Orange Grove Center
Michelle White is an experienced professional in the field of intellectual disabilities, currently serving as a Program Manager at Open Arms Care since June 2021, where responsibilities include planning and implementing treatment plans for 16 individuals. Previously, Michelle has held multiple roles at Orange Grove Center, including Active Treatment Professional, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, and House Manager, overseeing the care of 20 to 25 individuals and collaborating with therapeutic teams. A former Director at Lilyland Learning Center, Michelle managed operations for a child care program serving 80-100 children. Michelle's educational background includes a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University, a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Belhaven University, dual Bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management from Covenant College, and an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Chattanooga State Community College.
Orange Grove Center
Orange Grove Center, established in 1953, is a private, non-profit, community-based organization providing support services for nearly 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hamilton County, TN, and North Georgia. Orange Grove seeks to be a movement, not a place; seeks to be a community, not a setting; and seeks to be a practice, not a promise. We strive to insure that everyone enjoys a truly inclusive daily experience by having partners and a purpose in the greater community. Programs include: therapy services (physical, occupational, speech/language and nutritional management); residential services (including retirement homes for the aging with intellectual disabilities); adult services (community supports, personal assistance, vocational training, employment experiences and services to Georgia residents); health care services (medical and special needs dental clinics,); children’s services (exceptional education and vocational training); recycling services; art, music and dance programs; and activities to engage, stimulate and employ the meaning of living across the lifespan. Orange Grove is home to a dedicated center for innovation, the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center, and is also on the brink of significant research relating to autism. The center has research affiliations with universities and holds faculty positions. The State of Tennessee’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) names Orange Grove Center a 4-Star Award recipient for outstanding services to people with intellectual disabilities.