Our Mission

The mission of TEAMS@Work, Inc. is to provide productive and meaningful work and community integration opportunities to people with disabilities in a supported environment.

Our vision is to reduce the number of people with disabilities who are not productively working and/or actively participating in their communities.

Click here to find out more about our services »

Company Profile

Transition

As defined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) transition means "A coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that is designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities." Post-school activities include postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation.

Employment

Employment is the largest gap area for persons with disabilities. Only 35% of people with disabilities work full or part time compared to 78% of the rest of the population. That means that people with disabilities have an unemployment rate of 65%! Two out of three of those who are not working would prefer to work.

Advocacy

Advocacy is defined as pleading another’s case; speaking or writing in support of something. TEAMS@Work, Inc. will advocate employment and social/recreation activities in the area of a person’s interests, aptitudes and abilities as well as other community integration of their choice.

Mentoring

A mentor is a role model and could be a family member, teacher, coach, co-worker or friend and can play an important role in helping persons with disabilities achieve successful integration in the work force and/or community. Our goal is to teach people how to create natural circles of support in their own lives as well as empowering communities to create their own small town environments.

Service

TEAMS@Work, Inc. is a service driven organization dedicated to providing several facets of employment and community participation for persons with disabilities. Our passion is to provide an environment where all people can work and live with dignity and purpose.

Board Members

Dr. Bassey Duke (President)

Fulton County Schools - Career/Transition Services

I am currently a Transition Services Coordinator for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia; responsible for transitioning students with disabilities into various post secondary options. My education and training in Special Education have allowed me to contribute to the development and growth of many exceptional students both in the classroom and the community.

I have completed a Doctorate Program at Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida and wrote a dissertation titled "A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Students, Parents, and Businesses toward Career Development and Transition Programs."

I am happily married to a wonderful woman for 17 years with 2 boys in high school. I love to travel, read and am very active in my church as a Junior Minister.

Carl Butler (President)

  • Bachelor Technology Degree
  • Special Education Teacher High School
  • 20 years experience working with persons with disabilities.
  • Married 28 years with two children<
  • Enjoys playing in the dirt, home improvement projects, boating, all outdoor activities and time with my family.

Julie Butler

  • Masters Degree in Special Education
  • 25+ years experience working with persons with disabilities
  • Employed with Fulton County Schools — Transition Coordinator
  • Married 27 years with two children
  • Enjoys swimming, boating, all outdoor activities and regular time at the beach

Sue Burgess

  • Bachelor Degree in Nursing from UK
  • 25+ years experience working with persons with disabilities
  • Employed with the Atlanta Regional Commission
  • Married 26 years with two children
  • Enjoys all social and sporting activities

Karen Rollins Rankin

  • Graduate of the University of Georgia with a BBA in Marketing and Management.
  • Spent 10 years in the business sector in vairous positions including Tourist and Convention Director, Human Resource Manager and Public Relations Associate.
  • Georgia Real Estate Sales Associate for 23 years.
  • Obtained Special Education Teaching Credentials from North Georgia College and State University.
  • 17 years as a Special Education Teacher for Fulton County and Gwinnett County including Transition Specialist, Intellectually Disabled Teacher, Physical and Health Disabilities Teacher.
  • One daughter Joyce, age 25, currently attending Medical School.

Will L. Tolbert

  • Employed with RICOH Americas Corporation as a sales executive in Duluth, Georgia
  • Former NFL player with the Philadelphia Eagles & Canadian League in Edmonton and Winnepeg
  • Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and Chemical Engineering
  • 23 years experience coaching football pop warner to college
  • Married 27 years, has 3 children, youngest son Alden has autism
  • Passionate about Teams@Work, Inc., BBQ and Mississippi State University
  • Enjoys Spending time with family and friends.

John Eaton

Attorney at Law - Organizational Development Specialist