Greta (far right) with team members Tracie Naillieux and Deidra Begley.
Dungarvin Indiana Area Director Greta Goins started her career as a Direct Support Professional and, later, Home Manager, for another service provider in Texas. After she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, she applied for a job at Dungarvin. That one didn’t work out, but a few months later, Dungarvin contacted her to see if she was interested in a different opportunity, and she was! She spent three years in Wisconsin, and was promoted to Area Director in Indiana, where she has been for the last eight years.
What do you like most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the variety, the challenges and the smiles. On the tough days when I catch myself wondering, “Why do I do this?” all it takes is walking into one of the homes I oversee to observe the individuals we support. Joy is contagious, and being able to share and spread that joy is truly the best part of what I do.
How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?
Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan shaped me in all the best ways. Not only am I a proud Yooper, but my strong Finnish heritage taught me to lean on my “sisu”— that inner grit and perseverance — especially during hard or challenging times. It’s a constant reminder that tough moments are temporary and there’s always light ahead.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love hanging out with my kids and grandkids; they keep life loud, busy and full of joy. Running is my favorite pastime. I’m currently benched, thanks to an injury, but I’m all about pushing my limits and seeing what my body can do. When I’m in a quieter mood, you’ll usually find me with a good book or dabbling in knitting and crocheting … emphasis on dabbling.
Who are your heroes in life and why?
As a kid, my heroes were Wonder Woman and Amelia Earhart — strong women who weren’t afraid to break barriers. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that most heroes don’t wear capes. One individual once told me that I “saved his life,” and all I did was show up and support him. Our DSPs do that every single day. During the pandemic, we had “Dungarvin Hero” shirts. I handed them out to my heroes, because heroism isn’t about big, dramatic moments; it’s the genuine, everyday acts of kindness that make you someone’s hero — often without you even knowing it.
What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?
What I value most about my team is that we’re not afraid to make mistakes, learn from them and keep growing. Our individuals are truly at the center of everything we do, and when things get tough, we’re able to laugh together, support each other and come together as a team.