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)

Prior to coming to TMG, I worked in the education field, and am trained in wellness/life coaching. This experience has equipped me with many tools and skills that allow me to help support others by focusing on finding solutions for their goals.

County/Region I'm familiar with

Milwaukee

Languages or Communication Skills

English, Russian

I'm comfortable with pets in the home

Yes

More about me

How do you Partner with people to 'clear the path ahead'?
The first step in helping the people I partner with achieve their goals is to get a clear understanding of what the goal is and why that person wants to achieve that goal. I focus on helping people clarify what they want, why they want it, how important it is to them, and what they can do to get it. Running into obstacles is a natural part of life, and when it happens, I believe we need to look for alternative routes. We then focus on the possible solutions and what is there, rather than what is not there. That way we keep moving forward.

What's your favorite thing about being an IRIS consultant?
I believe in the power of human connection, life with integrity, and the power of knowledge. When we know who we are, feel connected to others through our community, and are well informed, we can make better decisions for ourselves, and ultimately create a better quality of life. I feel that being a TMG IRIS Consultant allows me to help the people I partner with achieve those things, and it’s my favorite part of the job.

What past experience prepared you to become an IRIS Consultant?
My professional journey for the past 20 years has been diverse and full of learning experiences. I’ve had the privilege to work as a case manager and a clinician for a non-profit social service agency, an Employee Assistance Program counselor, a wellness coach, a psychology instructor, and I have managed my own small business for over a decade. I’ve worked with people from all different walks of life, supporting them in achieving their goals and dreams, and ultimately, helping them create meaningful and productive lives for themselves.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. Being in nature and hiking as well as dancing Argentine tango are some of the things I enjoy the most. Studying yogic philosophy, practicing and teaching yoga is also an important part of my life. I also read a lot, love movies and learning about different cultures.