TURN Milestones
February 2012
Maureen Henrie – Direct Support Professional, New Horizons (5 years)
Every weekday begins on a high note for Maureen Henrie, as she is greeted with huge smiles from the clients she transports to TURN’s St. George day program. “They are so fresh in the morning,” states Maureen, “and so excited about the coming day—they just can’t wait to share stories about their past evening’s adventures!” Before coming to TURN, Maureen worked for Jordan Valley School District, and was a volunteer coach for her daughter’s high school Special Olympics swim team.
Heather Scott – Direct Support Professional, Kensington Duplex (5 years)
After working at a homeless shelter for a couple of years, Heather Scott realized that she wanted to find a career in which she could make a long-term difference in the lives of others. She found her niche at Kensington Duplex, where she especially enjoys facilitating evening outings. Heather has a strong conviction that “despite an individual’s so-called inabilities, they deserve to experience everything the community has to offer, and to enjoy their lives to the fullest extent possible.”
January 2012
Larry Reeves – Direct Support Professional, Whitehead Apartments (10 years)
Larry Reeves approaches each day with a mantra: “If I can do it, they can do it!” Larry takes pride in the fact that he has a knack for working through complex issues with his TURN clients. In his early teens, Larry developed a seizure disorder, and through a series of medication errors, lost much of his cognitive and physical abilities. After spending four years in and out of hospitals, he overcame his disabilities, and now, he is devoted to making a difference in the lives of others.
Jill Curley – Direct Support Professional, Wilmington Family Support, Respite and Summer Camp (5 years)
Jill Curley came to TURN in December 2006, but now enjoys “the best of both worlds” in her dual role as an Adaptive P.E. (Paraeducator) at the Hartsvigsen School in Salt Lake. More than three years ago, Jill was assigned to transport a young student from Hartsvigsen to a TURN summer camp. It was then that she discovered how very many of the students also utilize TURN Family Support and Respite services. She loves the experience of watching her young students as they grow into adults.
Carlton Vickers – Direct Support Professional, Salt Lake Hourly Services (5 years)
While working for another local service provider for several years, Carlton Vickers often heard praise about the services TURN provided while supporting clients across agency lines. He began as a TURN job coach over a large work enclave, but moved to a new venture when TURN developed its new hourly janitorial services in 2010. Carlton is especially proud of the increase of self-esteem he has seen in his clients, and their improved ability to fully engage in the work community since the inception of the janitorial crew.
December 2011
Ann Sherwood – Direct Support Professional, Cedar TCS (10 years)
When Ann Sherwood moved to Cedar City to care for her mother, she had no idea that she would find such a wonderful career. Ann learned of TURN, formerly Iron Parke, from her father who had earlier served on their board. She was hired as a substitute for the residential programs and later, for the TCS day program where one of her fondest memories was a young client who routinely greeted her with, “Are you stubbing today?”
Madonna Proctor – Program Nurse, Medical Coordinator, Utah County (15 years)
Madonna Proctor began working at the former Tri Connections on November 11, 1996, as a program nurse. Today, Madonna provides an array of client nursing services including running medical appointments, monitoring medications, training staff on tube-feeding, and answering endless questions. Madonna, who is a full-time charge nurse at American Fork hospital, likes to think of her work with TURN as a “serious hobby.” While Madonna enjoys her TURN clients, her real passion is her beautiful granddaughter who melts her heart.
Lindsey Meyer – Program Coordinator, Layton 4-Plex (10 years)
During her first 8-plus years with TURN, Lindsey Meyer worked as an instructor or program assistant in nearly every Davis County residential program, as well as the day program. In June 2010, Lindsey was promoted to Program Coordinator, overseeing the services of 3 women who live in Layton. In this role, Lindsey is passionate about providing consistency in their lives so that they may enjoy a high level of independence and achievement.
