The OATECA Transition Center

2026 Summer OTC Program

Do you know a high school student or an adult with significant disabilities that would like to have summer plans for the month of July? The OATECA Transition Center Summer Program offers a fun, structured, and supportive experience for teens and adults with significant disabilities. Designed to promote independence, participants engage in hands-on activities that build daily living, social, and work-readiness skills. From community outings to interactive learning experiences, each day is focused on meaningful growth, confidence building, and connection. Our program provides a safe and engaging environment where every participant is empowered to learn, thrive, and be an active part of their community.

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MISSION

The OATECA Transition Center, Inc. supports adults who have significant disabilities through a place to participate in leisure activities, learn and practice self-help and job skills.

NON-PROFIT

The OATECA Transition Center, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) public charity.

Our board members serve to advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of The OATECA Transition Center, so as to support the organization’s mission and needs.

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Meet Our Staff

Shelby Jones, M.S.
Executive Director
Shelby Jones earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Mild/Moderate Disabilities. She also earned a master's degree in Administration of Special Education from Southern Nazarene University. With more than 15 years of experience in special education, Shelby has dedicated her career to supporting students with disabilities and advocating for their success. She represented Oklahoma at the Special Education Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., where she advocated for students, families, and educators across the state. Throughout her career, Shelby has served in a variety of educational leadership and instructional roles. She spent ten years teaching students with disabilities and served as Department Head of Special Education. In recognition of her commitment to excellence, she was named Teacher of the Year at her school in both 2018 and 2025. Shelby later managed a Developmentally Delayed Kindergarten program for an Oklahoma school district and worked in a severe/profound classroom setting, further expanding her expertise in serving diverse student populations. Shelby has also authored curriculum designed specifically for students with special needs and is passionate about collaborating with educators, administrators, and families to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Currently, Shelby serves as Executive Director of the OATECA Transition Center. In this role, she is committed to building strong partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities that support adults with disabilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro area as they transition to greater independence, employment, and community engagement.

Danielle Howell, M.Ed.
Assistant Director
A dedicated educator, counselor, and advocate with more than 18 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities, Danielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in School Counseling, and a Master’s degree in School Psychometry. Danielle spent 12 years in the classroom as a teacher before transitioning into her current role as a school counselor, where she is now in her sixth year of service. She is certified in English as a Second Language and received her Reading Recovery Certification from Texas Woman’s University. Her commitment to professional growth and leadership is further reflected in her involvement with MATF (Member Advisory Task Force for Oklahoma Healthcare Authority), her service as a Family LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Mentor, and her role as a board member for OFN (Oklahoma Family Network). Her dedication to advocacy has been recognized through numerous honors, including her family being named the Oklahoma State Special Olympics Family of the Year and receiving the Judy Pluess Excellence in Autism Award. Danielle also shares her expertise as a keynote speaker, most notably for the 2022 Oklahoma Statewide Autism Conference. With a passion for education, advocacy, inclusion, and family support, Danielle continues to champion opportunities for growth, understanding, and empowerment for individuals with special needs and their families.

Alane Busman
Program Coordinator

BOARD MEMBERS

PRESIDENT - Shannon Hagar

Serving for Vision and Strategy
Shannon Hagar brings a strong commitment to strategic goal setting and consistent leadership in her role as President.

With 20 years of experience as a Technology and Project Management professional in an Oklahoma State Agency, Shannon offers valuable insight into program planning, organizational growth, and accomplishing the mission of the Center. Her passion for managing complex projects will be instrumental in establishing operational protocols and strengthening organizational processes.

Prior to joining the board, Shannon has volunteered on various boards and committees, where she has been responsible for maintaining budgets, managing funds, reporting, and organizing events. Her combined professional and volunteer experience will help bridge the gap between service delivery and systemic operations.

As the Board President, Shannon plays a key role in guiding the organization’s mission, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the strategic goals of the organization are met while championing the long-term success and stability of the Transition Center. She is also a wife of 35 years and mother of two adult sons.

