IRIS Consultant Biography

Back to search results

  Consultant Name Thomas Gierke
  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 5/11/2011 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
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Associate of Applied Science - Engineering Yes 6/1/1998

Credentials

Name of Certification / Accreditation Certifying Agency Date Certification was Obtained

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

I have worked as an Executive Director for an agency that advocated for people with developmental disabilities and I have experience with vehicle modifications, assistive technology and home modifications, especially bathrooms, ramps and stair lifts. I also have nearly 25 years of experience working with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and employment for people with disabilities.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Outagamie

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 Consultant, I start to clear the path ahead by laying the groundwork to develop a good working relationship. I spend a considerable amount of time learning about the individual in IRIS by every means possible, but especially by sitting down and listening. I work to set reachable goals, but also like to dream and talk about the things that may not seem reachable, but may be able to be in reach once the barriers are removed and the path ahead is cleared.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
My favorite thing about being an IRIS Consultant is being able to use the things that I have learned in the past, overcoming my own challenges to help others in overcoming their own challenges. I also enjoy thinking out of the box to be creative in solving problems.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
I possess a diverse professional and technical background, including positions in engineering, communications and nonprofit management. I have a physical disability and have needed a wheelchair my entire life, giving me a unique first-hand perspective on how to make the most out of situations that can oftentimes be viewed as the worst. As an IRIS Consultant and an individual in the IRIS program, I am gifted with the ability to use my personal experiences to truly help people clear the path ahead. I also possess a deep working knowledge of the disability û world, including much experience with networking and finding resources. I strive to continue to work to improve the lives of individuals with challenges.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with people, teaching, motivating and inspiring. I work closely with my Church, doing outreach and serving in any way that I can. I enjoy attending/participating in events with my Church family. I like watching football, racing and my son's sporting events. I enjoy spending time with my wife and appreciating the simple things in life.

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