IRIS Consultant Biography

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  Consultant Name Susan Espeseth Shepardson
  Company Name TMG
  Phone Number 844-864-8987
  E-Mail IRISinfo@tmgwisconsin.com

Work History (starting with most recent)

Name of Agency Date of Employment Job Title
TMG 5/22/2017 IRIS Consultant

Care Responsibilities

Your TMG IRIS consultant is your partner as you create a plan that meets your needs and stays within your IRIS budget. Your TMG IRIS consultant can connect you to resources in your area, and will be a great source of information for any questions you have about the IRIS program. In a self-directed program like IRIS, you decide who provides your support and services and when they happen. You may have natural support from people in your life, or you may choose to purchase the support you need from an agency or someone that you hire directly. Your TMG IRIS consultant will be there to talk through these decisions with you, and will help you put a plan in place that reflects your choices.

Educational Background

Name of Institution Major/Degree Degree Obtained Date Obtained
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Yes 8/1/1981
University of Houston Elementary Education No
University of Houston Chemical Dependency Counselor No

Credentials

Name of Certification / Accreditation Certifying Agency Date Certification was Obtained
Social Work Training Certificate Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services 12/1/2016
Functional Screener Wisconsin Department of Health Services 10/1/2016

Specialties (e.g., working with autism, the elderly, employment for people with disabilities or youth in transition, mental health, experience with assisted technology)

Prior to joining TMG, I’ve had a long and rich 30-plus year career as a caseworker in Vilas county, as well as in Houston and near Charlotte, NC, helping people with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as older adults. I have a lot of experience navigating Medicaid waiver programs. Having been a TMG IRIS Consultant for five years now, I continue to love building relationships with the people I partner with and helping them find ways to achieve their goals. I consider myself an out-of-the-box thinker when it comes to helping others.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Forest, Oneida, Vilas

Languages or Communication Skills

English

I'm comfortable with pets in the home

Yes

More about me

How do you Partner with people to 'clear the path ahead'?
I help people in the IRIS program “clear the path ahead” by establishing a solid relationship with them. Listening to their needs, their interests and their dreams is the first step to jointly determine what services will best assist them in achieving their goals. Often times, that includes thinking outside the box and being creative. I enjoy coming up with innovative solutions, and I also embrace traditional ideas that have proven to be effective.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
Having been a TMG IRIS Consultant for five years now, I continue to love building relationships with the people I partner with and helping them find ways to achieve their goals. I consider myself an out-of-the-box thinker when it comes to helping others.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
Prior to joining TMG, I’ve had a long and rich 30-plus year career as a caseworker in Vilas county, as well as in Houston and near Charlotte, NC, helping people with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as older adults. I have a lot of experience navigating Medicaid waiver programs.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work, I have a lot of interests, including spending time with my family, my dog, my cat, baking, exploring the Northwoods, and cheering on the Packers. I am a new grandma this past year to one, soon to be two, wonderful grandchildren!

WI DHS/DLTC/F-01486 (04/2015)