Posted on September 26, 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?
Quality Coordinator
How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
5 years
How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
I was switching careers and knew someone who worked for Penn-Mar and they got me connected.
What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
I was an Elementary school teacher prior to coming to Penn-Mar. I specifically taught 4th grade. It prepared me for my role here by helping me understand intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and I already had the desire to do something that helps others. I also can use some of my teaching skills when training here at Penn-Mar.
What does your work entail?
I am a part of the quality team. My work largely focuses on making sure that we provide quality supports for the people here at Penn-Mar. I also conduct several different trainings here and love having the opportunity to support team members in their growth here as well.
What’s an average day like for you?
I typically spend a portion of my day out visiting houses and completing site assessments. I also spend time meeting with both the people we support and staff completing progress reports, or training staff. No two days are ever the same and there is always something new and exciting happening.
What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job?
I would love people to know that the quality team is here as a support system for not only the people we support, but also staff. Being able to help people feel supported and have pride in what they are doing is part of what makes my role so meaningful.
In another life, your career path is . . .
A baseball player
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
The people we support deserve the opportunity to live the lives that they have always dreamt of living. Being able to advocate for and support people in reaching that life is what makes coming to work worth it.
What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
That people with IDD have the same rights and want the same opportunities as everyone else. Also, our job as a provider is to support people to live the lives that they choose to live.
What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a little better for my having lived in it”. – Abraham Lincoln
Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
I love to cook and try new recipes.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . .
Australia
In your spare time, you’ll be found . . .
With friends or family watching sports or just hanging out.
A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love:
Book: Kitchen Confidential
Movie: Meet the Robinsons
TV Show: Ted Lasso
Sports Team: Orioles, Ravens
Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself:
I love to travel and try food that is local or unique to the place that I am traveling to. I really enjoy learning about people and culture through food and what people like to eat.