness and giftedness of individuals with disabilities, seeing beyond disabilities to abilities. He aims to foster a truly inclusive society by breaking down barriers and celebrating each person’s unique qualities.

Having formerly managed IT operations at Paraquad and contributed to Monsanto’s Data Center, Robert brings a diverse professional background. Drawn to BCI’s empowering mission for individuals with disabilities, he transitioned from BCI Packaging, finding satisfaction in directly facilitating workforce entry. Leveraging his network, Robert connects qualified candidates with inclusive employers. Navigating disability challenges himself, he brings empathy to support others in employment pursuits. Beyond work, Robert is a lifelong St. Louis Blues Hockey fan, enjoys golf, and cherishes family time.

With a background in customer service, insurance, and mental health, Selah joined BCI to help others find meaningful, gainful employment within the community. In her role, she receives referrals through Vocational Rehabilitation and works with adults with disabilities to help them achieve the best possible outcome. She joined BCI because our mission to inspire personal growth and support those who desire fulfillment through work really resonated with her heart.

Jack Matlock joined BCI in 2023 as a Job Retention Specialist. A former VP at CitiMortgage with 18 years of experience in loss mitigation and project management, Jack now supports adults with disabilities working competitively in the community. He holds a degree in business management from Middle Tennessee State University. As a person with a disability himself, Jack is drawn to empowering adults with disabilities. He believes in the value of inclusion, recognizing the passion and dedication they bring to the workforce and the community.

Sam Guernsey joined BCI in 2024 as a Competitive Employment Advisor following a successful career in professional indoor soccer. With four years with the St. Louis Ambush, two with the Baltimore Blast, three with the Cedar Rapids Rampage, and two with the Tulsa Revolution, Sam brings a wealth of energy to his new role. Today, he’s dedicated to assisting adults with disabilities in finding their passion and setting attainable goals in competitive work environments. Sam helps clients identify suitable career paths based on their personalities and support requirements. Outside of work, Sam is an avid pickleball, disc golf, and traditional golf enthusiast.

Sandy Weitkamp joined BCI in 2018 after working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in St. Charles and St. Louis counties for over 25 years. She has worked directly with Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and Ticket to Work programs and is one of the leading disability benefits experts in our region. In 2022, she earned her certification as a Work Incentives Practitioner (WIP-C). Knowing that work incentives pave the way to work and financial independence for those receiving public benefits, Sandy is available to anyone living with a disability who would like to start or return to work. Appointments are free and can be booked at calendly.com/bcibenefitsplanning.