Alexis Giles – Direct Support Professional, ETC@ Midvale (5 years)
After coming to TURN in 2006, Alexis Giles worked at residential programs in Salt Lake, Bountiful and Layton. In 2010, Alexis transferred to the Midvale ETC where, today, she provides one-on-one support for part of the day. Alexis finds that working so closely with the individuals at ETC is very rewarding, as she gets “to share in their good days,” and often finds that they are the reason that she has good days!
Cecilia George – Direct Support Professional, Wilmington Day Program (5 years)
Cecilia George was working as a store clerk when she met a TURN employee who was assisting clients with grocery shopping. Cecilia, who had been a nurse in Sierra Leone in Africa, had hoped that one day she could again work with people in a meaningful way. After talking to the TURN employee, Cecilia applied and was hired in November 2006. Cecilia was inducted into TURN’s Exemplar Program in June 2011.
November 2011
Carol Westfahl – Program Coordinator, TCC@ Woods Cross (15 years)
In her role as Program Coordinator, Carol is dedicated to keeping people involved, and encouraging the highest level of independence possible for each client. Carol came to TURN in October 1996 with six years experience at a day program where she also had volunteered for twenty-five years. Carol is proud to work for an agency that provides opportunities for people to gain meaningful employment, and supports individuals to pursue activities that they are passionate about, such as Special Olympics.
Henry Neville – Facilities Management Technician (10 years)
Henry affectionately remembers the years he spent listening to old 45 rpm records with his uncle, who experienced intellectual disabilities. After coming to work for TURN in October 2001, Henry was asked to perform as a disc jockey for a client Halloween party. As TURN’s official DJ, Henry now loves “mixing it up” for clients at parties and events. But what keeps him “coming to work every day” is the excitement with which he is greeted by agency clients when he arrives to do his maintenance work at their programs.
Flora Beckstrom – Direct Support Professional, Sandy Cottages (10 years)
Flora had no experience in the field of disabilities when she was hired in October 2001, but demonstrated an ability to interact positively with clients with autism. With the aid of a sign language book and coaching from her clients, Flora learned to communicate in ways she could not have imagined. Flora finds her work very rewarding, especially the camaraderie shared between clients and their staff. Her favorite time is spent working with clients who attend TURN’s holiday retreats, where she feels like “a surrogate family member.”
Jazmin Zamora – Direct Support Professional, Specialized Response Team (5 years)
Having grown up with two cousins with intellectual disabilities, Jazmin was eager to learn more about TURN employment opportunities when a fellow University of Utah student referred her to the agency. After Jazmin joined the SRT team in October 2006, she was especially impressed with TURN’s standard of promoting choice, and the agency’s goal of educating the community about people with disabilities. In May 2009, Jazmin was inducted into the prestigious TURN Exemplar Program
Heather Smith – Direct Support Professional, Specialized Response Team (5 years)
Heather was managing a restaurant in North Ogden, when she noticed the fun and positive interactions that occurred between two Supported Employment clients and their TURN job coach. Remembering her wonderful experiences as a high school mentor of students with intellectual disabilities, Heather thought it was time to consider a “fun” career change. In October 2006, Heather began working for TURN, and in 2009, she was also inducted as a TURN Exemplar Program Employee in May 2009.
October 2011
Peggy Parkin – SHARE Program Coordinator (5 years)
Peggy was hired 2006 as Program Coordinator for the Salt Lake TCC, after serving 6 years as a coordinator for another provider. She now works at the SHARE program (Seniors Having Abilities, Resources and Experiences), held at the Murray City Heritage Center. Peggy loves working with seniors “who have so much to share as they reminisce about their lives.” She especially enjoys helping them continue to grow and to learn through community outings such as visiting museums and local historical places.
Toni Smith – Assistant Coordinator, Holladay Heights (5 years)
Toni first worked for TURN from September 2005 until January 2006 as a one-on-one Program Instructor for a man with autism. Following the birth of her twins, one of whom was later diagnosed with autism, Toni was rehired on in September 2006, and has served as Assistant Coordinator at Holladay Heights for 4 years. Toni is passionate about learning as much as she can about autism through her work with TURN, so that she may better help her 5-year old son deal with his diagnosis.
