IRIS Consultant Biography

Care Responsibilities

Your TMG IRIS consultant is your partner as you create a plan that meets your needs and stays within your IRIS budget. Your TMG IRIS consultant can connect you to resources in your area, and will be a great source of information for any questions you have about the IRIS program. In a self-directed program like IRIS, you decide who provides your support and services and when they happen. You may have natural support from people in your life, or you may choose to purchase the support you need from an agency or someone that you hire directly. Your TMG IRIS consultant will be there to talk through these decisions with you, and will help you put a plan in place that reflects your choices.

Educational Background

Credentials

Specialties (e.g., working with autism, the elderly, employment for people with disabilities or youth in transition, mental health, experience with assisted technology)

I have worked in the Human Services field for 20 years. Prior to joining TMG, I’ve worked as a counselor ensuring personal life enrichment and as a project manager, finding employment for people with various disabilities. I have assisted individuals through community guidance and resources in finding adaptive services to assist in employment. Working with individuals of all ages has given me a distinct understanding to better support individuals in all stages of life.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Douglas

Languages or Communication Skills

English

I'm comfortable with pets in the home

Yes

More about me

How do you Partner with people to 'clear the path ahead'?
Partnering to me means first developing a relationship and building trust. Then we discuss what you want to do, what makes you happy. We set goals and find the best ways to achieve them while working within a budget. We follow up on tasks that are important to continue the progress toward the goals.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
I believe that encouragement is the key to completing goals and achieving success that otherwise may not have been accomplished. It is a privilege to take part in the process that builds independence, personal growth, and success.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
My education and career experience have both played a role in preparing me to become an IRIS Consultant. Over the years, I have gained wisdom from the relationships with many clients, colleagues, caregivers and community program personnel. I have also cared for my father who has suffered a stroke and I have been through the process of wondering what's next? All of these experiences together has given me an appreciation for people living their lives the way they want and gaining satisfaction from independence.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, friends and of course, my dogs. I also enjoy the outdoors and fishing. I like watching movies, and I love football in any capacity!