Posted on November 21, 2025
Each month, we highlight a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.
We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.
So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!
What is your job title? 
Maryland Residential Administrator
How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
I just celebrated 15 years this year!
How did you get connected with Penn-Mar?
Out of high school, the future I had planned for myself went into another (much better!) direction. While figuring out that direction, a relative suggested I look into Penn-Mar in the meantime. I started my Penn-Mar career in PA’s respite program. It did not take long at all to fall in love with my role, so much so that I worked two part time roles at respite for 2 years!
What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role?
Growing up, my mom worked in a nursing home, and I spent many years alongside her volunteering as a candy striper. Getting to build relationships with the residents, especially those who had no family, was very special to me and was something I loved doing. What was important to me in that time was to treat everyone with dignity, despite their cognitive abilities. I feel that this really helped me with the foundation of supporting people at Penn-Mar; treating all people as humans despite what may be going on in their lives.
What does your work entail?
As the Residential Administrator, I oversee all 32 homes in Maryland, which includes supervising the Residential Program Managers, our Residential Programs Assistant, and our amazing Administrative Assistant! I aim to be a steward to Residential Supervisors and the teams that they lead. I am a listening ear and a coach to other’s concerns, while also supporting the lead in decisions that drive us further into successfully supporting those who live with us! I also have the honor of co-leading our wonderful Consistent Practices Workgroup, as well as being an active member of our Awards Committee.
What’s an average day like for you?
Like a lot of us at Penn-Mar, no day is ever the same! I could be in my office, attending meetings with my directs or other support team members, and the next moment popping out of my office to assist in our day center. One of my favorite things to do is to take a “lap” around the day center after meetings to see the wonderful things that our teams are doing with those supported in the center.
What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job?
I have a LOT of meetings, but every meeting has value, and each one is aimed at making Penn-Mar better at every turn. I have the opportunity to help support so many along with being the voice for our DSPs, Frontline Supervisors, and Managers. So, a lot of my time is spent listening to those very people, so that I can be their advocate and help them be heard!
In another life, your career path is . . .
A nurse or an EMT! It was my goal in life, but a traumatic experience shadowing in the field made me realize that this was not going to be my path. Those in the medical field do not get enough gratitude for what they do for our communities.
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
It is important to me because we have come so far in how we support people from when I began my career at Penn-Mar. We push boundaries, go in unchartered waters, which is sometimes scary, but also exhilarating! While I may not always be directly involved with those we support, I love hearing success stories and seeing the results of our work in action!
What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD?
The people we support are incredible people, just like me and you. There are no differences. They have dreams, goals, personal values, and deserve to be who they are, just as they are.
What is your favorite quote or mantra?
I don’t have a favorite quote, but you’ll often hear me say, “life is too short to be so angry,” or “life is too short to not eat that brownie!”
Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you?
I am ambidextrous! I am primarily left-handed, but I can write with both. Go lefties!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . .
I’d be up for anything! I got to spend a few weeks in France in my junior year of high school. It was quite an experience, and it made me realize that there is a lot out there to explore!
In your spare time, you’ll be found . . .
Camping! We are local campers, but it is my happy place no matter where we go.
A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love:
My family and I are fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, long before they started winning games! Go birds!
Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself:
My husband and I have been together since high school. We just recently celebrated 17 years together, and we have two children – Allie (15) and Jacob (11). They are the foundation of my life. They have been incredible supporters of my journey at Penn-Mar, just as I am their biggest supporter!