Ben Irving – President
beni@projectinsight-az.com
Mr. Irving began his career in Human services as a group home staff in 1988. For the next 9 years he worked at several other companies in various management positions for programs including employment, foster care, residential services and day programs. In 1997 he founded Project Insight along with Martha Brightwell. Since then it’s pretty much been a dead end job.
Mr. Irving is the past co-chair of the Disabilities Issues Coalition of Southern Arizona, past President of the Pima Council on Development Disabilities and Legislative Liaison for the District VI Council on developmental Disabilities.
Mr. Irving enjoys skiing, softball, live theater and (mostly) raising his 2 children.
Martha Brightwell – Vice President
marthab@projectinsight-az.com
Four decades in the disability community in a variety of roles and she still marvels at the resilience, the determination and the commitment in the individuals and families. Early on, Martha discovered the words of Margaret Mead. They inspired her then and still do now: “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Martha has been fortunate to have helped found local ARC programs, served 15 years as Executive Director of the Developmental Disabilities Council for the four Southeastern counties in Arizona and participated in a wide variety of committees at local and state level. Serving as president of both the ARC of Tucson and the Arc of Arizona has enhanced her respect for advocacy–especially self-advocacy.
Those experiences came together in the co-founding of Project Insight with Ben Irving twenty-plus years ago. That may explain the quotation from Eleanor Roosevelt that stays in her office: “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Jacob Ioane – Program Director
jacobi@projectinsight-az.com
Jacob is the Program Director at Project Insight. He started with PI in 2016 as a DCW and Administrative Assistant. He was promoted to Program Coordinator in 2017 and has focused on improving and developing programs since. Prior to joining PI Jacob worked in Student Engagement at the University of Arizona Student Union. In his free time Jacob enjoys spending time outdoors and working in his garden.
Minette Pohlman – Program Coordinator
minettep@projectinsight-az.com
Minette Pohlman joined Project Insight’s team in 2016. As Program Coordinator her administrative responsibilities include scheduling, hiring, and ensuring employees are compliant with their certifications. Outside of work, Minette enjoys spending time with family and friends and going camping.
Jeannie Kildoo – Program Coordinator
jeannieg@projectinsight-az.com
Jeannie is a Native Arizonian. She entered the world of Special Abilities in 1978 when her family started P.A.T.H., a dental office that provided free dental services to Special Ability individuals. She was always the kid on the playground playing with all the Special Ability kids, never knowing there was a difference. In 1991 she moved from Phoenix to Prescott where she worked at Yavapai Exceptional Industries, working her way up from receptionist to Employment Coordinator. In 1997 she became a Support Coordinator at DDD and was the Early Intervention Specialist for over 18 years. She joined the PI family in 2015 and is the Program Coordinator for Yavapai County. She enjoys anything outdoors, her horse, dogs and parrot. She adores her husband. Loves her kids and grandkids and having PI BBQ’s. Her true passion is being with the amazing individuals with Special Abilities.
Francisco Yanez – Assistant Program Coordinator
franciscoy@projectinsight-az.com
Francisco joined Project Insight as an assistant program coordinator in July 2017. He helps the team in various aspects, from administrative work to providing direct care services for clients. He looks forward to learning about everything that comes his way. In his free time he enjoys painting, going to the gym, and spending time with his friends and family.
Yolanda Lucero, Assistant Program Coordinator: Kearny
yolandal@projectinsight-az.com
Yolanda was brought on board in 2014 as a provider in Kearny, Arizona, and was recently promoted to Assistant Program Coordinator. Through the years she has brought on seven families in the Kearny area, and is optimistic for more families in the future.
Yolanda’s career started with children. She was self-employed at a day care business in her home from 1998-2009. During this time she raised two children while attending college and earning her degree in Child Development. Between 2001 and 2011 she was employed at Head Start and Palomita Children Center/Blake Foundation as a preschool teacher. Her career path switched in 2011 when she was employed at the Graham County Rehabilitation Center Thrift Store in Safford, helping individuals become independent through establishing a daily routine in the work place. Yolanda moved to Kearny in 2012 and began working at Arc Vocational Training as a substitute working in the Day Treatment for Adults program, which lead her to Project Insight.
The experience Yolanda has in child development and trainings throughout the year has prepared her for her current position. Through the years it has been rewarding and challenging at times, but she believes it is all worth it!
Nina Halvax – Development Director
ninah@projectinsight-az.com
Nina brings experience in program development and management, community outreach, and volunteer management in the nonprofit sector. She received her Bachelor’s in Art and Human Communication from the University of Arizona in 2013, and her Master’s in Public Administration in 2019 from the UA. Finding new and creative ways to engage individuals with one another is what drives her to work in the nonprofit sector, and will carry her through establishing PI’s fundraising department. Nina is a proud member of the sloth appreciation society, and enjoys discovering new place to eat in Tucson.
Board of Directors
Ben D. Irving
Martha V Brightwell- Secretary
Kathleen Harris – Chairperson
Lynne A Oland
Crystal Carlin