Janice Hunsaker – Quality Assurance Specialist (10 years)
Janice began working for TURN (formerly Tri Connections) on September 21, 2001, as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. When “Tri” merged with TURN in 2008, Janice’s title changed, along with many other “exciting and positive” changes and opportunities. While Janice performs many office responsibilities, she approaches her Quality Assurance role with fervor in order to ensure that the delivery of services to Utah County clients meets hers and TURN’s high expectations. Janice loves her administrative job but dreams of one day owning and operating an Alpaca ranch.
September 2011
Jenny Patterson – Family Support/Supported Living Coordinator (5years)
Jenny began working for TURN (formerly, Tri Connections) on August 28, 2006, just after completing her BS Degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University. With the experience she gained during her internship as a High School Transition Specialist through the Special Education Department of the Alpine School District, Jenny was hired as a Residential Coordinator in S. Orem. After the merger with TURN, Jenny became the Program Coordinator for Family Support and Supported Living Services for Utah County.
Mary Ugom – Program Instructor, Riviera Group Home (5 years)
Mary came to TURN in August 2006, just one year after arriving in Utah from Khartoum (Sudan), where she had lived in a displacement camp for nine years. In 2005, she began school at the Horizonte Learning Center, where she earned her high school diploma. In 2007, Mary entered college and began taking medical assistant courses (Mary had worked as a nurse in Sudan). In May 2011, she completed her clinical externship and received her certification. Mary continues to work at Riviera Duplex, and she has just returned to college to pursue a Medical Assistant Associates Degree.
August 2011
Edan Quiles, Program Instructor, Sage Duplex Program (5 years)
When Edan came to TURN in July 2006, she brought with her nearly a lifetime of experience gained from being with her mother while she worked with children and adults with disabilities in her home and in the community. Edan, whose mother has worked for TURN for 13 years, followed in her footsteps when she began working as a residential instructor at the SLC 4-Plex program. In January 2009, Edan transferred to the Sage Duplex where, today, she serves three young men in their late teens.
Jadee Peterson – Program Instructor, Hughes Women’s Apartment Program (5 years)
Katie Priest, Program Instructor, Holladay Heights Duplex (10 years)July 2011
Blanco Cardosa – Program Instructor, 24 West Group Home (15 years)
Blanco began working for TURN (Arc of Washington County) in June 1996 as a residential hourly services instructor for women’s programs. In 1999, she was promoted to “house parent” and moved into an Arc home with one of the women who required 24-hour supervision. After the Arc/TURN merger in 2002, she transferred to the St. George women’s group home, and two years later, to TURN’s new men’s apartment program. In 2009, TURN closed the apartment program and Blanco was transferred to the 24 West Group Home.
Tamara (Tami) Blair – Program Instructor, Provo Hourly Services/Family Support (15 years)
Tami, a new Exemplar Program member, was hired by TURN (formerly, Tri Connections) in June 1996 as an employment training specialist/secretary, and a few months later she became a substitute instructor for hourly residential services and family support. In 1997, Tami’s job expanded to include job coaching and supervising an enclave of clients. In 2004, she gave up her supported employment hours but continued substituting in residential programs and providing family support for one woman. Today she still works for her family support client, as well as many of the program individuals she met fifteen years ago.
Lillian Hayes – Program Instructor, Clearfield TCC (10 years)
Lillian was hired an instructor for the Specialized Response Team in June 2001, not long after the passing of her 10-year old son, Kenny, who had microcephaly and Cerebral Palsy. In April 2002, she transferred to the Salt Lake hourly services program, where she worked until August 2002 when she obtained her current day training instructor position at Clearfield TCC. Lillian, who feels like she “was given [her] career” by her late son, enjoys filling in at area residential programs, and spending time with her other children, Bessie and Shawn.
