Make an Impact
Your support makes inclusive opportunity possible.
Donations to A Latte Opportunities help fund job training, inclusive employment programs, and community-based initiatives that empower adults with disabilities. Every contribution directly supports meaningful work, skill-building, and long-term opportunity.
Our Story: How A Latte Opportunities Began
What started as a simple coffee shop has grown into a place where adults with disabilities, called “Superstars,” find meaningful work, learn new skills, and thrive in a supportive environment. A Latte Friends shows that every individual has unique strengths to share and that inclusion benefits the entire community.
A Place to Thrive
Since opening, A Latte Friends has employed nine incredible team members and served over 5,000 customers who have experienced their talent and dedication firsthand. The shop is recognized as one of the few five-star rated coffee shops on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has become a hub for connection and community pride.
Building Community Pride
A Latte Opportunities was created to expand this mission through new programs. A mobile coffee cart will create additional jobs, bring coffee to local events, and share the story of our Superstars with more people. An internship program provides training in customer service, cash handling, kitchen safety, and barista skills to prepare employees for success at A Latte Friends and future jobs in the community.
Expanding Our Mission
At its heart, A Latte Opportunities is about more than coffee. It is about independence, connection, and lasting change. Every new job and skill learned brings us closer to a world where everyone has the chance to contribute, connect, and thrive.
Empowering Every Individual
Meet Our Board Members
Angele Mills
Angele Mills brings over 18 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusive education and community-based programs. Her work spans classrooms, respite services, and inclusive organizations, all centered on fostering belonging, independence, and meaningful connection. As a founding member of A Latte Opportunities and Manager at A Latte Friends, she continues to champion accessible training and employment opportunities that celebrate individual strengths.
Executive DirectorKyle Jones
Kyle Jones brings over two decades of leadership experience in engineering, environmental management, and military service. A licensed Professional Engineer and former Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel, he has led large-scale infrastructure, environmental, and recovery projects totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Kyle contributes deep expertise in operations, compliance, and strategic oversight in service of mission-driven organizations.
PresidentChad Helmer brings more than 26 years of military leadership and project management experience to A Latte Opportunities. As Vice President of the Board, he supports strategic planning, operations, and team development while continuing his service as a Project Manager at Keesler Air Force Base. As the parent of a Superstar employed at A Latte Friends, Chad brings a deeply personal commitment to advancing inclusive opportunities.
Vice PresidentChad Helmer
Tanya Estep
Tanya Estep brings 27 years of experience in public education, with a career dedicated to inclusive teaching and supporting students with diverse learning needs. After witnessing the lack of post-graduation employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, she founded A Latte Friends, an inclusive coffee shop that provides meaningful employment and skill-building for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this work, Tanya continues her lifelong commitment to empowerment, community connection, and inclusive opportunity.
SecretaryEva Stockstill
Eva brings over 20 years of leadership experience in retail operations and community service. A lifelong resident of D’Iberville, she is deeply involved in local organizations and currently serves in both business and board leadership roles. As the parent of a child with special needs, Eva brings a personal passion for advocacy and inclusive opportunity to the mission of A Latte Opportunities.
TreasurerSusannah Gregg
Susannah Gregg brings over 15 years of experience in education, specializing in supporting students with significant cognitive and emotional disabilities. Her background spans international and domestic teaching and is grounded in advanced training in special education and nonprofit leadership. Susannah is deeply committed to creating compassionate, inclusive environments that support individuals and families across every stage of learning.
Board MemberMaya Lambert
Maya Lambert is a Special Education Teacher who has lived on the Gulf Coast for the past four years. She deeply loves her community. Her passion is bringing awareness, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities to individuals with disabilities. As a board member of A Latte Opportunities, she is proud to support a space that empowers people of all abilities through employment, learning, and connection.
Board MemberBrad Lahaie
Brad Lahaie brings 25 years of experience in the mental health and disability services field, with leadership roles spanning education, operations, and regional program management. His career has been dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through compassionate, systems-level care and advocacy. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, Brad is committed to expanding inclusive services that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Board MemberLakesha M. Williams brings a strong background in public service, human resources, and community engagement to the A Latte Opportunities Board. Currently serving in the City of Biloxi’s Human Resources Department, she contributes expertise in organizational effectiveness and employee support. Lakesha is committed to advancing mission-driven work through thoughtful leadership, service, and community-focused engagement.
Board Member