Posted on August 18, 2025
We’re excited to highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see. We want to give everyone the opportunity to learn more about our innovative team and the complex work we do.
So, tune in for our monthly Team Member Spotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!
What is your job title?
Senior Learning and Development Specialist
How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
Almost 3.5 years.
How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
I am local to Southern York County and found the job posting on LinkedIn.
What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
This is my first job post-college! I have a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and an MBA with a concentration in marketing. I worked in digital marketing for 3 years prior to Penn-Mar. This is my first experience working with people with disabilities and I love it!
What does your work entail?
I train all Penn-Mar’s internal training courses, maintain training records, develop and update new and current trainings to fit our company needs, and I provide customer service to all Penn-Mar employees for all things Learning and Development.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me is spent interacting with and training DSPs!
What’s one thing you wish people would realize about your job?
I learn something new every day, even though I am the one usually creating a learning experience for our Team Members!
In another life, your career path is . . .
A Meteorologist! I am not sure why, but I have always found the weather to be fascinating and can usually predict intense rain or a snowstorm by looking at the sky.
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
Penn-Mar gives people the opportunity to live a real and meaningful life and I think that everyone should be given that chance. It really is special to see someone we support in the community just living their life!
What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
People with IDD are so capable of doing what neurotypicals can do but sometimes just need a helping hand.
What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“Patience is a virtue” I think my mom used to say this a lot when I was growing up and it has always stuck with me. I say this at work and in my personal life a lot!
Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
I am an expert at Dime Toss! It is a carnival game where you toss dimes into miscellaneous glasses/cups. Every year I win 3-5 glasses, and it is one of the only reasons I go to the carnival!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . .
Greece!
In your spare time, you’ll be found . . .
Spending time with my family and friends!
A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love:
I’m a huge movie buff and my favorite movie is The Italian Job (2003) with Mark Wahlberg. He is my all-time favorite actor!
Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself.
I strongly believe in the power of positivity. Experts say that positivity improves most things in life and is contagious! I try to practice positivity in most avenues of life, especially when I am taking care of my 13 “named” house plants that range from succulents and cactuses to my newest plant, a monstera. It is true what they say, talking to your plants in a positive way does help them grow faster!