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)

Prior to joining TMG, I worked for over a decade with Bethesda Lutheran Communities, at their Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in Watertown. I began my journey there as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and eventually worked my way up to becoming a Program Manager. I worked with people that have intellectual and developmental disabilities and assisted them in many aspects of their daily lives – from providing direct care in their daily lives for them to managing the staff that would care for them. I also have a long history of helping people achieve their goals and outcomes. When Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Watertown closed their facility, they opened up group homes and I managed three of those homes in Watertown. This allowed me the opportunity to see what types of adaptations and supports people could use in a home setting versus a care facility.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Dodge, Jefferson

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'?
I am excited to be an advocate and a support for people as they realize their dreams and goals. Helping clear the path of obstacles, both literal and figurative, is an exciting and important part of this partnership.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
One of my favorite thing about being a TMG IRIS Consultant is that I get to work with you to achieve your goals both great and small. It is great to be able to be a part of a person's journey, whether it’s watching them discover new-found independence, or if their goal is to remain independent as much as possible.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
For over ten years I worked with a nonprofit agency that supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This experience has given me the tools and skills to continue to be an advocate for people. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with you as we partner together to help you live the life you choose to live.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy cooking, reading, spending time with my wife and family, working with the Special Olympics of Wisconsin, and I really love auto racing.