Walt Courtney is relatively new to Dungarvin, having started with the organization in February of this year as an Area Manager in Oregon. Before joining Dungarvin, he was a Director of Community Living Supports for a different service provider, for which he supported more than 100 persons served. In addition to his Area Manager responsibilities, Walt oversees Dungarvin Oregon’s Supported Employment Services in the Eugene area.
What do you like most about your job?
Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is my calling. My stepson is a person living on the autism spectrum, so the work is personal for me. I love seeing the people we support grow and achieve greater independence, whether that’s succeeding in living in their own homes or gaining integrated employment.
How did the place where you grew up shape who you are today?
I guess I would say that where I grew up and the people that surrounded me showed me who I didn’t want to be and who I needed to be. I believe in equality, compassion and respect for all beings on this planet.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love going to concerts, playing music, reading and cooking. I am also a huge professional wrestling fan, so I watch a lot of All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Who are your heroes in life and why?
I would have to say Ian Mackaye. He is the founder of Dischord Records and a member of the bands Minor Threat and Fugazi. He is a fiercely independent individual and taught me that if I put in effort, I could do things myself and didn’t need anyone’s permission to control my own destiny. The blueprint he laid out helped me become a self-starter and believe that I can achieve great heights outside of mainstream culture.
What do you most value about your Dungarvin team?
The ability to adapt, change under pressure and stay on their toes.