December 2025 - Dungarvin

Derek and Kathy Frank.

For Derek, the last two years have been a time of facing tough challenges. Diabetes is not an easy thing to manage, and he’s experienced the loss of his leg and many eye surgeries due to the disease. But today, Derek is thriving. He has a good place to live, a job, and he’s working toward a college degree in graphic design.

His success is the result of his perseverance and positive attitude, and support from his brother and Dungarvin staff.

“He’s not afraid of anything; he’s just a go-getter,” said Tammie Mellen, a Program Director at Dungarvin Colorado. “He doesn’t think that disabilities hold him back from anything, and I love that.”

Derek, 47, lives with his brother in Denver, where he receives Independent Living Services from Dungarvin.

He works at Home Depot, assisting customers with renting equipment, and he takes online classes from Bellevue University in Nebraska. He’s proud to report that he’s made the Dean’s List twice.

Working with Tammie and his Direct Support Professional, Kathy Frank, Derek receives just the right amount of support he needs. Dungarvin tailors services to each individual’s needs and aspirations, a practice that stems from the company’s mission to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports.

For years, Derek didn’t concern himself much with his diabetes and wasn’t sure how best to manage it. However, after the ensuing complications and ongoing issues with his eyes, he’s now taking it much more seriously. Tammie and Kathy support and encourage him to stay on top of his self-care.

Derek's drawing of the Marvel Comics character Silver Surfer.

“We make sure that he gets to his doctors’ appointments; we encourage him to make the right dietary choices, as best we can, and to take care of himself,” Tammie said. “We really want to see him thrive in that health aspect, and live a long, full life.”

Derek has a prosthetic leg and he doesn’t drive. So, in addition to transporting him to his medical appointments, Kathy takes him to do his laundry, grocery shop and run other errands. However, once he’s where he needs to be, he’s adamant about doing things himself. “He’s very independent,” she said.

When Kathy first met Derek in January 2025, he was somewhat apprehensive, concerned that Dungarvin staff might try to control his life. “He doesn’t like to be pushed or told what to do,” Kathy said.

“But I’m not like that. I can suggest, and that’s all I do. I think he’s really blossomed. He’s much more outgoing with me now.”

Derek agreed that he’s developed a good relationship with Kathy. “She’s great to work with. She gives me encouragement,” he said.

Derek started college in the fall of 2024 and is hoping to finish his degree in 2029. He puts in about 24 hours a week of studying. Although he’d prefer to be on campus, he’s enjoying the online college experience. “By spring or summer, I’ll be done with my general education classes, and in the fall, I have design classes and I’ll be looking for internships,” he said.

He’s always loved to draw, especially cartoons, celebrities and characters from comic books. He collects figurines from his favorite movies and loves to play video games. After college, he hopes to find a job in animation.

Tammie and Kathy both said they are impressed with Derek, enjoy working with him and will be there every step of the way to support him.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit us at www.dungarvin.com to learn more.

Monica Romain with Carmen.

Several of Dungarvin’s Residential Services around the country offer the Host Home model, in which people in need of supports are welcomed to live with a Dungarvin provider who cares for the individual in their home.

Dungarvin places many individuals into Host Home Services (also known in other states as Shared Living, Community Companion Home and other names) every year. However, it can be challenging to find providers willing to support people who have significant medical and/or behavior needs.

This is the case in Colorado, where Dungarvin is seeking Host Home providers with experience or willing to learn the knowledge and skills needed to support others in this setting.

In most cases, individuals placed become part of their providers’ families, who, by and large, find the experience to be positive and meaningful in their lives. This is true for Monica Romain, a Dungarvin Host Home provider in Aurora, Colorado, who has been supporting Carmen, 48, in her home for 22 years.

Monica worked in the medical field for most of her life prior to becoming a Host Home provider with Dungarvin. However, before supporting Carmen, she had no experience working with people who have intensive behavior support needs.

At first, it wasn’t easy, Monica said, because Carmen is nonverbal and would sometimes become aggressive, yelling or throwing things when she wasn’t able to express her needs. But relying on the training she received from Dungarvin, as well as support from staff, Monica learned how to support Carmen, helping her realize a life full of love, family and engagement with her community.

