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.

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)

My versatility and dedication as a behavioral therapist specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder has given me a passion for the human services field. I have significant experience administering behavior plans and assisting with life skills for individuals with an array of needs, including those dealing with mental health issues and people who may have dual diagnoses of both a disability and emotional/behavioral disorders. I have also been familiarized with different types of traumatic brain injury, which my mother happens to have. I have great interest in problem solving to help individuals meet their goals and live a fulfilling life. My experience working in various settings such as Milwaukee Center for Independence, Easter Seals of WI, Milwaukee Public Schools, and The Florida Autism Center have all led to a vast knowledge and understanding of the lives and employment goals of people who have physical, cognitive, and other developmental disabilities.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Milwaukee

Languages or Communication Skills

English

I'm comfortable with pets in the home

No

More about me

How do you Partner with people to 'clear the path ahead'?
First and foremost, we will figure out what things you might want to achieve through self-direction. We will look at resources, including services and supports that may help you along the way. We will make the most of the IRIS Budget for your wants and needs so that self-directed is something positive for our partnership together, but more importantly, for you as an independent individual.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
To see people achieve goals that they may have thought were not possible to achieve is the real favorite experience of mine. I am excited to see people light up when their goals and aspirations have come to fruition through a program like this. It gives me a sense of purpose to be partnered alongside someone who is self-directing and living their best life.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
My experience in public schools growing up gave me insight into cultural, ability and socioeconomic differences. This has helped me to better work with diverse populations and recognize that everyone deserves a good quality of life, and a self-directed one at that. Choice is the ability to be free, and I know that making your own decisions is incredibly important part of reaching any major or minor goals.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love movies, comedy shows, and music (I enjoy all of the festivals around the area during the summer). I am a glass and rock collector, or as they call me, a rock hound. I travel up the coast of Lake Michigan on weekends to sift through the beaches. I take part in cooking, nature photography, attend social justice protests, and like to try out new restaurants and trivia nights with friends.