About Us

About NCDC of OK

In 1987, upon the finalization of the class action suit against Hissom Memorial and the court plan to deinstitutionalize services for the developmentally disabled, Michael J. Raymond (MJR) had a vision to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and physical needs a place to truly call home. Michael brought with him years of experience as Executive Director of the Resource Center in Jamestown, NY, and a passion for developing sustainable programs in community settings for individuals with mental, physical, and behavioral challenges.

MJR established the National Community Development Corporation (NCDC) in 1988 with the intent of being a nationwide corporation with a mission of improving the quality of life for this special group of people in every state possible. Beginning in 1989, he established NCDC in 3 states (NY, CT, OK) as well as a development company to build homes.

Due to Michael’s untimely passing in early 1995, NCDC was only able to keep operations in Oklahoma, which was well established and thriving. Michael’s wife, Rebecca stepped in immediately as President to resume his work and remains NCDC of OK’s steadfast advocate for all its residents and employees. As of 2024 NCDC of OK still has many of its original residents and staff, a testament to the success of Michael’s vision.

What we do

For over thirty years, our mission has been to enhance skills and transform the lives of adults with differing abilities throughout the Tulsa area. We help cultivate talents and provide platforms to build relationships and provide safe environments while living a happy and healthy life. Our company operates as an extension of your family. Our vocational services are small and individualized, with each client and employee knowing they are an essential part of our NCDC of OK community. Our services include supported living in community residences and apartments, In-home services, and vocational training placement for individuals looking for meaningful employment.

Supported Living

NCDC of OK provides around-the-clock care for individuals who choose to live in a community residence. It is our number one priority to be your advocate, and we will support all individuals' abilities and choices while working with parents and guardians to achieve positive outcomes. We offer customized support tailored to meet the needs and interests of everyone in our programs. The State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services has been our long-term partner, enabling us to obtain maximum funding to support those choices. If you have been waiting for services on the state’s waiting list or have an individual who is interested in this type of living arrangement, click here for more information, and please contact our Director of Programming to see if NCDC of OK is the right fit for you.

In-Home Living

If you prefer to live in your own home and need habilitative training specialists to come to you, we provide hourly care based on your needs. Click here for more information about In-Home arrangements, and please contact our Director of Programming to see if NCDC of OK is the right fit for your needs.

Vocational Services

NCDC of OK is dual contracted with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to provide services to individuals looking for employment. We have Job Coaching and Training Specialists certified to assess skills, train candidates, and work towards a 3 permanent job placement. We know life can be full and rewarding for everyone. For more information, click here, and please contact our Vocational Program Coordinator (email) for more information.

Our Team

President | Rebecca G. (Raymond) Caselli

After the passing of our founder, Michael J. Raymond, Rebecca has been President and owner of NCDC of OK for over 30 years. She is the compass that steers the direction of this agency and makes the welfare of our clients and staff a priority.

She is committed to our employees and strives to develop and retain professional, compassionate and caring individuals who in turn will be caring and compassionate with the people we serve. Rebecca has been a leader in advocating for additional state funding to support the ongoing stress of being a worker in the healthcare industry.

She has created an important place for NCDC of OK in a very large industry. Her goal was not to become the largest, but the best in service and family-oriented values where trust and competency lead the way to successful happy lives for everyone working and living in our care.

Vice President Finance/Executive Director | Carolyn Varone

Carolyn was hired by our founder, Michael J. Raymond, in 1988 to establish and maintain accounting systems for his growing national company.

Having a degree in finance from the University of Connecticut and a background in banking, Carolyn has served as the foundation for NCDC and OK’s ability to fiscally navigate the ever-changing world of healthcare.

With over 30 years of service with NCDC of OK, Carolyn has worked closely with our Director of Programming and Director of Human Resources to uphold financial integrity while keeping the performance of the program a priority over the bottom line.

Vice President/Director of Human Resources | Debbie Marnel

“We are nothing without our staff,” is how Debbie runs our HR department. Debbie has a strong background in managing personnel and has always found herself on the people's side of things. Beginning as far back as high school, she volunteered in the Career Placement office.

After earning her BS degree in Business Accounting, she worked in the Executive Search field in New York for ten years before joining NCDC of OK in 1990. She is well-versed in labor law and her priority is to be a ‘resource for the humans’ who dedicate themselves to serving our clients. Debbie is out front advocating for benefits, wages and relief as she knows that true success depends on employees who feel valued.

Debbie works closely with Programming and Finance to manage company resources that maximizes employee compensation and benefits. Always reachable and always on hand to offer solutions to staffing challenges, Debbie keeps a close pulse on new opportunities to reward and assist our amazing staff.

“Think you can, think you can’t. Either way, you’ll be right.” Henry Ford.

Director of Operations| Jewell Nichols

Jewell has had the honor of working with some of our individuals for 32 years. Prior to coming to NCDC of OK she worked with them at the Hissom Memorial Center where she was employed as a PT aide for 4 years. After the closing of the institution, Jewell attended Central Tech and completed the LPN program and obtained her nursing license. Jewell came to NCDC of OK 28 years ago as a field nurse.

