We take great pleasure in sharing our final Honoree for Women’s History Month 2022. In the late 1980’s we had the opportunity to begin working to shift people’s services from segregated, site-based behavior management services into community-based services with a focus on positive behavior support and person-centered thinking. As Ingrid shares below, many of these individuals had transitioned from institutions back into the community and they helped to teach us the importance of learning to truly listen to the people we support. We cherish our long-time collaboration with Ingrid and are proud of what she has accomplished, as a colleague, a friend, and mom!
I want to sincerely thank Avenues Supported Living Services, their founders, staff, and all of the individuals they support. You have proven yourself as one of our community’s most recognized providers carrying out your “three Rs”. I continue to learn from you and am honored to be recognized as part of your circle of incredible women who make a difference daily in our community.
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, I was raised by nurturing parents who provided a great model for their children. They ensured we were exposed to diverse communities and instilled a strong work ethic that I hope to impart to my own children. My parents also shared the history of our family, the good, and the injustices they encountered, many of which we continue to face today. I owe my success to their love, support, and instruction.
My father was a licensed contractor and my mother worked as a community activist. As my father worked hard to build homes in the San Fernando Valley, my mother worked diligently to build service and social networks for the elderly through our home church. From my father, I received self-discipline, from my mother a call to service and both have supported my work and vision.
During college, I was drawn to working with adults and adolescents in need of psychological services. I saw a community that was inadequately being served, and I learned all I could about supporting those who were underrepresented, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I was incredibly fortunate to learn from established mentors. I learned from Scott and Lorri Shepard who were the luminaries in their field and both encouraged my interest and aspirations. I would not be where I am today without the foundation of knowledge gained from these talented, gracious, and giving mentors.
Throughout my career, I have been privileged to work for so many organizations committed to creative and progressive solutions. I’ve worked for Jay Nolan Community Services, the South Central Regional Center, have served in day program management, was a behavior specialist, a residential administrator, worked in resource development, on de-institutionalization projects, in quality assurance, was a person-centered-planning facilitator, on the ground floor of various start-ups, on the board of directors for the NLACRC and Tri- Counties’ Regional Center Vendor Advisory Committees, and served on North L.A’’s Strategic Planning Committee. All of these varied experiences led me to the founding of my own company in 1995. Community Options Integrated Services has experienced continued success providing family home support for individuals throughout Southern and Central California. I am so fortunate to serve, and I love what I do.
I am thankful every day for the exposure to diversity and I celebrate these differences in race, color, ethnicity, origin, sexual orientation, gender, religion, age, and intellectual/developmental differences. I am thankful for all of the individuals I’ve served over my career, and I have learned so much from them about dignity, compassion, independence, and I strongly believe that separate is not equal.
Too often, individuals are defined by their labels, but these labels do not reveal much about who they are. To learn about a person, you must listen, understand their perspective, to recognize their aspirations, dreams, and desires. It is our job, to help these come true. Every day, I work to ensure the same opportunities for those I serve, so they may have every chance to achieve their dreams.
My deeply seated values form the foundation for a wonderful life of service where I have met so many individuals who, despite their disability, have the same desires and goals as anyone else. Working with them has enriched my life making me a better mother, wife, friend, neighbor, professional, boss, and citizen. I continue to learn from colleagues, mentors, and coaches who guide me as I guide others with respect, care, and support. Thank you again to everyone at Avenues Supported Living Services; this is an incredible honor, and I am truly humbled. I am grateful to be able to work with such wonderful individuals and I truly believe we have made a difference through Community Options.
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