IRIS Consultant Biography

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  Consultant Name Arista Hollifield
  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 228/2022 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.

Educational Background

Name of Institution Major/Degree Degree Obtained Date Obtained
Carthage College Cross Categorical Special Education - Bachelor of Arts Yes 5-2016
UW - Milwaukee Administrative Leadership - Bachelor of Science No

Credentials

Name of Certification / Accreditation Certifying Agency Date Certification was Obtained
Certified Special Education Teacher Wisconsin Department of Instruction 5-2016

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 my role as a TMG IRIS Consultant, I worked with individuals who have a wide range of ability levels. As a special education teacher and learning strategist, I am experienced in identifying individual needs and developing creative solutions to address those needs. My work as a public-school teacher has allowed me to work with a very diverse population. Additionally, I am familiar with using assistive technology devices to help people overcome any barriers that may face.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Kenosha, Racine

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'?
As your TMG IRIS Consultant, I will be your advocate each step of the way to ensure that you are informed and well prepared to self-direct your IRIS budget. Together, we will discuss what is most important to you and put together a plan that will help you achieve your goals.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
I am passionate about removing barriers that might prevent people from living the life they want to live. I love creating plans that fulfill the person's needs and provide them the support necessary for a safe and healthy life. I enjoy educating the people I partner with about all the options and opportunities available to them and empowering them along the journey.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
As a teenager and young adult, I spent my time in high school and college taking care of my mother, who was terminally ill with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. During this time, I learned how important it is to be an active listener and to develop a strong support system. Furthermore, my experience as a special education teacher has allowed me to work with individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and learning disabilities. My biggest takeaway from these experiences is that individuals are not defined by their disabilities. Labels are for jars, not people.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, you can find me taking my two kids to soccer lessons, swimming lessons, snowboarding lessons… the list goes on and on! I guess I do not have too much free time on my hands right now, but I sure am loving this fun and busy chapter of my life.

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