Q&A Associates in West Virginia is excited to name two new directors, Kelly Pennington has been named Director of Applewood Transitions for Young Women, and Derrick Helzer has stepped into the role of Director at Cabin Mountain Living Center. “I am thrilled to have these two dynamic directors as part of our leadership team at Q&A,” said Angie Shockley, Founder, and CEO; “They bring a great deal of experience, training, and fresh energy to the programs,” she continued. 

Kelly Pennington began her tenure at Q&A as an intern. As her internship was ending, she was invited to stay on as Assistant Director as Cabin Mountain Living Center. After serving in that capacity for six months, she was named Director of the program and served as Director of Cabin Mountain for five years. When Applewood Transitions needed a new director, Kelly applied for the position.

Kelly is a graduate of WVU-Parkersburg with a degree in culinary arts. She often shares this passion and talent with the clients of Q&A Associates. She brings her years of experience with Q&A along with a degree in psychology with a focus on addiction and recovery to the Applewood position. Kelly is certified in life coaching and recovery coaching. Kelly’s personal journey of recovery has also prepared her for this new role within the company. “I believe Kelly’s experience and training are exactly what the young women of Applewood need at this time,” said Keith Bishop, COO. When asked about her new role, Pennington said, “I’m excited to take on a different role within Q&A and working with young adults who have challenges similar to my experiences; I am who I am because someone had understanding, gave me the push, and never gave up on me, and I want to be that person to help others.”

Derrick Helzer was raised in Fairmont, WV, but a love of music took him to Los Angeles, CA, where he attended music school and established a career as a performer. He then moved to Nashville, TN, and was a professional drummer for ten years. Derrick is a classically trained and accomplished chef having served as Chef of The Greenbrier Resort in WV, and currently owns a catering business. Upon his return to WV, he completed his degree in education and is an experienced public-school teacher. He has spent time volunteering with the West Virginia Autism Supportive Center. Derrick brings not only his training and education, but a passion for working with neuro-diverse young adults. “Derrick has a ton of compassion for our clients, but also high expectations and firm boundaries; I know he is giong to take the programming that Kelly developed and grow even greater opportunities for our clients,” said Shockley. “They say the Lord works in mysterious ways,” said Helzer, “and for me, the Lord was deliberate in my calling to Cabin Mountain.” 

“In addition to welcoming Caleb Johnson as Director of Journey, having Kelly and Derrick onboard completes a trifecta of strong leaders at Q&A,” said Bishop; “we are excited to see where we grow in the coming years.” 

About Q&A Family of Programs

Q&A Family of Programs works with young adults ages 18 and up, providing opportunities for each of them to develop independent, functional, and happy lives with a high level of quality. Our clients have struggled to reach independence for a variety of reasons such as the inability to develop and/or implement the life skills needed to be successful, or struggling to obtain consistent employment. Our goal is to help these individuals find meaning and an authentic purpose for their lives and a practical path to achieve their goals.