Department Spotlight: The Team Behind CHOICES

Members of the CHOICES team collectively radiates enthusiasm in the office, showcasing their teamwork and dedication. Pictured are Karen Gilreath, Leah Renn, Michelle Jaynes, Stephanie Cox, Kevin Rincon, and Diane Mayes

Are you one of the more than 15 million viewers watching the hit HBO series The Pitt? If so, you may remember an episode in which hospital staff explained the CHOICES program and Area Agency on Aging & Disability services to a patient and her caregiver.

While television doesn’t always perfectly reflect reality, this storyline got something important right — programs like CHOICES truly exist, and for many elderly and disabled individuals, they can be life-changing.

Tennessee’s CHOICES program provides long-term services and support for qualifying older adults ages 65 and older, as well as adults age 21 and older with physical disabilities. Services are available both in-home and in community settings, as well as in nursing facilities when needed.

The goal of the program is simple but impactful: helping people maintain independence, remain active in their communities, and receive the support they need to live safely and comfortably.

CHOICES offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which can assist with daily living activities and help individuals continue working, participating in community life, and staying connected to the people and places they love.

At First Tennessee Development District, a dedicated team works every day to help Tennesseans enroll in and navigate the CHOICES program. Behind every application, phone call, and in-home visit is a staff member committed to making a difference in someone’s life.

Stephanie Cox, CHOICES Program Manager, says one of the most rewarding parts of her role is seeing firsthand how much the program can impact individuals and families. She shared that one of the best feelings is hearing from participants after enrollment and learning how much the program has improved their lives. Stephanie also says teamwork is a major part of what makes the department successful, describing the staff as people who are “always willing to pitch in to assist each other.”

For Leah Renn, CHOICES Intake Coordinator, compassion and empathy are at the center of the work she does every day. Leah says she is proud of developing the ability to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing difficult situations openly and honestly.

“As someone who struggles to ask for help, I know how difficult it can be and try my best to empathize with the clients I meet with while also getting necessary information for their application.” Leah says what motivates her most is being able to “show kindness and give hope to someone going through a hard time in their life.”

Karen Gilreath, CHOICES Intake & Screening Assistant, says one of the most meaningful aspects of her work is reassuring older adults that they are not alone and that resources are available to help them remain safe and independent. “Offering assurance to our elderly that they are not forgotten, and help is available.” Karen also says she appreciates the humor shared among coworkers, adding that it often helps the team through difficult days. She values the fact that, despite serving in different departments, everyone at FTDD shares the same overall mission of serving their communities.

Rachel Barker, Intake Coordinator, says helping people in genuine need is what excites her most about coming to work each day. Since moving to Tennessee from Asheville, Rachel says she has loved getting to know coworkers from different programs and learning how departments can work together to better assist the public. She also shared that teamwork means people using their individual strengths to make the entire team stronger.

Michelle Jaynes, Pre-Enrollment Assistant, has spent more than 20 years serving individuals and families through the CHOICES program, and for her, the work is deeply personal.

“Helping families navigate this program is very near and dear to my heart as my mother received services for 8 years and 5 of those were in her own home. Without CHOICES my mother would not have been able to stay in her home that long due to her failing health.”

Michelle understands firsthand how overwhelming it can feel for families trying to navigate care options for loved ones. “It can be a confusing and complicated process for families to know where to turn when help is needed, and this office has the most wonderful staff that help families on a daily basis.”

She says she remains proud to work alongside a compassionate team dedicated to serving the region and credits her coworkers for helping make the office such a supportive environment.

One of the long time team members helping make this work possible is Julie Webster, Intake Coordinator, who has been a valued part of the CHOICES and FTAAAD team for nearly 14 years. As Julie prepares for retirement, her impact on the organization and the countless individuals she has helped throughout Northeast Tennessee will leave a lasting legacy.

Julie says one of the things she values most about FTDD is the care coworkers show for one another and the shared commitment to helping people through the program.

“I feel motivated because we are in a position to have a significant impact on people's lives through our program.”

After relocating to Tennessee from Pittsburgh when her husband accepted a position with Eastman, Julie brought years of home health experience with her and found a natural fit at FTDD. As Julie begins this exciting new chapter, FTDD is looking for someone to continue the important work she has helped lead for more than a decade.

FTDD currently has an opening for an AAAD Intake Coordinator. This position is responsible for screening, assessing, scheduling, and completing in-home visits and necessary paperwork for contracted TennCare programs, which may include CHOICES, MDS Section Q, CLS, Medicaid, PERLSS, and NCI-AD. The role also helps ensure intake timeframes are met while assisting individuals and families in accessing vital services and support.

The position offers an opportunity to join a compassionate and mission-driven team that works daily to improve the lives of Tennesseans across the region. The CHOICES program is more than paperwork, applications, and services. It is about preserving dignity, supporting independence, and ensuring people know that help is available when they need it most. For someone looking for a meaningful career where they can truly make a difference, the FTAAAD team may be the perfect place to call home. For more information on this position, visit www.ftdd.org/careers