“At first, it was really challenging. But I took it step by step, one problem at a time,” Monica said. She helped Carmen address her medical concerns, which helped with her daily comfort, and she learned how to redirect Carmen to express her frustration in more constructive ways.

Monica assists Carmen with personal care and routines, including dressing, hygiene, medications, meals, and safe transfers between her wheelchair, bed, vehicle and other settings. She prides herself on being able to support Carmen, as well as two other individuals who live with her, and easily determine Carmen’s needs and wants. She said she loves being a Dungarvin Host Home provider because it has allowed her to work from home, and she now feels confident supporting other individuals who have complex support needs.

“I like that I get to care for somebody … either because their family couldn’t take care of them or they were just having challenging behaviors,” she said, adding that her daughters and sisters are also Host Home providers.

“I love opening my home to people with special needs,” Monica said. “I hear from others all the time: ‘Oh, you are so wonderful; it takes a special person to do this.’ And, yes, it does. But I just love bringing them to their appointments. We go on outings, we go to my family gatherings. They go to church with me, we go to movies; and they join us on vacations, too.”

Jeff McNitt with Christina.

Supporting People with Complex Medical Needs

In addition to behavior support needs, some individuals can have complex medical needs. Such is the case for Christina, 66, who has lived with Host Home provider Jeff McNitt in Denver for 12 years.

Christina has had several health issues over the years that have left her medically fragile. Jeff assists her throughout her day, including with personal care, medications, and testing her blood glucose and giving her insulin shots to control her

diabetes. He also supports Christina by taking her to medical appointments and getting her out into the community for fun activities.

Before becoming a Host Home provider, Jeff worked for a Dungarvin Minnesota group home. Later, he and his wife moved to Colorado, where there was an opportunity to contract with Dungarvin. Like Monica, Jeff appreciates the ability to work from home and to enjoy a meaningful career; and he especially likes supporting people with complex needs.

“I find that I excel in it,” he said. “I started in this field supporting individuals with more behavioral concerns, and I enjoyed that. But once I had the opportunity to support someone with medical needs, I realized I liked that even more, because I had to learn every part about what’s going on and what I should look for, and how to support them when issues come up.”

For people thinking about becoming a Host Home provider to individuals with challenging behaviors or medical needs, Jeff said: “Ignore the money and look at the needs. Ask yourself, ‘Can I work with this person day in and day out, with the needs that they have?’”

Monica added that people often ask her how they can become a Host Home provider, and her advice is: “You have to have heart. You have to want to do this and commit to it. My heart is in what I’m doing.”

To learn more about Dungarvin Colorado’s Adult Host Home Services, please visit www.Dungarvin.com. If you are interested in becoming a Host Home provider, please email the Dungarvin Colorado office at: informationcos@dungarvin.com.

We all know that famous phrase about apples and doctors… but what about dentists?

The direct correlation between dental care and overall health and wellness has been proven time and again by medical experts. Aside from disease prevention and contributing to general wellbeing, good dental hygiene also improves the ability to smile and communicate confidently.

Two women standing next to another woman in a wheelchair.

Lauren (middle) received dental care from Nicole Ferrin (left) and Julie Dirth.

Because of Dungarvin’s mission to “respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports,” and the desire to help individuals achieve independence on their terms, support of continued dental care has always been a priority.

This past November, Altair ACO members, Dungarvin Minnesota and Apple Tree Dental formed a partnership to pre-pilot bringing dental care and education directly to Dungarvin homes in Minnesota. From toothbrush cleaning to periodontal probing (assessing gum tissue health), Nicole Ferrian, Dental Hygienist for Apple Tree Dental and other clinical staff provide regular services to individuals supported by Dungarvin.

As part of this Minnesota Department of Health grant, Apple Tree Dental will also provide education to direct care staff on how to recognize and even help treat simple dental needs for individuals they support. The best part? Dental services are provided to individuals on site.

Sarah Dubany, Health Services Manager for Dungarvin, was present at the first on-site event on December 3 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She emphasized the importance of this partnership, and how helpful it was for individuals with varied health needs who find it difficult to leave home for such appointments.

Woman in wheelchair receiving dental care from a woman standing in front of her.

