After years of supporting adults with disabilities across Colorado and later working with HCPF (Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy & Financing), Taemy Kim-Mander saw a clear gap in the system: adults with I/DD were not receiving enough creative, individualized solutions to support real independence. Services existed, but the options were often rigid and didn’t reflect what people actually needed to stay successful in their communities.

In 2022, she founded Open Heart Behavior Services to change that.
By 2023, Open Heart received its PASA approval letter and began serving adults with some of the highest support needs in the state, including individuals transitioning from hospital or crisis settings. From the beginning, the purpose has remained steady—help adults live, participate, and belong in their homes and communities.

As the agency has grown from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, one of Taemy’s defining qualities has stayed the same: she personally meets every single client, spending at least one session with each individual to understand their strengths, needs, and goals. This level of direct involvement is rare among CEOs and speaks to her commitment to person-centered service.

Taemy’s leadership also extends statewide. She serves on The Arc Board and the Denver Asian and Pacific Islander Commission, advocating for individuals with disabilities, their families, and underrepresented communities throughout Colorado.

The services we offer today are a reflection of her vision of increasing independence:
• Transportation, ensuring individuals can access medical care, community activities, and work opportunities.
• Supported Community Connections, providing meaningful community engagement and relationship-building.
• Behavior Services, focused on skill development and reducing barriers to independence.
• Supported Employment, helping individuals earn income and find creative, fulfilling work.

Taemy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School and continues to drive Open Heart forward through science, advocacy, hands-on leadership, and a genuine belief in the potential of every person we support.

Leading with excellence since day 1!

Joy Chavers serves as Chief Operations Officer at Open Heart Behavior Services, where she brings both expertise and heart to every aspect of our operations. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who earned her certification at just 21 years old—believed to be the youngest ever to achieve this milestone—Joy exemplifies what young, smart, motivated professionals can accomplish when given the opportunity.

Joy has been with Open Heart Behavior Services from the very beginning, and together we’ve navigated every challenge and celebrated every milestone in building this organization. Her dedication and growth have been nothing short of remarkable.

As COO, Joy manages the critical infrastructure that keeps our services running at the highest standard. She oversees case management, the elevation and review of incident reports and critical incident reports, and serves as a strong advocate for the rights of our individuals through the Human Rights Committee. But her role extends far beyond administration—Joy has mastered Colorado’s Medicaid system to become a powerful advocate for our clients, fighting to secure Level 7 funding and the resources and support our most vulnerable clients need and deserve.

Joy is diligent, thoughtful, and unwavering in her commitment to compliance. She advocates fiercely for her staff, ensuring they have what they need to provide exceptional care. She’s learned the system to a depth that allows her to truly serve as a voice for those who need one most.

It is an absolute privilege to have Joy running our operations. Her leadership demonstrates what’s possible when talent meets opportunity and dedication meets purpose.

Shaile Flanagan is the dedicated Director of CREATION: Center for the Arts, where she has worked passionately with adult IDD and elderly populations for over 7 years. Originally hailing from South Dakota, Shaile now resides in Colorado Springs with her three beloved cats. Known for her kindness and compassion, Shaile brings warmth and empathy to our program. Her creativity and welcoming spirit have had an immensely positive impact on countless lives.