Leadership Team

Carrie Mercke: Carrie joined the OPTIONS team in 2009.  She is a Ponchatoula native, and holds a degree in Psychology from Southeastern and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Louisville.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.  Carrie’s focus is to build upon the legacy of our founding families through advocating for a more inclusive community for people with disabilities. 

Michelle Carruthers: Michelle received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her M.Ed. in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has more than 15 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Since joining the OPTIONS team in 2021, Michelle has remained passionate about empowering people to live fulfilling, self-directed lives. She is dedicated to helping participants achieve their goals, whether that means building independence, becoming more involved in their community, or pursuing meaningful employment. As a graduate of the Leadership Tangipahoa Class of 2026, Michelle gained a deeper understanding of the community and the resources available to support the individuals OPTIONS serves.

Sylvia Bush: For over 40 years, Sylvia has been advocating and helping create quality community services for people with disabilities.  She served as OPTIONS President and CEO from 1979 until 2021. She was appointed President Emeritus by the Board of Directors in 2022. She continues to demonstrate her heart of service and her steadfast commitment by volunteering at OPTIONS on a weekly basis. 

Steve Leon: Steve joined the OPTIONS team in 2010. He is from Metairie and moved to Hammond in 1974 to attend Southeastern Louisiana University. He graduated with a Master’s degree in 1979 and worked for Southeastern for over 30 years as an administrator in Student and Business services before coming to OPTIONS.  Steve is also a City Councilman for Hammond, La.  Steve has been very active in the community throughout his career. His primary focus at OPTIONS is property management, operations, logistics and whatever else needs to be done!

Casey Rudolph: Casey Rudolph, CFRE serves as the Development Director at OPTIONS, where she is passionate about connecting people to the organization’s mission and ensuring individuals with disabilities have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Casey is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a graduate of both the Baton Rouge Area Foundation’s Development Fellows Program and Leadership Tangipahoa. Since beginning her work with individuals with disabilities in 2014 and joining the OPTIONS team in 2020, Casey has enjoyed sharing the inspiring stories of OPTIONS participants, cultivating meaningful community partnerships, and leading fundraising efforts that strengthen the organization’s impact for years to come.

Sharon Jacob: Sharon Jacob is a graduate of Coastal College where she studied Business Management in 1990.  She is a native of Hammond, LA. with over 30 years of experience in Business Management.  She has served in her role as the Director of Transportation since 2013. Sharon loves that OPTIONS has granted her the opportunity to do what she loves, transport and support people with disabilities, so they can live their dreams in our community. 

Dione Branch:Joining in 2020, Dione found OPTIONS’s dynamic culture to be a welcoming and supportive environment. As a credentialed SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), she actively engages at both the national level with SHRM and locally with NSHRM. An alumna of the University of New Orleans, Dione holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management specializing in Human Resources and an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Management. Within our HR department, our core commitment is to ensure that every employee receives the same level of support as the individuals we serve, fostering a culture of unity and shared purpose.

Andrea Gousman: Andrea is a graduate of Tulane University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. She has been a valued member of the OPTIONS team since 2011 and began her career in case management in 2007. Andrea enjoys working with families to help them navigate the complexities of provider and waiver services. She is committed to ensuring every participant has access to the quality services and opportunities they deserve and desire. Andrea is a graduate of Leadership Tangipahoa and was selected to serve on the Leadership Tangipahoa Board for one year as the class representative, further demonstrating her commitment to community leadership and service.

Cheri Breland: Cheri is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in social work. She joined the OPTIONS team in 2024 and brings nearly 40 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Passionate about advocacy and support, Cheri is dedicated to helping individuals live their best lives. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to OPTIONS mission.

Jamie Guidry: Jamie joined OPTIONS in 2019 and brings more than two decades of experience serving individuals with disabilities and older adults in the nonprofit sector. She holds a degree in Accounting from Southeastern and provides valuable financial leadership to OPTIONS, helping strengthen the agency’s financial health and long-term sustainability. Her commitment to the mission is reflected in her focus on sound financial practices, organizational growth, and supporting OPTIONS in providing high quality services and opportunities for the people it serves.

Jennifer Carona: Jennifer joined the OPTIONS team in 2021. She is a native of Independence, Louisiana. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2004 and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner in 2020 from Herzing University. She is a Licensed Registered Nurse, Licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Jennifer’s focus is to ensure that OPTIONS participants receive high quality healthcare so that they may live and flourish in their community to the best of their abilities.