Dental hygienist providing care to a woman in a wheelchair.

Dental hygienist talking to a woman in a wheelchair while another woman works on a laptop at a table.

“Sometimes, there may be anxiety with dental appointments, and the comfort of home helped make our individuals more receptive to these services,” she explained. Besides the care provided, she was delighted to receive education from Apple Tree Dental staff, and to witness how the event provided a safe space for supported individuals to express their needs and concerns, and ask questions about oral health.

“One of the benefits offered by Nicole and Julie Dirth (Advanced Dental Therapist) was to review current oral care products used by persons served and to provide feedback on other options that could better meet their medical needs,” Danielle Wickland, Dungarvin’s State Quality Director, added.

Through this partnership, Apple Tree Dental will continue to offer services to Dungarvin Minnesota individuals on a regular basis, both at home and in clinic, starting with a few events to see how services are received.

So far, feedback from four individuals who received care in Eden Prairie has been overwhelmingly positive, and individuals report that they are thankful for the opportunity to be included and listened to when they have questions. Renelle, one of the individuals who received care, shared that “the dentist treated me with respect, and showed me more knowledge regarding my teeth. It was great information to have.”

The next visit will be some time in 2026.

Dungarvin continues to seek more opportunities to serve the individuals we support in ways that respect and respond to their choices. If you are interested in working with us, please visit www.dungarvincareers.com to see open positions near you.

Before joining Dungarvin in 2014, Kristin Hockert was a sign language interpreter for 12 years. She started with Dungarvin as a bilingual Case Manager, then transitioned to Case Manager Supervisor. She was promoted to Case Management Department Supervisor, and later became the Dungarvin Minnesota Director.

What do you like most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the blend of flexibility and purpose. No two days look the same, and there’s always something new to learn or improve. I get to work alongside incredible people who bring out the best in each other, and the mission-driven nature of our work keeps me grounded in why it matters.

How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?

My parents’ love of travel, their diverse circle of friends and their work in education and mental health encouraged me to stay curious and understand the world. Growing up in that environment shaped my desire to learn and contribute in a meaningful way.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy a lot of things — spending time with my family, taking my dogs on long walks and getting outside to run and clear my mind.

Kristin Hockert and Brianna Moolah holding a CARF accreditation certificate — Kristin and Brianna Moolah hold Dungarvin Minnesota's CARF accreditation certificate.

Kristin Hockert and her two daughters — Kristin with her two daughters in Washington, D.C.

Group of people with running gear on posing in front of a race banner — Kristin and family participated in the 2025 Race for Kids in Minneapolis.

Who are your heroes in life and why?

My grandmother is my hero. She overcame a lot of adversity and lived a long, meaningful life, touching many people in quiet but powerful ways.

What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?

What I value most about my current team is their dedication to our mission, their willingness to collaborate and their commitment to making the work enjoyable, while still delivering a high level of service to the people we support.

Today, Dungarvin launched a new website designed to better provide a mission-based approach to offering person-centered services to individuals in need of supports.

The new Dungarvin.com combines a streamlined, elegant design with advanced functionality — reflecting the company’s 50 years as an innovator in the field, and its mission of “respecting and responding to the choices of people in need of supports.”

“The most important function of our website is to help families connect with our services,” said Dungarvin Vice President Robert Bachicha. “We understand the complexity involved in seeking services for a loved one, so we’ve designed our website to make that as easy as possible. This new site also helps us communicate our values, our mission-based approach, what we stand for and why we do and what we do.”

Screenshot of the website's history timeline, showing a picture of Tim and Diane Madden.

Dungarvin provides a wide array of services for children and adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health issues, behavioral challenges, traumatic or acquired brain injuries and complex medical challenges. Believing that each individual, regardless of their abilities, has unique needs, strengths, and aspirations, Dungarvin tailors supports to meet those criteria.

Two men sitting at computers with large monitors showing in the background

Central to the site is a location-driven search functionality that is state-based and service specific. Visitors can begin searching by selecting a state and specific service, or go directly to a state’s main page to find all of its service offerings. In addition, the website is mobile friendly and fully accessible, so people who have visual or auditory challenges can perceive and interact with its content.

