We believe everyone has work worth doing.

Cynthia L. Edhuine serves as a Board Director for Advanced Independence Charity, bringing decades of leadership, vision, and dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. She is the founder of Advanced Independence, LLC, established in 2007, and the founder of Glorious Treasures, a community thrift store that serves as both a source of sustainable funding and a hands-on vocational training environment.

Her passion has always been to create opportunities where individuals are recognized for their abilities rather than their disabilities. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing programs that provide practical job training, work experience, and ongoing support for people seeking competitive employment.

She has built partnerships with local businesses, employers, and community organizations to expand employment opportunities, and continues to guide the organization's strategic growth while championing a culture of compassion, integrity, accountability, and service.

Jamie Meyers brings more than 15 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities, nonprofit leadership, program development, and community outreach to the AIC Board of Directors. As Treasurer, she provides financial oversight, strategic planning, and operational guidance to help ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.

Jamie began as a Direct Care Worker supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, advanced into management, and helped develop and launch Adult Day Programs and Group Supported Employment services with Advanced Independence LLC. As Director of Operations, she helped build programs that empower people to develop life skills, achieve greater independence, and obtain meaningful employment.

As Co-Founder and Director of Glorious Treasures Thrift Store, she helped create a place where people gain job training, volunteer experience, and workplace skills while supporting AIC's mission. She has also served on the Young Life West Valley Committee and as Mission Staff with Young Life Capernaum, and founded the Cancer Workout Center, a nonprofit offering safe, adaptive fitness programs for people in cancer treatment and recovery.

Johnny Carpio serves as the Lead Teaching Instructor for the AIC WORKS Job Training and Retention Program. With a passion for empowering individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, he is committed to helping each participant recognize their strengths, develop essential life and workplace skills, and achieve greater independence.

Johnny is also a certified instructor authorized to teach Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) training courses for Direct Support Professionals. His knowledge of person-centered supports, employment readiness, and professional development equips both participants and support staff to succeed.

Known for meticulous attention to detail, exceptional work ethic, and genuine compassion, Johnny believes every individual has a unique purpose. His encouraging teaching style helps people feel respected, challenged, and empowered to grow.

Sue Jones brings more than 37 years of experience in education to the AIC WORKS Job Training and Retention Program. As a retired educator, she has dedicated her career to helping students succeed through individualized instruction, innovative teaching strategies, and a deep commitment to every learner's needs.

She taught primarily in Title I schools, serving students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including many English Language Learners, and is a proven mentor and instructional coach with expertise in IEP development and inclusive learning environments.

For more than 18 years Sue has volunteered with Special Olympics as a mentor and buddy, and she also volunteers through her church and Young Life. As the parent of an adult daughter with special needs, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to AIC WORKS.

Antoinette Sampson serves as the Store Manager for Glorious Treasures, creating a welcoming, organized, and mission-driven environment for customers, volunteers, and program participants. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities develop confidence, gain valuable work experience, and achieve their personal and employment goals.

Known for her compassionate heart and positive attitude, she oversees day-to-day store operations while providing exceptional customer service. She works closely with volunteers and participants, offering guidance and hands-on training that promotes responsibility, teamwork, and workplace readiness.

Viridiana Chavez serves as Design Lead, Sales Associate, and Trainer/Job Coach for Glorious Treasures, where she is committed to creating a positive, organized, and supportive environment for customers, volunteers, and program participants.

As Design Lead, she oversees the donated item set-ups, creating beautiful displays in each room for a lovely and relaxing shopping experience. She also assists with daily operations and works closely with volunteers and participants, offering guidance, hands-on training, and encouragement that promotes teamwork, responsibility, and workplace readiness.

Known for her compassionate nature, strong work ethic, and welcoming personality, she helps individuals with disabilities build valuable workplace skills, confidence, and independence.

Peggy Carr serves as a Sales Associate and Volunteer Trainer and Job Coach at Glorious Treasures, where she provides exceptional customer service while supporting the organization's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities.

Known for her compassionate heart, friendly personality, and positive spirit, she builds meaningful relationships with volunteers and participants. She assists customers, keeps the sales floor organized and inviting, and works alongside participants to provide hands-on job training, encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and excellent customer service.

Mark Staggs serves as Merchandising Associate at Glorious Treasures, where his enthusiasm, positive attitude, and dedication help create an organized, welcoming, and enjoyable shopping experience for customers and volunteers alike.

Mark takes great pride in keeping every area of the store clean, organized, well-stocked, and attractively displayed. His exceptional eye for organization and presentation, flexibility, and strong work ethic make him someone others can always count on.

Whether assisting customers, supporting volunteers, rearranging displays, or receiving donations, he approaches every task with a servant's heart and encourages everyone around him.

Lorelei has served as the Office Manager of Advanced Independence since February 2024, returning to the United States after more than 11 years living in Regensburg, Germany. After returning home, she discovered a meaningful passion for supporting and empowering individuals with special needs and disabilities.

She helps new families and their loved ones navigate onboarding and get connected with services, and takes pride in accurate records and keeping employees current with required certifications and training so there are no gaps in care.

Lorelei has experience in retail, banking, and education, and taught Business English in Germany. She also develops AIC's social media content and quarterly newsletters, and outside of work enjoys reading, crafting, and travel blogging.