YOUR CHOICE RESIDENTIAL - Key Persons
Since acquiring a Bachelor's of Applied Science in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, David has worked both directly and indirectly with individuals diagnosed with disabilities. David has experience with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy working as a Behavioral Interventionist for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). David also has experience working at a Community Centered Board (CCB) as an advocate providing case management and quality enhancement. With a vast knowledge and understanding of Home and Community Bases Services (HCBS) rules and regulations, along with a complete devotion to individuals diagnosed with IDD, David has a profound ability to advocate for those in need of support. He prides himself in being punctual, professional, and understanding while working both with individuals diagnosed with IDD, as well as their families, guardians, and advocates. David enjoys spending time with his wife, cooking, fishing, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.
When asked why he is so passionate about working alongside those diagnosed with IDD, he stated, "I have the best job in the world! I enjoy seeing people grow and become more independent, and if I can play a small part in that, then even on challenging days my work is fulfilling."
Margaret's desire to help others began at a very young age. Her mother often volunteered with various community organizations with Margaret by her side participating and witnessing the importance of community involvement. From this grew a career of helping and giving back to others. Margaret's desire to help her community lead to a Bachelor of Social Work from Western Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Prior to working at Your Choice, Margaret worked at a Community Center Board (CCB) for 14 years. She began as a Service Coordinator in Case Management and then moved up, and spent the majority of her time, as a supervisor helping to oversee, train and develop Service Coordinators, all of which helped to build and expand the Case Management Department. As a result, Margaret has a strong knowledge base of various Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers and understands how various services and supports work together.
When asked what she most looks forward to in working at Your Choice, she stated, "I am excited to once again work more closely with the people we serve, our providers, and community members. It is fulfilling to be able to directly assist, even in a small way, in helping the people we serve be more independent and live the kind of life that they want and choose."
Job Titles:
- Residential Program Manager
Meghan became passionate about helping others when she got involved with her high school's Coalition club and got to participate in various volunteer opportunities, including helping teach choreography with a dance troupe made up of teens and adults with disabilities. This experience, among others, led her to pursue a degree in Human Services - Integrative Practice and certificate in Victim/Survivor Services at Washburn University where she also served as the Washburn Human Services Coalition president during her senior year. While in school, Meghan completed internships in social work, family services, and administrative work at local HeadStart programs. Following graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher and SpEd para before relocating to Washington state, just outside of Seattle. There, she worked as a resource coordinator for families enrolled in early intervention services, particularly those who were experiencing housing and food insecurity and domestic violence. In the Fall of 2020, Meghan relocated to Colorado and began working at Community Centered Board (CCB) as a service coordinator assisting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves and access waiver services. After nearly 2 years in that role, she decided to transition to the provider side and joined Your Choice. She is looking forward to using her knowledge of waiver services and community resources in a new capacity as well as getting to build closer relationships with people utilizing services, their families, and their providers.
In her free time, Meghan enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outside camping and hiking with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs.
When asked what is most important to him about Your Choice he stated that it was, "Seeing the impact of good work for people and creating community partnerships with and for people with IDD is awesome! Helping to create a space for people to advocate for themselves and lead the lives they choose to lead; and being by their side while they achieve true equality, that is what matters to us."
Prior to working at Your Choice, William's dedication to the people he serves was sparked 10 years ago while providing behavioral intervention focused work in Romania for children who were orphaned and had Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. A former college basketball player, William coached a wheelchair basketball team while working in Romania which remains one of his most valued experiences. He continued his work in Nebraska as a Behavioral Support Coordinator at a residential support and service agency, and also worked a year at the Children's Advocacy Center as a Forensic Interviewer for disadvantaged children facing placement into the foster care system. He has 9 years of leadership experience and has worked in nearly every facet of the systems that assist the people he serves, including advocacy at a legislative level. Among extensive direct support experience, William has managed a day program, coordinated residential services, and has developed Behavioral Plans for over 200 developmentally/intellectually disabled adults, with a goal of reducing or eliminating their levels of psychotropic medication. William refined his expertise at a community centered board as a member and leader of the Quality Enhancement Team. As such, he has a strong understanding of regulatory statues and standards for people in services.