She has worn many hats and has held many positions in her tenure with NCDC of OK. She has come to know the intricacies of caring for our clients and has mastered operations within the strict guidelines set forth by the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Health Department. Her experience as Assistant to the Executive Director for 22 years has groomed her perfectly to become the Director of Programming in 2023. Jewell is so proud to be a part of the NCDC of OK family because it is in the “people business.”

She believes that the success of our individuals and staff is not only the most important thing to her personally, but to the agency as a whole. Jewell and her family have been part of a Volunteer Fire Dept for over 25 years. “Serving people is what makes my heart happy.”

Be a Voice Not an Echo “Albert Einstein”

Deputy Director | Angel Jones

Angel has worked with and supported individuals with a wide range of disabilities for 27 years. In 2007, Angel began her journey with NCDC of OK as a Program Coordinator and has recently been promoted to Deputy Administrator. She has devoted the last 17 years to making a difference, advocating, fostering relationships and helping individuals develop new skills.

Human Resources Coordinator | Sherri Bruner

Sherri has a long history working in the corporate world. In 1999 she got her first taste working as a Habilitation Training Specialist. She was suited for a job in the human services and worked her way up to Residential Supervisor and then Program Coordinator in 2006.

In that position until 2014, Sherri thought of changing careers while still managing her Supervisory Job in human services. As luck would have it, NCDC of Ok had a position open in Human Resources. Almost 8 years later Sherri is using all of her service skills, wearing many hats including Human Resource Coordinator, Training Coordinator and the In-Home Support Program Coordinator.

Fun Facts about Sherri: She has been an EMT, a Phlebotomist, a restaurant owner, and a hog farmer.

Program Coordinator | Leanna Griffith

Leanna Griffith has dedicated herself to the caretaker profession since the age of 17, driven by a deep-seated belief in her purpose to care for others. With a career spanning over seven years at NCDC of Oklahoma, Leanna has consistently demonstrated her commitment to enhancing the lives of those she cares for.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Leanna finds joy in various creative pursuits. She is an avid painter, indulging in both traditional painting and diamond painting craft. Additionally, Leanna harbors a passion for woodworking, although space and equipment constraints have kept this hobby on hold for now. With her unwavering dedication to caregiving and a penchant for creative expression, Leanna embodies the spirit of compassion and creativity at NCDC of Oklahoma.

Vocational Program Coordinator | Jesse Zamudio

Jesse is an Army veteran, having served from 2008-2016 in Iraq and other overseas locations. Despite being injured, Jesse completed his military contract and found employment at an agency offering residential support services. Here he found his passion and came to love this field of work. Jesse thrived on seeing people progress in their daily lives and related with individuals with disabilities as he himself had limitations from combat overseas.

Jesse got his CNA license and worked in hospitals and nursing homes until he found NCDC where he started as a Job Coach, supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace. As a Job Coach, he was amazed at how motivated and dedicated his clients were in their jobs and quickly realized this was where his career was meant to be. Jesse is now the Vocational Program Coordinator for NCDC.

He has taken on the task of underwriting contracts with the Department of Rehabilitative Services and works side by side with the State of Oklahoma, expanding opportunities for individuals to find gainful employment in the community. Jesse’s passion and dedication to this population is unmatched and he sees this position as an opportunity to help as many people as possible to know that they have value and abilities and skills that are needed.

Accounts Receivable Coordinator | Denise Sternberg

Denise has been with the NCDC of OK accounting department for 25 years. Everyone relies on Denise for her accuracy, speed and reporting in our company. Working with figures and spreadsheets is a gift and she does it with great ease.

While working remotely, Denise enjoys still feeling connected to supervisors and coworkers and feels blessed to work for a company with a great staff, supporting people in their care.

Denise has been married for 24 years to her husband, Fred. They met while taking ballroom dance lessons and competed for many years. She has also worked part time for the last 25 years at a popular billiards hall/sports bar.

Receptionist/HR Assistant | Bonnie Kame

Bonnie is the voice when you call the office, and the first face you see when you come in. She has been with NCDC of OK for about 16 years.

Financial Coordinator | Mandy Bennett

Mandy is the local “money lady”. In accounting, she works closely with Human Resources and Programming to keep payroll, accounts payable and client funds running smoothly.

Program Coordinator | Greg Hisaw

Greg Hisaw is a seasoned Social Service and Vocational Professional with over 18 years of dedicated experience in
addressing the needs of vulnerable adults.

With a focus on assessment, representation, and the development of tailored care plans, Greg excels in program coordination and leadership. He currently serves as a program coordinator for NCDC of Oklahoma, where he leverages his client expertise in need analysis and program development to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Greg demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect clients' needs with available programs, significantly improving client needs and program development. His innovative approaches to solving unique issues have consistently enhanced the overall image and effectiveness of the programs he manages and works with.

In Greg's free time, he enjoys writing, Théâtre, board & video games, collecting stuff, Star Wars things, cooking and
spending time with his dog Bently.

NCDC of Ok