For those looking for a meaningful career with Dungarvin, the site’s upgraded Careers section features a robust job search function. Visitors can explore positions in a number of different ways, including by job category — Direct Care, Administrative, Nursing, HR, etc. — or by state, city, schedule, or using keywords. The search function even includes a commute-time calculator. Once a starting location is entered, the calculator provides a commute time to all jobs being explored.

Direct support professional in the kitchen with two individuals served

Dungarvin.com also delivers an enhanced story telling experience. The “Our History” section tells the story of how Diane and Tim Madden launched the company in 1976 in Minnesota and expanded its services and locations to include 15 states. A robust News section reports on how Dungarvin is supporting people across the country and continuing to innovate and expand its services.

There’s also a special “Success Stories” section, highlighting how Dungarvin staff support individuals in a skilled and compassionate way, enabling growth and personal success. Additionally, visitors can now subscribe to receive regular News and Success Story updates.

As Dungarvin celebrates its 50^th Anniversary this year, the newly designed website will continue to serve as a starting point for families seeking high-quality, compassionate support from a provider that always puts the individual and their need for supports first. Start your journey today by visiting www.Dungarvin.com.

Amy Johnson (middle) with Northwest Regional Director Brent Aberg and Oregon State Director Brenda Linden.

Direct Support Professional and Program Coordinator Amy Johnson recently celebrated her 10-year Milestone Anniversary with Dungarvin Oregon.

Oregon State Director Brenda Linden and Northwest Regional Director Brent Aberg showed up at one of the sites where she works to express their appreciation for Amy’s decade of excellence in support of individuals served and the leadership she provides for her teams in several Portland locations. Nermina Cehic, Dungarvin Oregon Director of Operations, says Amy is known for her person-centered approach to her work.

“She has served with dedication and compassion, always putting the needs, goals and preferences of the individuals first,” Nermina said. “Amy builds strong, respectful relationships and works exceptionally well with those she supports. Her kindness, patience and reliability make her someone both clients and co-workers can depend on.”

In addition to her professional skills, Amy is also a great cook, Nermina said, and her meals are a highlight for many of the individuals she supports. Her care shines through in everything she does, whether it’s preparing a favorite dish, supporting daily goals or simply being present and encouraging.

Most importantly, the clients truly enjoy Amy and value the positive energy and consistency she brings each day. Her commitment and heart for the work embody the Dungarvin’s mission to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports.

Please join us in congratulating Amy Johnson on 10 amazing years of service. Thank you, Amy, for all that you do — we are grateful to have you in the Dungarvin family!

In 2015, Paa Yang joined Dungarvin as an Administrative Secretary, but later left to work in the information technology department of the U.S. Postal Service. After a couple of years with the USPS, she came back to Dungarvin in 2021 to take a position as an Administrative Assistant. Two promotions followed, first to Executive Assistant and most recently, National Administrative Coordinator.

What do you like most about your job?

Each day provides something a little different and I’m always learning something new.

What attributes do you most value in a co-worker?

I appreciate individuals who strike a balance between lightheartedness and dedication. They work hard, collaborate effectively, contribute as team players and communicate with clarity and respect.

How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?

I grew up on a hobby farm just north of the Twin Cities. But it’s more about the people in my life that helped shape who I am today. I grew up with people who cared about others, treated people with grace and provided help when it was needed. They provided the greatest examples of who I am today. Surrounding yourself with good people can really make a difference in who we grow up to be.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy most things in life and love trying new activities when I get a chance. I love to spend time with my partner, family and friends, and go paddle boarding and kayaking when the weather is nice. I also like to play pickleball with my niece and nephews. I’ve accumulated plenty of hobbies during the winter, including sewing, knitting and diamond painting.

If you weren’t working for Dungarvin, what would be your dream job?

I would be an animal and nature photographer for National Geographic. It’s a good mix of adventure and seeing some of the most beautiful spots in the world. I’ve always loved animals, and observing them in their natural habitats would be a blessing.

This time of year, beginning with Thanksgiving and moving into the winter holidays, we traditionally pause to reflect on what’s good in our lives, including friends and family for whom we are grateful. Leading into the holidays, we think it’s the perfect time of year to also consider the colleagues we appreciate.

