Owner & Executive Director
Theresa J. Lopez is the Owner and Executive Director of New Opportunities & Ways (NOW), a Kentucky-based agency providing Medicaid waiver and behavioral health services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Theresa began her career in 1989 and brings more than three decades of experience in public service, special education, behavior analysis, and advocacy.
Her professional journey began in juvenile probation, where she developed a deep understanding of human behavior, trauma, and systemic barriers. She later transitioned into special education, becoming a leader in inclusive teaching practices that transformed school systems and eliminated segregated classrooms. Her work became a state model for inclusion, with districts visiting her classrooms to learn best practices.
These experiences shaped Theresa’s lifelong mission: to fight for those whose voices are often overlooked. She founded NOW to raise the standard of care by blending evidence-based practices with compassion, creativity, and accountability. Today, NOW provides a full spectrum of services including residential supports, Community Access, Person-Centered Coaching, employment supports, personal assistance, respite, ABA therapy, and behavioral health services.
Theresa is known for her innovative, multi-sensory training methods and hands-on leadership style. Fierce, direct, and deeply compassionate, she leads with both heart and integrity.
Outside of her professional life, Theresa is a devoted grandmother, animal rescuer, and entrepreneur who finds joy in family, travel, and helping others discover their purpose.
