Meet Our Staff
%20(1).jpg)
Melanie O'Neal, Executive Director
Melanie was appointed Executive Director of The Arc of Jackson County in January 2018. She previously worked in the judicial system for 10 years. Melanie is married to Jason O'Neal. They have four children, Elizabeth, Jenna, Josh, and Jorja. Melanie is a member of Seymour Christian Church. Melanie's passion for serving people with special needs is summed up easily. The O'Neal family has two very special family members, Jorja Grace and Raighan Jo. Melanie learned first about resources for pediatric special needs while providing care to Jorja. That knowledge has been passed along to Raighan Jo's parents in 2023. As Jorja grew up and turned 18, some of those resources looked different. Navigating resources and educating families about possible resources is now something Melanie does weekly through her role as Executive Director for The Arc of Jackson County.
Kendra Harris, Asst. to Executive Director
Kendra became involved, with The Arc, through volunteering. She joined The Arc staff in May of 2024. Prior to The Arc, she was employed, for 18 years, in the not-for-profit sector.
Kendra and her husband, John, have two sons, John Jr and Rusty. Throughout her motherhood, she's learned a great deal about her son's neurodivergence but understands there's still a lot unknown. She's passionate about raising neurodiversity awareness and sharing, with others, all that her son has taught her.
Email: staff.arcjacksoncounty@gmail.com
​
Jodi Feltner, Intern
Jodi is currently studying Human Services, at Ivy Tech, with plans to further her degree into Social Work. Jodi wants to learn how to best serve those in the community she lives in, as well as becoming an advocate and voice for those who need help. She is excited to start this journey, as an intern, with The Arc of Jackson County. Jodi is a member of Terrace Lake Church. She also has a daughter, Annie, who keeps her busy as she enters into the toddler era.
​​