“I have been fortunate in my time with Dungarvin because I have had people who believed in me, which in turn has allowed me to grow in my career,” shared Dan. “I have had the pleasure to grow within a company that itself is constantly growing, and this has given me a lot of opportunities to advance within the IT department. After 20 years, I will say that Dungarvin has become something more than a place where I work. The people and the culture have made a huge impact on my life.”
1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin; in the IDD industry?
I have worked at Dungarvin for 9.5 years, starting as a Program Director and now in my current role as Area Manager since April of this year.
2. Why do you have a passion for this work?
When I started in the field, I was working in a program with folks with Autism, some of whom who had significantly challenging behaviors. Helping support people through those times and working with them to overcome barriers that have previously limited them in their lives, has been an amazing and fulfilling experience.
3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
It would be great for the legislature to continue to give increases to allow us to pass additional pay along to our staff.
4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Probably my career. When I started in the field, I knew next to nothing about the important work that we do. Through the years, I have continued to be grow professionally and am proud to still be here 20+ years later!
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
Everyone has a seat at the table. Nobody’s input is overlooked or not taken into consideration, and this ultimately makes a cohesive team. We also have a good number of supervisors who have been here for many years who are able to work with the newer supervisors as they come in to help them along and understand their role which translates to better supervision and support for all of their teams.
“I’ve had such a fulfilling career at Dungarvin because of the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Helping people navigate their daily lives, while also supporting them in achieving their long-term goals, has been incredibly rewarding. Throughout my journey, I’ve focused on respecting and responding to the unique needs of each person, whether those needs are medical, physical, or emotional. It’s been inspiring to get to know the individuals I work with on a deeper level—understanding their struggles, challenges, and dreams—and partnering with them to overcome obstacles. Seeing their growth, celebrating their successes, and knowing that I’ve played a role in improving their quality of life has made my career truly meaningful. Every day offers new opportunities to help others achieve their potential, and that’s what has kept me so motivated and fulfilled throughout my time at Dungarvin.”
Congratulations are in order for our very own Brandy Gerdes-Schutz. Brandy is the Senior Director for Compass Career Solutions, a Dungarvin company, and now she is taking on a new title: CEA (Community Employment Alliance) Board President!
“I’m honored and grateful to have been elected as the CEA Board President,” shared Brandy. “Washington leads the nation in Supported Employment, and I’m deeply appreciative of the partnerships within CEA as we work together to advance Supported Employment. Through our collective advocacy, we’re addressing the changes needed in our systems to increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such dedicated professionals, including self-advocates and organizational leaders across the state. While there is still much to accomplish, I’m proud to be part of CEA as we continue this important work.”
Congratulations, Brandy! We are so excited to see the life-affirming work you can champion in this role. For more information on Compass Career Solutions, their services, and opportunities to join the team, please visit www.careersbycompass.com.
1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so?
When I started working in the group home in St. Cloud, I worked with four children and quickly found that helping them become more independent and grow up even in a setting like a group home was very rewarding. I was only 20 at the time and had to take on a role of staff, parent and friend. It was quickly evident to me that these kids needed people who would show up for them every day and who would create strong relationships with them that they didn’t get in a traditional way. If it wasn’t for us staff who genuinely cared about them who knows what their childhood would have been like. I have had the opportunity in my career to work in so many different service models and see how they all play a part in helping our people served grow, gain self esteem and feel like they matter. That’s what keeps me coming back every day, how we can make their lives better.
2. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?
In a friend, I value someone who is honest. I want to be real and myself and always want my friends to be the same. In a co-worker, I value determination. I want a co-worker who sees a problem and wants to find a solution, someone who steps up and puts themselves out there for the greater good of the individuals we support.
3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?
More mental health resources. This includes therapists, crisis intervention options, trauma informed care resources, psychiatrists, housing assistance for individuals who struggle due to their mental health, etc.
4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My boys. I have two sons, Brady (12) and Blake (10). I work really hard to make sure they have amazing experiences in their lives but that they still understand how very lucky they are. I have had a variety of moments when it has been evident that they have grasped what I have tried to teach. One example was Brady as a 5th grader had volunteered to help the special education classes at his school during gym. Brady created a strong relationship with one of the kiddos in that gym class and was really proud to be able to pull him in his wagon through the 5th grade graduation line on the last day of school. Blake was volunteering one day with me at the local food pantry and as we were leaving, he turned to me and said, “Mom, you are really good at talking to everyone and making them feel special.” That he walked away with that impression versus complaining about having to spend his evening volunteering made me feel like I was making him see some of the important things.
5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
The dedication. Everyone who works at Dungarvin shows up every day determined to help the people we support. This starts with our direct care staff and goes all the up to directors and Positive Support team I supervise. In Acute services we work with people who might be at their lowest and struggle every day. The dedication to trying to find solutions and to pivot on a dime to address new challenges is mind boggling. I have seen groups pull together to rack their brains to figure out how to help someone who is struggling and seen some amazing success stories from those brainstorming sessions. This is a very hard job for everyone, and it takes away from other parts of your life, you don’t get to punch a clock and go home at night. The teams that I work with care so much and impress me every day with their dedication!
Dungarvin Colorado Receptionist Phyllis Watkins has taken her final office call. This last week, Phyllis celebrated 27 years with the organization. “Phyllis has been here so long that she has become the face of Dungarvin Colorado Springs,” shared Director Bruce Mayberry.
“When I first started, I had never heard of Dungarvin,” said Phyllis. “I was thinking, ‘what have I gotten myself into?’ But they were amazing, immediately. Whether you had an appointment, or your grandkids needed you, you had the flexibility to do what you needed to do. I got to know the clients on a very personal level, and everything was family-oriented.”
“Phyllis was someone that knew everyone at Dungarvin Colorado. You can’t go into the community without someone stopping her or her recognizing someone to have a conversation. She was beloved by everyone!” shared Bruce. “While directors, employees, persons supported, and the addresses have changed, Phyllis stood the test of time and made the transition through many uncalculated changes.”
“I’m at a loss for words,” shared Phyllis. “It was a great career, and I loved the people. I looked forward to seeing the clients and they looked forward to seeing me. They mentioned they were going to miss all my fun activities, like bubble gum day or popcorn day. They loved seeing me at the front office, and I sure will miss it!”
Thank you, Phyllis, for bringing a smile to everyone around you for the last 27 years. Dungarvin Colorado will forever be impacted by you!