This afternoon, Chief People Officer Han Hoppe was given a sterling send-off surrounded by laughs and many well wishes. Hoppe is retiring after almost four years with the organization, a time in which he helped transform the Human Resources department to better recruit talent across the United States as the company continues to grow. Speeches were given by Karin Stockwell, Central Regional Director, Tim Madden, Dungarvin Founder as well as Lori Kress, Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re still realizing the potential of Han’s transformational ideas,” shared Tim. “That’s how I’m going to remember you: shaping the legacy of Dungarvin with that special ‘Han’ signature.”
The celebration was held at our National Central Office and the room was decked in orange by Director of Talent Acquisition Meghan Shields and Talent Acquisition Manager Bobbi Subiti, Han’s favorite color.
“I’ve worked for many companies, but none quite had the same mission as what Dungarvin stands for,” shared Han. “Thank you, this has been a great journey!”
Thank you for bringing laughter and light to every situation, Han. You will be missed. Cheers to a happy retirement!
At Dungarvin, we respect and respond to the choices of those in need of our supports. That means that individuals come to us for all kinds of reasons, and needing different kinds of support, like the journey of 35-year-old Georgio.
Georgio is a family man and a beacon of strength and resilience to many. Georgio has a sense of humor that can light up the darkest room, and a unique ability to turn challenges into moments of joy. Living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Georgio has faced many hurdles throughout his life. Yet through every struggle, he demonstrates what it means to be resilient.
In July of 2022, Georgio was starting a new life in Portland after moving from California. Late one night he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was shot when a firearm went off. While he miraculously recovered from serious physical injury, he began experiencing severe PTSD as a result of the experience.
A couple of weeks after the incident and because he was already working with our Supportive Living program, Dungarvin helped Georgio find his own apartment. Feeling safe became his top priority but, unfortunately, his journey into despair was just beginning.
When out in public, if strangers looked at him too long or tried speaking to him, Georgio’s brain immediately told him that this person was dangerous, and they were going to hurt him – and that he needed to do more to protect himself. So, he purchased a gun.
One fateful evening later that year, Georgio’s firearm discharged in public by accident. While he tried to explain the situation to police, Georgio didn’t know his situation was about to get much worse.
In 2024, Georgio and his sister had a heated argument during a family meal. Authorities were called and he ended up in jail. His sister pressed charges. It was at this time that it was discovered a warrant had been issued for Georgio’s arrest for the firearm accident two years earlier, a fact for which he was unaware. His life was unravelling, so he reached out to Dungarvin for help.
After spending the night in jail, Georgio called his Supportive Living Program Director, Emily Goldenstein, to pick him up and help him contact a lawyer. “For the most part, Georgio was alone dealing with all of this past trauma, and it was really difficult to see,” shared Emily. “He had a newborn daughter, and it was heartbreaking to see what this situation was doing to him and his ability to be a present father.”
Now in court several courses of action were required, including counseling and therapy, but due to his PTSD, it was difficult for Georgio to open up and trust anyone. Of course, the legal system couldn’t fully appreciate what he had been through and how it had ultimately affected his behavior. “We had a lot of conversations about how the only way out is through, and he really began to embrace that,” Emily stated.
Over time, Georgio started therapy for the past traumas he had experienced as he tried to reestablish a life that connected him to family. Unable to be present for his newborn daughter was devastating to him – and the inspiration he needed to heal.
“Georgio is one of my favorite people, both personally and from a professional perspective,” shared Emily. “Because of the person we know he is, everyone at Dungarvin was willing to step up for him. We knew that we could help explain the extenuating circumstances of what Georgio had been through to judges, diversion specialists and others within the legal system to really meet him where he was at, and through that, Georgio was able to find his voice to advocate for himself.”
Through such a dark journey, Georgio remembered what it felt like to be shot and the feelings of insecurity that plagued him afterwards. He decided he never wanted to put anyone else through those difficult emotions he still deals with today.
After almost two exhausting years, Georgio’s case was finally dismissed at the end of January 2025. Afterwards, his Dungarvin team threw him a party to celebrate. Perhaps telling, the County’s Diversion specialist even attended! Today, Georgio continues to heal and has been reunited with his young daughter and girlfriend. “The world is a volatile place, but we don’t have to be,” Georgio said.
While it was a painful journey, the entire process he endured showed Georgio what community is really about. The Supported Living team led by Stacy Buckley and Emily Goldstein believe that: “Georgio is why we do the work we do. Seeing him succeed in life and reunite with his family is what it is all about.”
If you are interested in learning more about Supported Living, contact Stacy Buckley sbuckley@dungarvin.com or 503-624-0205, ext. 8001.
