Posted on August 10, 2023
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? I am the Community Supports Day Administrator for the Westminster location.
How long have you been with Penn-Mar? I have had the pleasure of being with Penn-Mar a little over 2 years.
How did you get connected with Penn-Mar? I heard of Penn-Mar through a friend who works as a Employment DSP at another organization and we would always have conversations about her work and it has always been a passion of mine to be in the field we work in, so I went searching and came across the website and started researching and instantly had to apply for the Support Team Manager role. I felt this was exactly where I have been looking for next steps in my career as I was just finishing my master’s with the intention of moving into human resources.
What was your previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role? In my previous role, I was a manager of an Assisted Living. Being in that role has provided me with many skills, insight, challenges, and opportunities that I feel have provided me a foundation into management especially within human resources.
What does your work entail? I support the Penn-Mar West location as a whole, but more specifically the support team managers, administrative assistant, employment team, and our custodian with community supports.
What’s an average day like for you? I think the best part is that I do not have an average day as it can be quick to change, which is something I enjoy as it keeps me on my toes and very active. You can usually find me connecting with team members and those we support!
What is your favorite part of your job? The greatness I see every day between team members and those we support. Seeing those achieve mission moments or dreams with the support of the incredible staff here at Penn-Mar is something I look forward too daily.
What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job? There is a lot of moving parts, and it takes a village to support all those at our West location, and I could never be thankful enough to all those who help support the mission. This job is incredibly fulfilling as we are able to support those to achieve their dreams within services and I think that is something I am forever grateful to be a part of.
In another life, your career path is . . . I first started to go to school for criminal justice as I wanted to be an FBI agent who investigated crime scenes. During my short time in the program, I found that I want to be more in the medical/human resource field as I had many passions within that I felt I needed to be a part of.
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you? Penn-Mar’s mission aligns with my personal values which makes them that much more meaningful. Penn-Mars mission to help support individuals in choice to living their best lives in the most person-centered way is exactly a mission I will stand behind and continue to support.
What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD? People often underestimate those with IDD and their capabilities. I wish for the community to become more aware/ inclusive of those within their local communities, while getting to know those with IDD to see their passions, skillsets, personalities, thoughts, ideas, partnerships, and determination.
What is your favorite quote or mantra? “You only live once? False. You live every day. You only die once” – Dwight Schrute
Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you? I sadly don’t think I have any talents, but a fun fact would be that I used to race four wheelers and dirt bikes (such a Michigander thing) until I broke my left arm 9 times and have had many surgeries! I now have a not so working hand with a good chunk of it being fake (pretty neat if you ask me), I then hid a lot of my scars with the tattoos I have! I also LOVE to skydive!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . . Oh, I love to travel, I find myself picking up and going all the time! Europe and Australia are big on my adventure list!
In your spare time, you’ll be found . . . With friends and family gathering together, and most likely playing cornhole and phase 10!
A book, movie, TV show, sports team, etc. you love: This I feel is very obvious if you know me, but The Office is a BIG favorite of mine and then Harry Potter (especially on a chilly fall night)!
Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself: I have two children and have been married 11 years this year. We moved here from Michigan 9 years ago as my husband’s line of work changed to Maryland. We sadly left all our family behind, but we head back to Michigan as much as possible, especially in the Summer to enjoy boating season at our beach house and boat! The sunsets on the water in Michigan are truly unlike anything I have ever seen!