I recently joined ElevateDD as the Coordinator of Education Services for Learning Aid Ohio and Adult Literacy Ohio. I am thrilled and excited to be a part of an organization founded on elevating voice and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. In this role, I will be able to support matching learners and tutors in both literacy programs and support them all to increase literacy and advocacy, including reading, writing, speaking, communication and listening. I look forward to supporting both tutors and learners in goal setting and goal attainment.
I was born and raised in northeast Ohio. I currently live in Solon, a suburb of Cleveland and have been a resident of Cuyahoga County my whole life. I have one child, my son, Nathan, one grandchild, his (and his partner, Serenity’s) daughter, Nova, and my life partner, John. Nathan and his family live in Colorado Springs so we are always happy to take a long weekend trip to visit them. Four of John’s five children live in Idaho and Nevada so we also visit them regularly. His fifth child lives in the Cleveland area so we can see him all the time. I always wanted a big family so by combining John’s and mine, I got my wish!
I am also a sibling. My brother Dave was born with cerebral palsy when I was five years old so I really do not remember a time in my life that does not include someone with a disability. Our relationship has had a huge impact on my life and career choices. Dave and I have been playmates, roommates, and best friends. I have been his caregiver and he has been my babysitter. We have travelled and gone to many, many concerts together.
Before joining ElevateDD, I earned my Masters in Education and teaching licensure at Cleveland State University and also have Reading and Literacy Specialist endorsements. I served in a number of roles in the disability community before retiring after 30+ years in education and advocacy including teaching, supervision, professional development, and consulting, at the individual, district, regional and state levels. Though I am retired, I am not done working yet! When the opportunity at ElevateDD came up, I was drawn to their mission, vision and core values and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
When I am not working I spend time advocating through participation in a number of organizations, attending rallies, conferences and other events and providing professional development and outreach. I am a board member of the Supported Decision Making Network of Ohio, and a Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador and presenter. I also love live music, so I go to a lot of concerts. I enjoy the theater and I am a season ticket holder at Playhouse Square, and I support all of our local sports teams, the Cavs, the Guardians and even the Browns. I also like to travel, hike, bike, read and paint, and play with my three cats Kyumi, Maisey and Reggie.
