I started in the field of vocational rehabilitation in 2010, working for a community resource provider as an a Job Readiness/Job Placement Specialist and then later as an Employment Specialist.  In this position, I helped persons with disabilities through job-readiness training and job placement assistance, working closely with employers to secure placement opportunities and identify needed accommodations. 

 

In 2013, I accepted a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services.  As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, I continued to help persons with disabilities find gainful employment but in my new role was able to work more closely with customers in the development of their person-centered plan for employment, the coordination and oversight of all services being provided to achieve their person-centered employment goal, and the provision of ongoing counseling and guidance to help clients address barriers and stay motivated toward the obtainment of their career objective.   

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In August 2019, I began working as a Field Supervisor 1 for the State of Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services.  In October 2021, I was promoted to VR Field Supervisor.  In my role as a field supervisor, I oversaw a team of vocational rehabilitation counselors and support staff, helping them ensure the provision of person-centered vocational rehabilitation services leading to gainful employment in their customers' chosen career field.  Some but not all of my duties included supervising the counselors' work, providing training, recruitment, and working closely with vendors, employers, and community partners/stakeholders to ensure that the vocational rehabilitation program was meeting the State of Tennessee's goals for Tennesseans in the counties to which my counselors and I are assigned.

 

​In January 2022, I accepted a position as the DHS Program Supervisor in Middle Tennessee overseeing the VR program in two regions. In March 2024, I was promoted to the position of VR Regional Manager.  In my current position as the Regional Manager, I am responsible for the oversight and supervision of the vocational rehabilitation program in my assigned regions, assuring the provision of vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.  I supervise a team of Administrative Services Assistants and Field Supervisors supporting the vocational rehabilitation program in their assigned regions.  I also represent the VR program in meetings and initiatives with key stakeholders, programs, and local workforce development boards, helping to enhance the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities.

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Before my work in vocational rehabilitation, I worked in a variety of social service roles and agencies helping persons in need or crisis.  Much of my prior career experience has been in leadership.  As a result, I have over 20 years of experience in program management, supervision, and administration.

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My personal career goals are to continue to grow in my knowledge and expertise as a vocational rehabilitation professional and to be an agent of change and support for persons with disabilities.