Tyler Robertson – Program Instructor, Orem Group Home (5 years)
Tyler was hired by TURN (formerly, Tri Connections) in June 2006, as a residential and supported living instructor for the Provo area programs. In 2008, he was assigned to South Provo residential hourly services, and in June 2010, transferred with three of his male clients to the new Orem Group Home. Tyler, who goes by the nickname, “Tyger,” holds an Associate’s Degree (Spanish) from Boise State University, a Bachelor’s Degree (English, with a minor in Italian) from BYU, and is currently working toward his teaching certificate from UVU.
Sylvia Valenzuela – Program Coordinator, Harps Cottage (10 years)
Sylvia was hired by TURN (formerly, Iron Parke) in April 2001 as Program Coordinator for Harps Cottage, a two-house program that was designed to serve four women and two men with TBI or other intellectual disabilities. Sylvia, who has a son with TBI, came to TURN with “a lifetime” of experience. Jason, who was hit by a truck when he was 6 years old, began receiving day services at Iron Parke in October 1998 and today, still resides at home with Sylvia and her husband, Ray. Sylvia continues to be a great resource and inspiration to other parents of adult children with disabilities.
June 2011
Heather Montoya – Program Coordinator, Holladay Heights (10 years)
Heather was hired May 1, 2001 as an instructor at the Charlton Group Home, a program that served two men with autism who required specialized behavior supports. With previous experience working with high school students with autism, Heather was able to provide significant support during a time when the program was experiencing some challenging transitions. By the end of October 2001, Heather had been promoted to Program Assistant. Beginning in early 2003, Heather served several interim periods as acting Coordinator, until she was promoted to Program Coordinator on April 14, 2003. After one of the men moved from Charlton, Heather became Program Coordinator of Holladay Heights (a group home that today serves four men) on November 1, 2005. She managed both group homes for several months until an opening presented the Charlton client the opportunity to move to Holladay Heights. Heather is a CPR/First Aid Instructor for TURN, and she helps programs prepare for State audits. She has traveled widely throughout England, Ireland, and Scotland, and numerous states in America. Heather enjoys fishing and camping with her canine companion, Drake, and her newly adopted friend, Baby.
Berdella Walton – Program Coordinator, Midvale ETC (10 years)
Berdella, who came to TURN with nearly ten years experience working for other service providers in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City, was hired May 15, 2001 as an instructor at the 7th West Apartment Program. In January 2002, she was promoted to Program Assistant at the Midvale Employment Training Center (ETC), a split-site day and employment program. When a fire in an adjacent business caused irreparable smoke damage, Berdella helped move the program to a temporary site, and a few months later, to its current site in Midvale. In February 2005, Berdella became acting Coordinator for a month while her Coordinator provided support to a couple of other TURN programs. She was promoted to ETC Coordinator in December 2006. Her management philosophy of modeling both for staff and clients by working “hands-on” as often as possible, has resulted in a well-established, exemplary program that supports fifteen participants and five staff members, including the Program Assistant, Cindy Halacy. Berdella is a single parent of three children, ages 27, 19, and 14, and grandmother to a toddler boy, with another grandson on the way.
Marva Nielsen – Program Instructor, Richfield Hourly Services
Marva came to TURN from another Richfield area provider after that agency closed its programs and services. She was hired by TURN on May 29, 2001 as a Program Instructor to provide a continuum of supports for two residential clients, a man and a woman, whose services transferred to TURN when their programs closed. Marva, who had provided hourly services for the two individuals for more than seven years, helped them move into new apartments, and transition into their new lives with TURN. This was a unique time and a new era not only for Marva and her clients, but for everyone from the TURN Cedar City programs and Rural Services (formerly, Iron Parke Corporation) as the agency had recently completed the merger with TURN. In 2005, Marva was nominated by her supervisors and coworkers to TURN’s First Annual Exemplar Staff Program (link). Today, Marva continues to provide sole support for her long-time client, Rick (her other client moved about five years ago). Marva and her husband, Lloyd, have two sons and two daughters, and twelve grandchildren.
