Our Staff
Mary Jo Goeringer: Head of Programs
I earned a MSW Degree (Master Of Social Work) from Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
My passions include my awesome family (from my 90-year-old father to my great nephew and nieces). Walking, working out, my religion and all animals, especially feral cats, which I have volunteered to care for on a daily basis through the Hilton Head Humane Society since 2009 as part of their Trap-Neuter-Release Program.
Without a doubt, I can honestly say working at PEP has brought me the most joy and a sense of fulfilling my purpose in life. All I need is one member’s morning greeting, and my day is happy.
Tim Thayer: Operations Manager
I am married with five kids, 2 dogs and a Bearded Dragon. I am a veteran of the U.S Army. I served our country as a member of the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. After retiring from active service, I moved back to my hometown of Gilford MI and started working for the state psychiatric hospital for 10 years before relocating to South Carolina. PEP found me, and I have been blessed to be here ever since. I truly believe I have learned more from our Members than they have from me.
Bobby Adams: Instructor
I grew up in the small town of Prattsburgh in upstate New York. I graduated from the State University of New York at Alfred with a degree in Sociology in 1996 and moved to Bluffton SC in 2014. I have two sons, Dane and Jaden. I started as an instructor in music and social skills for PEP in November 2020.
Nancy Sulek: Director of Development
My hometown is Little Falls, NJ, and I received a BA from Rutgers University and a ED.M., ALM degrees from Harvard University. I am married to Bob Sulek, a teacher at Hilton Head Prep, and raised 5 children on Hilton Head Island over the last 24 years. I am a long- time Girl Scout Leader, CCD teacher and have participated in many school fundraising events. I worked at Volunteers in Medicine HHI prior to joining PEP.
Cindy Koechel: Accounting Manager
I am from Wisconsin. I am married and have 2 daughters. I also have a grandson in the Army and a granddaughter in high school.
Patrice Fields: Compliance Director
I attended college at USC Beaufort and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in Dec 2009. I am an experienced child, adult, and family service provider. I have worked with military families, Beaufort County School District and Jamison Consultants Behavioral Health.
Since 2015, I have been employed by PEP. As Program Administrator, I strive to prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become successful well-rounded leaders, who can make a positive contribution to the community, while being as independent as possible.
My favorite part of working at PEP is seeing the smiles on the Members’ faces, as they achieve their goals. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing I have made a difference in someone’s life.
My husband and I have two children, ages 10 and 13. I enjoy spending time with them playing board/card games, watching movies, and going on family outings.
Falisha Doublin
I am originally from Ossian, Indiana. I graduated from Norwell High School before going to Purdue University of Fort Wayne where I studied Human Services. I married in 2015 and moved to Beaufort, SC to be closer to my nephews. I have worked with special needs adults for 11 years and have love every minute of it.
Titles I have held in this field include direct care provider, residential house manager, and day program instructor. I am currently the Career Prep instructor here at PEP and hope to continue to grow this program to fit the needs of those we serve. Things that make me happy include reading, writing, and being with my family. My hope working here at PEP is that we continue to empower and encourage our Members to live their best, most independent lives through kindness, respect, and encouragement.