Shortly after joining the Typical Life Corporation team as Director of Day Operations in April 2025, Amanda Lyons received her first assignment: Find a Program Supervisor for the Gettysburg Day Program.
Three weeks later, she interviewed Jeff Henry, in whom she saw her passion for helping TLC’s individuals to grow and thrive.
Jeff soon joined the TLC staff as Gettysburg Program Supervisor, and together the duo has brought new energy to the Day Programs.
With decades of experience between them and a shared enthusiasm for meaningful, community-centered support, the leaders are infusing TLC with a new vision.
A history of helping others
Amanda joined TLC after a 20-year career in social services, including 13 years in foster care case and program management as well as time spent teaching and working in a group home. She immediately was drawn to TLC’s workplace culture and emphasis on teamwork with the goal of supporting the individuals whom TLC serves.
“TLC leadership is really, really focused on the individuals,” she says. “We’re here to be a community of helpers and not necessarily a hierarchy. We want all leadership to be approachable and collaborate as much as possible.”
In her role, Amanda oversees the York and Gettysburg Day Programs as well as TLC’s In Home and Community Services program. In each she has found significant opportunities for growth as TLC strengthens its presence in the communities it serves.
A plan for individual growth
Amanda approaches her work with a strong focus on helping individuals set and achieve meaningful goals.
“My perspective is very goal-oriented as far as the individuals. I want to make sure they can set goals that are attainable and appropriate for them and make sure we’re helping them achieve those goals,” she says.
A major part of her vision includes expanding volunteer opportunities for individuals that reflect their interests. She and her team are meeting with individuals to learn what motivates them and how TLC can build more community-based experiences around those interests.
Amanda also plans new health and wellness initiatives and hopes to start a fitness schedule at the York Day Program where individuals and staff can take yoga or cardio classes.
Building her team is also an important focus. Employee retention is a major goal in a field that is fraught with high turnover rates and employee burnout. Amanda considers stability to be essential for quality care and community trust.
Most importantly, she aims to ensure that individuals feel recognized and empowered.
“I just want to make sure that our individuals are valued and appreciated for their skills and contributions to our community,” she says. “I want to make sure they’re living their best life and we’re making that happen for them.”
A life-long passion
Jeff’s interest in this field began in childhood, when he supported and was inspired by two people with disabilities: a classmate and an uncle. He spent two decades working with individuals with disabilities before shifting gears to pursue a nursing career. He soon found he missed his former line of work though.
“…as I progressed, something felt off. Something was missing,” he says.
He once again began looking for opportunities to work with individuals with disabilities. When he interviewed at TLC, he knew he was where he wanted to be.
“As cliché as it sounds, I felt like I had come home,” he says. “That feeling only deepened once I joined the team. The staff is extraordinary, and the individuals we serve are unforgettable.”
Connecting to the community
Jeff’s endeavors at TLC have included expanding partnerships across the Gettysburg community, including fitness programming with the YMCA, neurodivergent-friendly arts opportunities, and a wider range of volunteer experiences. He has built relationships with organizations such as Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg, where his TLC individuals visit nursing homes to sing karaoke and spend time with residents.
Although his role includes administrative responsibilities, Jeff spends as much time as possible working directly with individuals and staff. He embraces an open-door approach to leadership, encouraging dialogue and creative problem-solving.
“I would never ask an employee to perform any task that I wouldn’t do,” he says.
He is especially looking forward to helping connect the individuals TLC serves to the Gettysburg community and helping people to see the individuals TLC serves as unique and valuable members of society.
“I look forward to seeing the growth that can be made and the cultural change in how people see our individuals,” he says. “We have so much to offer the world.”
Amanda and Jeff are bringing renewed energy, fresh ideas, and strong values-driven leadership to TLC’s Day Programs. Their aims align with and expand TLC’s mission to support individuals in living fulfilling, community-connected lives.