May 2011
Nona Sprouse – 5th East Apartment Program Assistant (5 years)
Nona came to TURN in April 2006 with more than fifteen years of geriatric experience. During her early tenure in the field, she provided care for a total of seventeen elderly clients, and she saw them through to the end of their lives. For ten years, Nona served two generations, a mother and a daughter, with private in-home care funded through a family Trust, after which Nona was ready for a break. After some much needed “R & R,” and time with her own children (now 33, 25 and 19), Nona was delighted to be hired by TURN as a Program Instructor, and enthusiastic to begin working with several senior-aged individuals who were living in the 5th East apartments. From the beginning, Nona’s comprehensive medical
knowledge, combined with her fastidiousness regarding personal hygiene and clean living environments, greatly enhanced the program and its participants. When an opening for Program Assistant became available, she applied and was accepted for the position in July 2007. Today, Nona supports six individuals, four of whom range in age from 70 to 54. Nona became a first-time grandmother with the birth of her granddaughter in January.
Jennifer Hunter – Hughes Residential Program Instructor (5 years)
Jennifer began working for TURN in April 2006 as an instructor for Cedar City hourly services, family support, and the day program. The following year in July, she transferred to 24-hour residential services as a graveyard Instructor for the Hughes women’s apartments. The extended-hour shift gave Jennifer the opportunity to satisfy her hours in a shorter of period of time, and to continue working in family support several hours a month with a middle-aged woman who lives with her elderly parents. Jennifer provides respite for the parents, while helping her client achieve personal goals such as community involvement and participation, and increasing her communication skills. She also babysits for a TURN coworker and friend. Prior to coming to TURN, Jennifer worked for four years as a CNA, which she earned in her senior year of high school in Kanab. She moved to Cedar City in 2004 to attend Southern Utah University in preparation for nursing school. After coming to work for TURN in 2006, Jennifer had to take a leave from school for personal reasons, but she hopes to return to SSU in 2012, where she will change her focus to Special Education.
Cindy Halacy – Midvale ETC Assistant Program Coordinator (15 years)
Cindy began her tenure with TURN in March 1996 as an instructor at Midvale Employment Training Center (ETC), a split-day and employment program. During her first year, she worked as a day program instructor, then as a job coach with a supported employment enclave at The Home Depot. She returned to the day program for several months before becoming the one-on-one instructor to an eight-year old boy with autism, who she supported for the next ten years. During this time, she helped him participate in community service through volunteer work, delivering food boxes for the Lifecare Program, and Meals on Wheels, an activity that Midvale ETC still conducts today. After a fire in an adjacent business caused irreparable smoke damage, Cindy helped move the program to a temporary site. Several months later, she provided exceptional support as the program moved and transitioned into its current site in Midvale. When the Assistant Coordinator position opened in February 2007, Cindy applied and was promoted. Cindy, who was referred to TURN by her university vocational advisor, holds a BS degree in Sociology, and a certificate in Criminology and Corrections.
Karen Willmott – Cedar City Director of Program Services (10 years)
Karen was hired as a residential program instructor in March 2001, shortly after the merger of Iron Parke with TURN. A few weeks later, she advanced to Program Coordinator for supported living services. In October 2001, she was promoted to Director of Program Services, overseeing Cedar City area hourly services, group homes, and family support and respite care, a position she held for four years. After her second daughter was born in 2005, Karen became part-time Administrative Assistant to the Director of Operations, performing clerical duties in Cedar City, and completing the transition of southern Utah administrative file systems to meet agency standards. In 2006, she was promoted to Specialized Administrative Assistant for the Cedar City and St. George offices. From 2008 to 2010, she served as Director of Program Supports and Systems, managing archiving, housing assistance, and system support for all southern Utah programs. In July 2010, Karen began her current role as Director of Program Services for Cedar City’s Day Program, and Southern Utah Therap Administrator and Housing Specialist. Karen graduated from Southern Utah University with a BS in
Elementary Education.