That’s why, for the third year running, Dungarvin is asking staff members to participate in the “Season of Gratitude” video project. It’s a fun, easy way to provide a shout-out to co-workers who make your work a little easier and your days a little brighter.

The process is simple — just a selfie video recorded with a phone. Many staff members at Dungarvin, including Compass Career Solutions (a Dungarvin company), have participated this year, mentioning colleagues they appreciate for their compassion and understanding, helpfulness, humor, work ethic, striving to deliver quality services, as well as their willingness to go above and beyond for the individuals they support.

Dungarvin is sharing the resulting videos on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. We look forward to receiving many more submissions in the coming months. Be sure to follow Dungarvin’s social media channels for these uplifting tributes to wonderful colleagues working together to support Dungarvin’s mission: to respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports.

John Kehr is the Operations Director at Sengistix, a company that provides assistive technology to people in need of supports. Before transitioning to Sengistix, John was a Special Project Director for Dungarvin’s Central Region. He’s been in the disability services field for a long time, starting as a Direct Support Professional while attending college and, later, becoming a behavioral analyst. He also held a variety of leadership roles for residential services providers earlier in his career.

John Kehr in boat holding a fish he caught.

What do you like most about your job?

While Sengistix is a technology company, I still get to work with individuals and teams, helping to make someone’s life easier.

What characteristic, or adjective, would people use to describe you?

Steadfast, if not stubborn!

How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?

Blue Earth, Minnesota, is where I grew up. They had a great special education program at the time that integrated several lifetime friends into our classrooms, football fields and wrestling rooms.

What do you like to do for fun?

Seasonal outdoor activities include flyfishing, hunting and golf. I enjoy watching local sports teams and follow college wrestling. My wife and I enjoy seeing folk and bluegrass music concerts and events.

Who are your heroes in life and why?

My mom, who was always graceful, and led a life of faith with courage and conviction. Also, early in my career, I had the fortune of working with leaders who I admired and aspired to be like.

Dungarvin day program volunteers (from left) Tim, Keishon, Victoria and Angelo.

Four programs — in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Vacaville and Signal Hill — have groups of three to six people who volunteer for more than 40 hours per week for Meals on Wheels. The work includes preparing the meal packages and delivering them to seniors in need.

Jeremy, an individual served by Dungarvin, was integral to the volunteer program being piloted at the organization’s Signal Hill location, and is very engaged. Another regular participant is Mimi, who said, “it’s fun.” Also, Kyle said he “enjoys giving back to the community.”

“Everybody we deliver to loves to see our participants, and they’re really kind and believe in what we’re doing,” said Dungarvin Direct Support Professional Shawn Venter, who works at the Signal Hill Day Program.

Attendees of Dungarvin’s day programs in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Fairfield and Vacaville day participate in volunteer opportunities at food banks, where they sort and package food, put together lunches or help hand out food to community members in need.

Juley, volunteering as part of the Santa Rosa Day Program efforts.

In addition, twice per week, groups from the Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park programs volunteer at Bayer Farm, a 2-acre farm that was developed in an urban neighborhood. The volunteers water, weed, lay mulch and pick fresh vegetables for families in need.

“Helping at the garden makes me feel proud. I know the food we pick helps families, and that makes me happy,” said Michael, one of the Dungarvin day program volunteers.

Several individuals who attend the Santa Rosa day program volunteer at the Cooperage Brewing Co., a brewery and restaurant, to increase their work skills, and as a way to build their resumes. Before opening, the group sets up the chairs and ensures the tables and windows are clean. There is a youthful fun vibe at the Cooperage.

“I love volunteering at the Cooperage because it makes me feel really included in the community — and it’s such a cool place to go!” said Amaya, a volunteer from the Dungarvin day program.

The Santa Rosa day program attendees also volunteer at SNAP Cats, a cat shelter, where they help care for special needs cats who would otherwise be euthanized.

Volunteers (from left) Victoria, Patricia and Gabriel.

Throughout the year, there are many more short or one-time volunteer opportunities, such as a Pasta Drive to help stock the local food bank, or making and delivering sandwiches to those who are homeless.

Volunteering isn’t just something we do — it’s how we connect, give and grow! These experiences build independence, pride and belonging for the people Dungarvin supports.