Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Todle.
Hi Tabitha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into advocacy and inclusive leadership began long before I understood what those words truly meant. It began with my mother, who served as the lead teacher for an after-school special education program. As a child accompanying her, I was immersed in an environment where labels, diagnoses, and stigmas did not exist. I did not see differences; I saw classmates, friends, and individuals who quickly became an important part of my world. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of community, empathy, and belonging in a way that would profoundly influence my life.
As we progressed through elementary school and eventually attended the same middle and high schools, I remained close to many of these friends. It was during this time that I began to recognize the systemic separation they experienced—being placed in different classrooms, excluded from certain activities, and treated differently by peers. As awareness of these stigmas grew, so did my resolve to stand alongside them. What had once been natural friendship evolved into intentional advocacy.
In high school, I formally stepped into this role through a peer buddy program that paired general education students with individuals in special education classrooms. Our responsibility was to support our buddies academically and socially while fostering inclusion. My first buddy was a young woman who was learning to communicate using a speech-generating tablet. My role required that all communication be conducted exclusively through the device, reinforcing her ability to express her needs and engage with the broader community.
As we worked together, I realized that true inclusion required more than compliance—it required effort, humility, and mutual respect. I began learning basic sign language, not with the expectation of fluency, but as a gesture of meeting her where she was. I would sign simple phrases to her, and she would respond using her tablet. The joy and trust that emerged from that exchange were immediate and transformative. Seeing her confidence grow as she realized I was willing to learn her method of communication solidified a bond that remains unbroken more than eleven years later.
During this same period, I also volunteered with the Cherokee County Special Olympics, where I supported athletes during practices and competitions. This experience further reinforced the importance of inclusion, dignity, and celebration of ability. Watching athletes compete with determination, pride, and joy deepened my appreciation for creating environments where individuals with disabilities are not only supported, but genuinely celebrated for who they are.
Following high school, an unexpected delay in my college start date led to a pivotal opportunity. One of the families I had connected with was urgently seeking a direct support professional for their daughter. During this time, I worked closely with her to develop daily living skills that supported her independence, while also ensuring her life was filled with joy and community engagement. Whether practicing routines or competing in bowling outings—where she remains undefeated—this experience reinforced my belief that individuals with disabilities possess immense strengths, talents, and value that are too often overlooked.
While attending the University of South Carolina, I continued this commitment by joining Best Buddies International, UofSC Chapter. During my first year, I served as Event Coordinator, where I planned inclusive social events, managed the chapter budget, collaborated with community partners, and supported fundraising initiatives. The following year, I was elected Chapter President, a role I held through graduation. In this position, I led program expansion efforts, growing the organization from 12 members and 6 buddies to over 30 members. Through a partnership with The Arc of South Carolina, we significantly increased the number of individuals we were able to serve and support.
Interestingly, my undergraduate degree is in Sports and Entertainment Management, with the goal of working in the community service and foundation side of professional sports organizations. However, graduating in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted opportunities across the sports industry. I chose to remain in school and pursue my MBA, a decision that, in hindsight, was perfectly timed.
It was during this period that I discovered an opening for a Program Director position at Great Prospects. The role’s responsibilities aligned seamlessly with the work I had been doing—both personally and professionally—for more than 18 years. From early childhood experiences in special education environments to leadership roles in advocacy organizations, this position represented the natural culmination of my journey. I was honored to interview with Michelle and grateful for her willingness to take a chance on me. That opportunity brings my story to where it is today—doing work that reflects my values, experience, and lifelong commitment to inclusion and advocacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the primary challenges I encountered was developing the educational foundation to support my passion effectively. While my approach was always rooted in friendship, empathy, and a humanitarian perspective, I initially lacked a comprehensive understanding of the specific diagnoses affecting the individuals I supported. Gaining this knowledge required time and intentional learning, but it provided valuable insight into behavioral patterns, communication styles, and individual needs. This deeper understanding allowed me to better support each person, adapt my approach, and build more meaningful, effective relationships.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Great Prospects, Inc?
I am currently employed by Great Prospects, Inc. as the Program Director, where I oversee the development and implementation of therapeutic programming for adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 2010, Great Prospects was created in response to a significant gap in services within the Atlanta area for active young adults who had aged out of the traditional school system and required continued, meaningful support.
Great Prospects, Inc. provides comprehensive therapeutic programming designed to meet the social, emotional, and functional needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through individualized and engaging services, the organization supports teenage participants as they continue to grow and develop, while assisting young adults in navigating the critical transition into adulthood. Our programming emphasizes independence, life skills, social development, and community involvement, empowering participants to become confident and contributing members of their communities.
The organization was founded by Michelle Jericevich, who sought appropriate post-school opportunities for her daughter, Indya, and other young adults with developmental disabilities. After discovering a lack of suitable programs in the Metro Atlanta area, Michelle established Great Prospects to ensure individuals could continue building upon the academic, social, and emotional skills developed during their school years while gaining new tools for independence and fulfillment.
Since its founding, Great Prospects has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of the population it serves. As a premier therapeutic day program in Metro Atlanta, the organization supports individuals and families during a pivotal stage of life—both before and after participants receive pre-approved state funding—helping to bridge critical gaps in care through high-quality, accessible, and affordable services.
A distinguishing feature of Great Prospects is its multidisciplinary, therapy-led model. Participants receive access to speech therapy, art therapy, music therapy, adaptive fitness, adaptive yoga, and adaptive kickboxing, all of which are led by licensed therapists with expertise in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. These services are intentionally integrated into daily programming to support communication, emotional expression, physical health, self-regulation, and overall well-being.
Great Prospects’ flagship Therapeutic Day Program serves adults ages 21–40, while additional offerings such as Summer Friends and Saturday Fun Days extend programming opportunities to participants beginning at age 16. Through these programs, Great Prospects remains committed to fostering growth, independence, and meaningful community connections for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next five to ten years, Great Prospects aims to strategically expand its programs to serve a greater number of participants and families. As individuals with developmental disabilities continue to age out of the traditional high school system, the service gap during the transition into adulthood remains a significant and ongoing challenge. This gap is unlikely to be eliminated, which means the demand for high-quality, structured, and therapeutic post-secondary programming will continue to grow.
In response, Great Prospects is committed to increasing program capacity, enhancing service offerings, and broadening access to support for individuals navigating this critical life stage. By expanding thoughtfully and sustainably, the organization seeks to meet the evolving needs of a growing and diverse population while continuing to provide individualized, developmentally appropriate services that promote independence, community integration, and long-term quality of life.
Pricing:
- Our programs accept the NOW and COMP Waiver
- Social Club is $35 per visit
- Therapeutic Day Program is $94 per day
- Saturday Fun Day is a $20 Registration Fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greatprospectsinc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatprospectsinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatprospects/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-prospects-inc./
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatprospectsinc.2568
Image Credits
Jennifer Grove Camacho
