I earned a BA in Human Relations and Social Work from High Point University in 1992 and a Master of Public Health with a focus in Health Care Administration from Lenoir Rhyne University in 2015.
My experience in the residential service arena began by working as a Direct Support Professional at WNC Group Homes in 1992. During my career I have served persons with IID in various positions as a QDDP, Social Services Coordinator, IID CAP Case Manager, Residential Services Director and Program Administrator in private non-profit and County run programs in North Carolina and Illinois.
In 2006 I returned to WNC Group Homes as the Executive Director. From 2006 to 2015, I led the WNC Group Homes team through the process of becoming contracted as a Network Provider. This allowed us to work with the Local Management Entity/Manage Care network system in 6 different regions to support a larger community. I facilitated the process for earning the agencies first National Accreditation status from Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in 2009 and obtained approval from the Certificate of Need Division of DHHS to relocate and re- build the Montford Group home in 2010.
In 2015 I was appointed as CEO of the affiliation between Blue Ridge Area Foundation, Inc. and WNC Group Home for Autistic Persons, Inc. now known as BlueWest Opportunities.
I am an active member of the North Carolina Association of ICF/IID and Innovations Providers. I previously served as the Association’s Secretary (2014-2017) and am presently serving as the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee for the Association.
I have volunteered in the Buncombe County community by serving as a Guardian Ad Litem, a member of the Innovative Approaches ACE Collaborative, and the PTO Boards for Haw Creek Elementary and AC Reynolds Middle Schools.
I love my job because each day presents learning opportunities. The challenges we face often result in development and growth. All the teams in the organizations are diverse, dynamic and passionate about serving and supporting others. This is what makes me feel proud to be a part of the process.