VICE PRESIDENT - Kim Baker

Serving to Give Back and Contribute
Kim Baker brings over 30 years of experience as an educator. Prior to joining the board, Kim began teaching grades K and 1st for Oklahoma City Public Schools. She then joined Mustang Public Schools and taught 3rd and 5th grades for 28 years. She concluded her career as an educator by serving as the district’s Student Assistance Counselor from 2000 until her retirement.

Kim’s fervor for working with students beyond academics continues to be a driving force in her goal of making sure every child has the foundation and belief in themselves for success.

Kim has a BS in Education from Oklahoma State University where she majored in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education and a Masters in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in School Counseling.

Kim grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma and since retiring has stepped into the local community to serve and live out her passion. Her community involvement includes church leadership, serving on the Outreach team. She is also a Board Member of Power of 100cc, a charitable organization supporting other non-profit groups. The goals and aspirations of OATECA directly align with the calling she feels to give back and contribute to our community.

SECRETARY - Aspen Marshall

Aspen Marshall is wife of 22 years and a stay-at-home mother of three beautiful children. Her oldest son was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at 11 months old as well as Autism at the age of 16; leaving Aspen with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of special needs.

Before devoting her time to be a stay-at-home mother, Aspen was an executive assistant for the President of Clovis Community College for 12 years and for the CEO of Roosevelt General Hospital for 3 years.

BOARD MEMBER - Julie Epsy

Serving to Support and Advise
Julie is the National Director of Water Quality and Environment Data Solutions for a private company, where she supports teams engaging with local and state governments on water quality and environmental topics; provides insight on water and environment programs and policies; and promotes the use of data analytics to solve complex issues and policy implementation strategies. She has almost 30 years of experience working in water quality with 23 of those at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In her role at the FL DEP, she had a variety of responsibilities over her long career. They included administering a variety of programs, managing a division of over 200 people, as well as multi-million-dollar budget.

Outside of her environmental career, Julie served on the Executive Board of the Extra Point Club, a non-profit organization which supports the athletic department and student athletes at Florida State University. She served as Vice President, President-elect, President and worked on various committees. Additionally, she is a long-time friend of Tiffany Massie and Sheryl Hazelbaker, Co-Founders of OATECA and the Transition Center. She is an enthusiastic supporter of their vision for students and adults with learning challenges.

BOARD MEMBER - Carey Vincent

Serving with Heart and Commitment
Carey is a wife, mother, and follower of Jesus. She has a passion and love for faith, family, the local church, and her community.

Carey’s community outreach includes volunteering at her children’s school, serving as Treasurer for the Yukon Takedown Club for three years as well as contributing to church worship and women’s ministry for three decades. She and her husband share a successful business, owning and managing commercial and residential properties.

Carey’s heart for serving and commitment to community are what drive her to make a meaningful difference wherever she goes. The opportunity to work alongside the OATECA Transition Center is a blessing to her and she is excited for what God is going to do.

BOARD MEMBER - Tresa Smith

Tresa Smith joins us from a ranch in Northwest Canadian County, where she resides with her husband of 35 years, along with their dogs, horses, and cattle. She is the mother of three adult children.

Tresa spent her career as an educator in Canadian County, and is now retired. The majority of her career was spent as a middle school principal, and she is passionate about ensuring every child has opportunities for a bright future.

Tresa is actively involved in her church and several nonprofit organizations. She is dedicated to giving back to the community. With a servant's heart, she looks forward to contributing to OATECA's success.

FOUNDING MEMBERS - Sheryl Hazelbaker & Tiffany Massie

Serving to Teach and Empower
Sheryl (left) and Tiffany (right) are the owners of OATECA, Inc. Their 60+ years of combined experience in public education provided them the privilege of teaching students with special needs. Through OATECA, Inc., they continue to utilize their unique skills to teach educators how to nurture individuals with all levels of disability, especially those with severe disabilities.

The vision for the OATECA Transition Center was birthed out of their passion to continue empowering individuals with severe disabilities beyond the functional classroom.