Our Mission

York CAN's mission is to bridge self-advocates, service providers, families, caregivers, and professionals to make York County a better place to live for people of all abilities.

Our Vision

A fully inclusive York County community with equitable opportunities for people of all abilities.

Community Steering Team

2023-2024

Laura Elder

Laura Antinoro Elder is a Rock Hill resident who is currently serving as York CAN Steering Team Chair. She retired from a career as a School Psychologist and Transition Coordinator and previously worked for the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Fort Mill School District and Clover School District. She served as Chair of the Transition Advisory Council of York, Chester and Lancaster Counties from 2001-2016. Laura attended Rochester Institute of Technology and holds a MS in School Psychology. She enjoys spending time hiking with her husband John and spending time with her adult children and grandchildren.

Phyllis Anderson

Phyllis has been employed with Catawba Regional Council of Governments for almost 25 years. Phyllis is a WIOA Program Specialist and works in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA). This program is designed to develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of business and industry to compete in a global economy by helping jobseekers access training, education and employment. She is also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and is serving as Chair of the York CAN Employment Team. Phyllis attended the University of South Carolina where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is a Rock Hill resident.

Mariann Carter

Mariann Carter is currently the Lead Consultant and Owner of Carter Hears! and the developer and creator of The Quill Model. Ms. Carter is a trained and experienced Elementary and Secondary Educational Leader and a renowned teacher in South Carolina for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. As a National Board-Certified Teacher – Retired, she has vast experience as a hearing specialist, as well as multiple teaching certifications that bring a wealth of knowledge into the planning, teaching and coaching experience. Carter has over 20 years of teaching experience at schools for the deaf, public schools, college level training programs and with educational leadership. Currently, Carter proudly and humbly serves as the Lead Consultant for Carter Hears! In addition to coaching and educating, Mariann develops, delivers, and assesses academic training programs and helps schools and families analyze and determine needs. She has and is well-versed in finding research options, planning strategy, resolving problems and conflicts to achieve aggressive goals. She also presents and lectures nationally and has served on several state and national organizational boards. Carter resides in Fort Mill, South Carolina with her husband, Rev. Richard Carter. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Samantha Kriegshauser

Samantha began her career at Adult Enrichment Centers 15 years ago as the activity director and is currently the CEO. She is a National Board-Certified Dementia Educator, Certified in Montessori for Dementia and a Certified Time Slips Facilitator. With over 20 years' experience in senior/different abilities programming, she teaches community education and serves on various committees. She is a board member of The Gravity Center, a hub for entrepreneurs, serves on the Eat Smart Move More leadership team and has volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association in many roles though the years. Currently serving as a founding member of York CAN, her passion to build an inclusive community for all is fueled by her commitment to those of different abilities and their families. She is a wife to Mark, Mom to 3 grown kids and a Grammy to 2.

Michelle Shaffer

Michelle Shaffer currently serves as the Executive Director of Maxabilities. Michelle developed her interest in human services as a camp volunteer with Special Olympics and Camp Spearhead/Greenville, SC while attending college. Starting her career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Michelle has successfully served in a variety of professional positions for two different DSN Boards as well as a stint as a contracting facilitator. Additionally, Michelle has worked with various Boards, private providers of ID services and state agencies on special projects and staff training initiatives throughout her career. Michelle brought her 30+ years of experience to MaxAbilities of York County in 2008 and currently serves as its Executive Director and the chief coffee taster for the York Coffee Roastery. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys a variety of hobbies to include cooking, travel and served several years as a local Cub Scout Volunteer.

Vicki Ball

Vicki is a Fort Mill resident and is the Lead Transition Teacher in the Fort Mill School District and the co-chair of the local Transition Advisory Council. Vicki attended Winthrop University where she obtained a B.S. is Special Education and then attended University of Florida for a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Vicki has been working in the field of special education for 25 years. Vicki has two children, Serena age 21 and Aidan age 18.

Warren Norman

R. Warren Norman III was born and raised in Rock Hill where he is currently a Managing Partner at Warren Noman Co., Inc., a family owned real estate development company. Warren currently manages full development services on Retail, Office and Hotel projects such as Fountain Park, Hickory Tavern, Academy Sports, Hampton Inn and Shiland Village among many others. He was awarded SC Business Person of the Year for Rock Hill in 2013, and is involved in numerous affiliations such as Member (deacon 2009-2011) of First ARP Church, Kiwanis Club, YMCA and Youth Basketball Coach, York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs Board member, York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs Foundation member. Warren graduated from Presbyterian College with a Special Education Major and worked for 2 years with the University of North Carolina TEACH Program for people with Autism. Most recently, Warren is working as one of the Founder and Lead on the Miracle Park. Warren lives in Rock Hill with his wife, Chrissi and 3 children; Ren, Walker and Riley.

Ryan Morrison

Ryan Morrison was born and raised in Rock Hill. He is married to Nina and they have three children. Ryan received his special education degree from Winthrop University and taught in Rock Hill schools for 10 years. He served as department chair at South Pointe High School before accepting the Program Coordinator role for WinthropLIFE in March 2023. Ryan is passionate about employment and enjoys reading and raising livestock.
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
April 2021

Former Steering Team Members

Crystal Guyton

Elizabeth (Liz) Duda

Fredy Pabon

Julia Khaled

Kati Durkee

Lily Assad

Mandy Wolff

Shane Childers

Steve Yaffe