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I have supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1980.  My original plan was to be a school teacher and I was actively pursuing that career/degree.  I vividly remember sitting in one of my classes watching a film about people with disabilities.  It was one of those rare moments in life when you just know, without a doubt, what you are supposed to do.  I left the class, walked down to the counseling office and changed my major.  I knew I wanted to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  I graduated with a bachelor of science degree in both rehabilitation and related services and psychology.  I have also completed some course work towards my master’s degree in business administration.

 

I began my career the minute I stepped out of college (1980) as a direct care staff in an intermediate care facility supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Within a short time, I was promoted to a program manager position, supervising the direct care staff and maintaining some of my direct services to individuals as well.  I was then promoted to an administrative role in the same facility.  In this administrative role, I missed direct care services; however, I had a greater voice in the overall care that was being provided at this facility.  After three years, I opted to leave this facility setting and was hired as a program coordinator for a community based agency, where I developed and coordinated programmatic services for several communities. This was a far better philosophical match for me, as I was a firm believer in community based settings and individualized supports.  Within a year, I was promoted to executive director of this company's Denver-based program.  I remained in this position for the next thirteen years.  During those years, I was honored to also assist the company with certain regional responsibilities on an as-needed basis. These were crucial years in my career, as many of us in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities worked diligently with deinstitutionalization.  It was simply a joy to assist people to leave institutional settings and be successful in community based programs.    

 

During these same years, specifically 1990, I developed Community Support Services, Inc.  The specifics of the development of Community Support Services, Inc. will be found throughout this website.

 

Throughout my career, I have received numerous management and service awards, including National Certificates of Excellence for Outstanding Manager.  In addition, the years are filled with many certifications and trainings including Outcome Based Performance Measures and Essential Lifestyle Planning.  My training in Essential Lifestyle Planning includes certification as a facilitator.  In 1997, I was the executive director of an agency of which I led my team through an accreditation preparation process which resulted in the honor of receiving the 'Three Year Accreditation with Honors/Award of Excellence' from the Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports with People with Disabilities.

  

When people ask me about eventual retirement plans, I tell them the thought of retiring some day breaks my heart!  I want to do everything I can possibly do to ensure that people with developmental disabilities live fulfilling, satisfactory and happy lives!  When I wrote our agency’s philosophy, specifically: “Providing opportunities for people to grow, learn, experience and enjoy life”, it came from my heart. It is simply a joy to provide supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  I learn something new from the people we support, each and every day!

 

This is my passion.  It is what I love to do!