Alumni Spotlight
Ashley Waring takes a role with Operation House Call to support educating and connecting medical professionals and families around healthcare and disabilty.
Health Care systems change
Northeast Family Leadership Series graduate, Ashley Waring, is continuing her work connecting families and educating professionals in her new role as Family Engagement Manager for Operation House Call (OHC), a program of the Arc of Massachusetts.
OHC equips young medical professionals with essential skills and mindsets to enhance the health care of individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Because OHC believes families and self-advocates are the best teachers, a key component of the program is home visits, where groups of medical students are matched with a family who share their experiences. Ashley’s family has participated in OHC as a host family, and she will now be managing a network of over 200 families and coordinating with six medical and nursing schools for this unique experiential learning component. In addition to ensuring the home visit process runs smoothly, she is excited to create opportunities for OHC families to network with and learn from one another.
In her other role as a Children’s Librarian at the Reading Public Library, Ashley continues to develop and offer adaptive programs for children, teens and adults. She educates library staff throughout the region on best practices for providing excellent services for individuals with autism and IDDs. Ashley will be leading two workshops this winter: at the Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield this February and for the CT State Library Division of Library Development in March.
A Powerful Beginning: Inaugural Alumni Association Event
On the bright morning of October 8th, the vibrant spirit of community and shared vision came alive as alumni from across the state gathered for an event that marked the beginning of an inspiring journey. The occasion, "Leaders that Brunch”, served as a kick-off for the formation of a new Alumni Association, and it was nothing short of a resounding success. The event was not merely a gathering but a call to action... continue reading...
Samantha Deschenes shares her family's journey as a powerful illustration of the many resources her family relies on, for just her four year old child.
Partnering with Families
In May of 2023, Southeast Family Leadership Series graduates Cindy Crimmins, Samantha Deschenes, Sandra Heller, and Dale Keijser presented as part of a panel at the DDS Regional Leadership Series Partnering with Families Day. This day, is part of a multi-month-long professional development series for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) employees.
The learning cohort includes direct support professionals (DSPs), all the way up to high-level management. The training has a values-based focus, and the topics range from leadership, communication, crafting valued roles for people, leading through conflict, and several other thought-provoking topics. Some may see the similarities to the family leadership series and how this can build a bridge between the hopes and dreams of families and people served and how to partner toward a common goal of a good life for people with disabilities.
The panelists shared personal stories, with a focus on sharing the exemplary and regrettable support they’ve received along their path, and each offered advice and lessons learned. It was a powerful day!
Cynthia Laine presents at the 2023 Family Leadership Series in Central on using the FLS as a springboard for involvement, advocacy, and leadership.
Crocker Fellow
Congratulations to 2023-2024 Crocker Fellow, Central Family Leadership Series graduate, Cynthia Laine!
The fellowship is for family members of individuals with developmental disability. Crocker Fellows come up with a project idea and receive assistance from staff from the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) in developing the project. Fellows spend 20 hours each week on fellowship activities, including trainings, classes, conferences and project impementation. Fellows develop leadership skills and learn about disability policy, disability services, and disability supports.
Cynthia, is a founder of Black Autism Coalition (BAC), a member of the Massachusetts Development al Disabilities Council, and sits on the board of the Massachusetts Association of Haitian Parents. Cynthia's project will focus on inclusion practices and bridging engagement between the Haitian-Creole comnunity and religious organziations.
Learn more about the Crocker Fellowship and the Intitute for Community Inclusion here: https://www.communityinclusion.org/about/fellowships/crocker/