Meet Regional Talent Acquisition Manager for Minnesota and Wisconsin, Bobbi Subiti. She is a key member of our recruitment team at Dungarvin, as her insights and expertise are invaluable in finding the best talent for our organization. Get to know her better in our latest ‘5 Questions with Bobbi Subiti:’
1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin; in the IDD industry?
I have worked at Dungarvin for two years now. My first job out of high school was working with the IDD population as a DSP supporting children in their homes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental illness.
2. Why do you have a passion for this work?
I went to high school in White Bear Lake, MN. At our school, we had a special education wing that provided education to children with various IDD diagnosis. I took a class where I was able to work with these children and learn more about how to support them. I continued to support and spend time with these students, even after the class ended. All people have a right to live their best life and reach their full potential. It was here that my passion for this population began!
3. What is your most treasured possession?
My miniature schnauzer, Ozzy. He is the best dog in the world!
4. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
Transparency and the ability to see life through a lens of humor and playfulness.
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
I value how my team comes together to support one another when someone needs help, as well as their exceptional work ethic.
“The past 10 years at Dungarvin, I have learned so much about Employment Services for the I/DD community. When I started, there were no work opportunities for clients living in foster and group homes to be in integrated employment making a fair wage. I am proud to be a part of one of the first Employment First providers as well as starting Dungarvin Oregon’s Employment Program. We’ve been able to get dozens of clients jobs over the past 10 years, most of whom were considered “unemployable” by the community and sometimes even their own supporters. Getting to see people successfully employed and creating relationships with those not paid to be with them, having the money to go on vacations and buy their loved ones gifts over the holidays and to be able to be in the community independently are just some of the outstanding outcomes Employment Services helps to facilitate. I look forward to continuing to build this program and be an advocate and voice for why this service element is so much more than getting someone a job. We are in the business of changing lives and that is something for which I am extremely proud.”
Get to know Talent Acquisition Specialist, Kara Marmon! Kara represents Washington, also making her responsible for the recruitment for Compass Career Solutions, a Dungarvin Company. Kara describes herself as witty, generous and proactive…and we would have to agree! Meet Kara through our latest installment of ‘5 questions with Kara Marmon:’
1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin/Compass; in the IDD industry?
I started out in the IDD industry back in 2015 working as a DSP. I had a passion for caring for others. My mother was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) my entire life, and I loved how much of an impact she had on the residents she cared for. I found I had a passion for training our new hires on specifics regarding the clients I was supporting. From there, I found my true calling which was connecting with the employees who would be providing supports to individuals. Moving away from the training department, I started focusing on HR and recruiting. Recruiting has given me the opportunity to find amazing caregivers, case managers and leadership positions so that our individuals are receiving top notch supports!
2. Why do you have a passion for this work?
The reason I choose to go this route was because I wanted to help a population that was less heard; one that didn’t always have a voice. I wanted to help advocate for those who needed help advocating for themselves. Growing up, I was on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and did not always feel heard when asking for support and help. The individuals we support have those feelings every day, and my hope was that I could lessen that even by just a little bit by being there and supporting them.
3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, the common issue we see more often than not is wages. I have had the opportunity to speak with some really great folks, however when it comes down to it the wages for our state, it causes us to lose out on some exceptional talent. I would love to see benchmarks raised so that the men and women performing these essential jobs can be compensated at the rate they deserve.
4. Who are your heroes in life and why?
The heroes in my life include two of my favorite guys! My father John and my son Karter. I am definitely a “daddy’s girl.” When I was growing up, you could find me wherever my dad was (typically out on the Columbia River Gorge fishing for sturgeon or camping). The things my dad has shown and taught me will live on through many generations to follow. My son Karter has helped me turn into the woman I should of always been but never knew I was ready to be. I wake up wanting to be a better version of me for not only my son but for myself!
5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement thus far would be becoming a mother.
“I’ve always said: ‘love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life!’ As such, I’ve been fortunate to have worked very little over the last 30 years. I started at Dungarvin as the HR Manager for Minnesota at the end of 1993. When the company added services in Wisconsin and New Mexico the following year, I moved into a national HR director role. Since then, the company has continued to evolve and we have now grown to over 6,000 employees in 15 states. That growth has provided many happy opportunities as well as challenges for my career. I am so grateful to my Dungarvin family for the opportunity to make a difference!”
“I have an excellent team of caring, devoted people who are committed to the population we serve,” said Foster Care Team Lead, Tammy Kershner. Tammy is a proud member of our ACI-Dungarvin team in North Carolina. She describes herself as caring and supportive, and we couldn’t agree more! Get to know her and her passions through ‘5 questions with Tammy Kershner:’
1. How long have you been at Dungarvin; in the I/DD industry?
January 2024 marked my 12th anniversary working for the agency in the therapeutic foster care program. My first job in the field was at a children’s crisis shelter.
2. Why do you have a passion for this work?
I want to see children thrive and be successful.
3. What is your most treasured possession?
My Shih-Tzu, Gracie Mae, although I see her more as our baby and not a possession. 😊
4. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
Trust and transparency. And to appreciate a good chuckle! This field requires a strong sense of humor, lol.
5. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
More early intervention screening and increased day treatment settings.
In the world of disability support services, there are often many heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes to empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest. One such hero is William Pate, who was recognized as the 2021 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year by ANCOR, an advocacy organization working to strengthen the ability of community-based providers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the group announces its 2024 DSP of the Year winners in April, we contacted William to revisit his inspiring story.
When he first met Caleb, a non-verbal individual with significant support needs, William immediately saw his potential. Despite initial reports that Caleb was unable to perform basic tasks, William envisioned a different future for him—one filled with independence and personal growth. Through personalized support and advocacy, William worked closely with Caleb and his support team to develop tailored teaching methods for each goal. He understood that true empowerment comes from individualized care and support and was determined to help Caleb achieve his personal goals. Over time, small but significant achievement paved the way for Caleb to tackle more significant goals, such as feeding himself and riding in vehicles.
William’s unwavering commitment to Caleb’s success did not go unnoticed. His person-centered approach and advocacy for Caleb’s needs led to a newfound self-worth in Caleb. Using compassion, William has not only helped Caleb achieve his goals but has also empowered him to believe in his own potential.
Since 2021, William has continued to work with Caleb and says he’s doing great! “He is spending more time out in the community with his dad and goes to the races, football games to see his brother play, and was able to spend time with his grandparents and little sister this past summer,” said William. “They were amazed at how much he continues to improve.”
William’s leadership skills shine through in his approach to working with his team and supporting Caleb. He leads by example, ensuring that staff understand the importance of each step and how it aligns with Caleb’s goal of independence. By providing this hands-on guidance and support, William empowers his team to be confident in their teaching skills and invested in Caleb’s success.
In addition to working with Caleb, William now supports three other men. “They are my passion,” said William. “I enjoy seeing them every day and providing them with supports that help them have a meaningful day.”
William’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that dedicated support can have in the lives of individuals with disabilities. His work demonstrates the difference one person can make to empower others to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive in their communities.
William Pate works at the Black Forest House in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dungarvin is honored to recognize William’s accomplishments and other past winners of this amazing honor.