Posted on October 21, 2024
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 Program Manager
How long have you been with Penn-Mar? I have been with Penn-Mar 14 years.
What was your education and previous work experience prior to Penn-Mar and how did it prepare you for your current role? I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2004 with a BSED with a concentration in Social Studies. I taught middle school and high school for 4 years before deciding that this was not the direction I wanted to go. I loved working with the students and helping them. After teaching I continued working with youth as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 3 years. This was one of the most rewarding yet also draining jobs I have ever had. I still wasn’t on the right track. I heard about Penn-Mar from a friend who was working there at the time. She suggested I check them out. 10 years ago, I did just that and began working in the Maryland Day Program. I worked in a few capacities while I was working in the Day Program. I worked as a Program Instructor, a One to One, and I taught art for 2 years. I decided that I wanted to advance and build on my career here at Penn-Mar. I became a PM in 2013 because much like anyone working in the Human Service field, I wanted to make a difference, felt like I had more to give, and wanted to lead.
What’s one thing you wish people realized about your job? We are on-call 24/7. We get calls, morning, day and night, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. This job is a juggling act. There are many aspects that need to be juggled every day. This is a fast paced and ever-changing job. You must be ready for anything at any time. While it can be stressful at times, it is a fun and very rewarding job every day.
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you? I love that we are a leader in the field and help pave the way for others. We set good examples and have great ideas that we put into motion. We are constantly raising the bar. We provide opportunities not just for the individuals we serve, but for the team members we have as well. Not only are we providing employment to our team members, but we are providing new friendships, life lessons, and the love for the field. I enjoy watching new team members, who may not have had so much experience in this field grow their love for it!
What’s one thing you wished the general public knew about people with IDD? I wish people knew how incredibly smart they are. They are so often underestimated. They understand more that they are ever given credit for. Talk to them, spend time with them, get to know them. They have so much to offer the world!
What is your favorite quote or mantra? “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” – Pelé
Any hidden talents or fun facts someone wouldn’t know about you? I love history and world cultures. Learning about different cultures is something that fascinates me. There is always something new to learn.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, you’d visit . . . I would love to visit Spain. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, all of the places. From the mountains to the beaches, large cities small towns, cathedrals, museums, architecture, anything and everything in this beautiful country!
In your spare time, you’ll be found . . . You will most likely find me on the sidelines of the soccer field or the sidelines of the basketball court watching my daughters play.
Something fun, interesting, or meaningful about yourself: My husband, Jason and I have been together for 26 years. I have 2 daughters, Payton, 15 and Harper, 12 and 2 boxers, Goose and Maverick.
Sign up today to receive Penn-Mar's latest news.