IRIS Consultant Biography

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

Credentials

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

I’m passionate about working with people with disabilities. Prior to becoming an IRIS Consultant, I worked for three years at a day center, where I supported adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Together, we worked on helping them work towards their vocational goals, daily living skills, transitioning outcomes, health, wellness and recreational needs. I also taught health and wellness, sign language and money management classes as well as supported individuals through mentoring.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Barron, Chippewa, Rusk

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'?
To me, partnering with people means working together on the same level to accomplish goals. To do this, I first would learn more about you and what your goals are. Once we’ve identified your goals, I will work with you to create an action plan to help achieve those goals. I will then help you navigate different services and supports that will fit in your IRIS budget to accomplish your goals.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
Helping others accomplish their goals so that they can live a self-directed life is one of my favorite things about being a TMG IRIS consultant. I believe that having independence and living life on your own terms is important. I am passionate about helping people live the best quality of life possible in their communities.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
My education in Human Development and minor in Social Work gave me a great foundation for working in human services. My work experience, however, is what prepared me to become a TMG IRIS Consultant. Working at a day center for over three years gave me the opportunity to listen, learn, advocate, mentor and work with individuals to help them accomplish their goals. I am excited to share my knowledge with you.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like to do just about anything outdoors, including hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping. I also spend a lot of time playing outside with my two dogs at the lake. I enjoy doing these things independently as well as with family and friends. Health is also important to me, so I spend a lot of my free time at the gym and doing various physical activities.