“Dungarvin has given me the ability to learn and grow, as they have provided me many opportunities within the organization. With this, I’ve had the pleasure to watch and be a part of the lives of many individuals we serve. I’ve seen the positive impact supported environments provide for our individuals to lead a fulfilling life.”
“Over the past thirty years, I’ve done a lot of things for employment. When I arrived here, I just knew that I would be able to actually HELP people, and that is exactly what has kept me here for 30 years! I needed a place like Dungarvin. It is my second home. I respect and greatly appreciate what Dungarvin stands for and what opportunities they provide so many families and the special and unique people we serve every day.”
1. Why do you have a passion for this work?
I came to Dungarvin after being a high school teacher for many years. My dad was a person served due to a degenerative illness he had, and he received life-changing support from a similar company in Wisconsin. I wanted to be able to use my skills to do what I could to help people like my dad.
2. What is your most treasured possession?
As I look around my house, I’m surrounded by art that was created by my family and friends. It reminds me of them even when they’re not here.
3. What characteristic – or adjective – would people use to describe you?
I thought it would be “passionate” because I get really excited about so many topics and have been known to “info dump” on many topics, but a quick poll of my closest friends came up with the words “centered” and “thoughtful.”
4. Who are your heroes in life and why?
I don’t tend to elevate people to hero status since we’re all just human and capable of both good and bad actions, but I do admire the people who can both live authentically in their personal lives and show up to do the work for their community, individuals like Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, and so many others!
5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I went back to college after dropping out for 10 years. Going back as a parent and without much of a safety net was one of the hardest — and most rewarding — things I’ve ever done. There were days that were more of a struggle than others, but I just kept going!
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“I enjoy the variety of tasks and responsibilities, from leading teams and managing office needs to overseeing the Administrative Department and Local Help Desk. It’s fulfilling to collaborate with different departments, apply my problem-solving skills, and contribute to a positive and efficient work environment. Hearing how my team and I have made a positive impact is incredibly rewarding, as it reinforces that our efforts play a key role in the organization’s success.”
Each year, the Dungarvin Ohio team puts in the hours to honor a very special hero. Peggy Porter was a Dungarvin Direct Support Professional (DSP) who made the ultimate sacrifice for the men in her home when a fire broke out in 2006. She had a special relationship with these individuals she supported, John C. and Tony B., but on December 20, 2006, the fire sadly claimed the lives of Peggy and Tony. This was a very traumatic experience for those who were at Dungarvin at this time and has been a sad part of Dungarvin Ohio’s history. Because Peggy always gave it her all, the Ohio team gives back through volunteering to honor her sacrifice.
“Typically, we volunteer in December, to commemorate this event,” shared Lisa Fannin, Ohio State Director. “However, last year the food bank informed us that they really needed our help in January and February because the number of volunteers drops off during these months. So, we corralled the troops a bit later this year, sorting food as we’ve done in the past which is our favorite job there!”
Dungarvin volunteers packed boxes for the elderly in the community, conveyor-belt style. These friends and neighbors receive the boxes once a month with a variety of food staples always included.
“In the two and a half hours we volunteered, our group backed 631 boxes,” shared Lisa. “That will help feed 631 people in the community for a month! We had people from the Central region and even the South region join us in volunteering, including Regional Director, Julie Josephitis.”
Great work for a great cause done in Peggy’s loving memory. Excellent work, Dungarvin Ohio!
“I feel passionate, connected and committed to what I’m doing every day, serving people in need of supports is part of my life. I appreciate all of you for being a part of this remarkable journey.”
ADS – Advanced Development Seminar – is a long-standing valued component of Dungarvin’s leadership development program. The seminar was initially developed by Frank Madden, a VP of HR for International Milling (later International Multifoods). Understanding the importance of leadership development, Frank and a licensed psychologist facilitated 3-day seminars for six Dungarvin directors selected from across the country twice each year. Over time, the facilitators changed, including different psychologists as well as Dungarvin leaders – notably Cathy Rathburn, Jan Carver, Dave Toeniskoetter and Michaela Madden Smith. With Dave’s retirement in 2023 and the growing number of Dungarvin directors who could benefit (acquisitions accelerating the numbers), we decided to rescale this program.
Today, ADS 2.0 welcomes 10 directors per cohort to each training session. The restructured seminar includes assessment activities that are completed pre-attendance and culminates in smaller “accountability teams” which collaborate on a project and proposal presented to the Dungarvin Executive Management Team.
“The ADS is a wonderful example of our commitment investing in the development of Dungarvin’s leaders, both now and into the future,” said Claire Wilson, Director Talent Development, standing second from left in picture. “The new ADS prepares our senior leaders to grow with Dungarvin. It was an honor to participate in this year’s seminar alongside colleagues from across the country.” Congratulations to the first ADS Class of 2025!