Address
Organization / Affiliation
Mentor
Biography
This bio comes from applying a Person-Centered approach on myself, and to recognize how much we ask of the people supported by NBRC to share about themselves. After graduating college in 1991, I started working with people with disabilities and decided to I wanted to move to California. I made the trip in 1993, camping across the states, no plans, just California as the destination. Before I left, I wrote a letter to DDS. With a stamp. There was no “internet” at that time for information. A large envelope eventually arrived in my home in Maryland with EVERY vendor in California. It was one of those large paper printouts with those tear off edges, just names and addresses. I wish I had that printout as evidence it happened. Once in California, I applied and got my first job in CA, working there until 2018 when I moved on to NBRC initially on the Federal Revenues team as an Internal Quality Monitor, moving into Quality Assurance as a liaison to homes/HCBS Specialist.
Here is a fun fact that loosely ties me to California. My favorite place on earth is Ocean City, Maryland. We spent many weeks a summer there while I was growing up (my mom was a local). One way on to this peninsula that is Ocean City, MD is via Highway 50. Highway 50 starts in Sacramento. Have you seen the sign? “Ocean City, Maryland 2867 miles”. I am always excited (as a little kid and now) to know I have arrived in OC when I see the sign, “Sacramento, CA 2867 miles”. Highway 50’s nick name is the loneliest road in America. I am going to drive the 2867 miles on that road someday.
Recently, I accepted the position as QA supervisor. It is good. Each piece of the QA department is interesting and challenging and unique. My dad died last April. And oh my, I did not realize until recently how much I relied on him to process and move forward each day in my work. He is the only other social thinker in my family, so I miss him. Here is a brief synopsis of QA activities and remember, this includes supporting NBRC, DDS, vendors, and most importantly the people served.
In 2017 I became a credentialed Person-Centered Thinking trainer. My zeal is spreading the basic values of person centeredness. Becoming that trainer was an experience in and unto itself. What I learned from my PCT mentor Bill, is embedded into my core. Fun Fact: Bill was the first Quality Assurance person at NBRC in 1982. In 1993, I worked with a day program housekeeping crew that cleaned Bill’s office. So, I leave you with this from my experiences: Everyone communicates. Everyone can make a choice. The PERSON is at the center. Define what you know and watch for how life comes full circle.
Focus Areas
Trainer Certifications
Person Centered Description
