Meet Our Team

VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR

Paulette Canaday is the Vice President and Director of The Kids Workshop, bringing over 25 years of experience in the field. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Paulette has dedicated her career to fostering growth and development in children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Her leadership and expertise are vital to the organization's mission and success.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

B.A/QP, QA/QI

Monikier is originally from Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has worked in various positions within IDD, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse services. Her experiences include Direct Support, Team lead, Case Management/Care Coordination, Qualified Professional, and QA/QI. She has over 20 years of professional and personal experience and qualifies as a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (QDDP) and Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

B.A/QP

Ursula Dancy-Phillips is originally from Jacksonville, North Carolina. She graduated from Livingstone College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1996. Ursula began her career as a Habilitation Technician for St. Mark's Lifespan. In 2016 she transitioned to The Kids Workshop, where she now works as the Clinical Director. Ursula has over 26 years of working with the I/DD population and is grateful to be working with a population that she loves.

CLAIMS SPECIALIST

BSW/QP

Shana Dedios is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree, along with a minor in Psychology, from Mars Hill College in 2013. Shana began her career at The Kid’s Workshop in 2012 as a Direct Support Staff. In 2016, she transitioned into the role of Claims Specialist while continuing to provide direct support to individuals.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

AMA

Rebecca Smith is from Charlotte, North Carolina. She graduated from Central Piedmont Community College with an associate’s degree in business administration with a focus in Human Resources Management. She has a little over five years of experience working in the Human Resources field. She is also a certified CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) and CPR/First Aid Instructor.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

B.S

Allen Caldwell, a native of Rochester, NY, brings extensive experience to his role as an OTR/L consultant. His career began with distinguished service as a Presidential Guard in the U.S. Marine Corps, after which he transitioned to law enforcement. After settling in Charlotte, NC, Allen earned a degree in Occupational Therapy and has spent over 18 years as a travel therapist across the Carolinas, specializing in sensory integration, sensory processing, autism disorders, and lymphedema certification. He is certified in wheelchair and seating clinics and has credentials in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

QP

MPA/B.S

Travaughn is from Winston-Salem, NC. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Coastal Carolina University. With over 10 years of experience in the I/DD field, Travaughn has worked with a single client at TKW for 8 years. He now serves as a Qualified Professional on our team.

QP

M.S

Born in the Bronx, New York, LaHoma Pershay is an accomplished Qualified Professional with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and bachelor’s degree in Information Systems. LaHoma began her professional career after working as a Treatment Coordinator and Group Leader at a day program in Queens, New York.

QP

B.A

Zaira Sanchez was born and raised in Hickory, NC, with her family roots originating in Mexico. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. With seven years of experience in the field, Zaira has worked with individuals with exceptional needs, focusing on teaching, early intervention, and behavior specialization. Since June 2024, she has been a dedicated Qualified Professional with our agency, providing valuable support and expertise to both clients and staff.

QP

B.A

Merci Gilbert joined The Workshop as a Qualified Professional (QP) in October 2023. She is from Charlotte, NC, and holds a degree in Psychology from North Carolina A&T. Since joining The Workshop, Merci has excelled in understanding the needs of members and matching them with the appropriate staff.

QP

B.A

Imani Ethridge joined The Workshop team as a Qualified Professional in May 2024.  She is from Charlotte and earned her degree in Communications with a minor in Business from UNC Greensboro. Imani enjoys working with members, their families, and staff, building strong relationships with them all.

BILLING ANALYST

B.S

Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Cody Smith has been a resident of Charlotte for the past 14 years. He graduated from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) with a degree in Information Technology, specializing in Software Development. With ten years of experience in the IT field, Cody is excited to bring his skills to his first role in billing as a Billing Specialist at our agency.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF

B.A

Wyonda Baker is Support Staff to the Assistant Director at The Kids Workshop. With a Business Management degree from Northwood University and over 25 years of management experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Wyonda’s passion for helping others led her to transition into the healthcare industry, where she worked in behavioral health, focusing on opioid and alcohol addiction. Her expertise and dedication make her a valuable member of our team.

CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE

Jocelyn Hernandez is a dedicated Client Services Representative at The Kids Workshop. Born in East Meadow, New York, with roots in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and raised in Charlotte, NC, Jocelyn earned her Medical Assistant degree from Southeastern College. She has been actively working with TKW for almost a year.

CLIENT SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE

Yessica Lopez, originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, moved to the U.S. at age 4 and was raised in Westbury, New York. With a strong passion for helping others, she spent three years working with individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Yessica now works as a dedicated Client Services Representative at The Workshop.

HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT

A.S

Sydney Moncur was born in Columbia, Maryland, and was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned an associate's degree in Web Technologies and has spent the last two years working as a Human Resources Assistant at our agency.