April 2011
Lori Knight – 15 Years
Lori Knight, Sandy Cottages Program Instructor, was hired in March 1996 as an Instructor at Beaver Street Group Home, serving men with cognitive disabilities who had lived much of their lives at the Utah State Developmental Center. When the Beaver Street program consolidated with Lander Way Group Home in July 2003, Lori provided tremendous support to the men as they moved from their home of fifteen-years. In October 2006, Lori again assisted them, along with two other gentlemen from another home, as they transitioned into more independent living environments at the new Sandy Cottages program, consisting of individual apartments, and a two- bedroom cottage. Before coming to TURN, Lori worked at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind instructing parents of hearing-impaired children about hearing aid usage, communication methods, and auditory and language stimulation techniques. Lori holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Utah. She and her husband, Dan, live in Uinta City with their son and three daughters, ranging from nineteen to eight years of age.
Kiseme Kasongo and Mukon Ngoyi – 5 Years
March marked the 5th employment anniversary for Utah County mother and daughter team, Kiseme Kasongo and Mukon Ngoyi. Originally from Congo, formerly Zaire, Kiseme and her family suffered many hardships during the onset of war in the early 1990’s. In 1995, the family moved to Utah with the assistance of a man that Kiseme’s husband knew while attending Rutgers University in the 1980’s.
After arriving in Utah, Kiseme studied English for three years before beginning work. Prior to coming to TURN, Kiseme worked at Eastlake Care Center with elderly residents and at Lindon Care Center with people with cognitive disabilities. Kiseme was hired by Tri Connections on March 8, 2006 as a Residential Program Instructor. When Tri Connections merged with TURN in 2008, Kiseme provided exceptional support both as an instructor and as a coworker during the transition. In April 2010, Kiseme was transferred to the new Orem Group Home where she still works today, as well as at several other TURN program sites in Utah County. Kiseme, who also works part time at Provo Care Center (a sister facility to Lindon Care Center), is an extremely hard worker and loving person who is highly-respected by her supervisors and fellow workers alike. In addition to her daughter, Mukon, Kiseme has three sons, two who attend college in Utah, and one who recently moved to Wisconsin.
Mukon Ngoyi, South Orem Residential Program Instructor, was hired by Tri Connections on March 6, 2006, just two days earlier than her mother. Over the course of her tenure, Mukon has substituted in all areas of services in Utah County including group homes, community living programs, and day centers. Initially, Mukon began working for Tri Connections in order to pursue her education in communication and nursing at the Utah Valley University. With her interest in health care, Mukon looks for ways to enhance the physical and mental welfare of those she serves. As examples, she helped one person who needed more nutrition in his daily diet by researching and finding a variety of nutritious smoothie recipes, which has greatly improved his well-being. She also helped this gentleman and his roommate personalize their apartment by taking them shopping for home décor items, and by arranging professional portraits of themselves to hang in their living room.
Fiona Hildebrandt – 20 years
Fiona Hildebrandt, Midvale TCC Program Coordinator, began her tenure in February 1991 as an Instructor at the original Midvale Employment Training Center (ETC), a split-day and employment program that served about sixty individuals under two separate Coordinators. In March 1994, Fiona was promoted to Program Assistant over the day program section where she had worked for the past three years. When TURN combined the day training and supported employment programs under one Coordinator, Fiona continued on as one of two Assistant Coordinators at Midvale ETC. In August 1996, Fiona was promoted to Program Coordinator at the newly-named Midvale TURN Community Center (TCC), where she worked for the next twelve years. In October 2008, Fiona helped the TCC program move to its current location in Midvale. Today, Fiona oversees the provision of services for approximately twenty-eight program participants. She is a member of TURN’s Safety Committee, and she teaches Food Handlers and Professional Training ‘Respect’ classes. Fiona and her husband, Paul, who have been married for twenty-three years, have two “miracle’ sons, ages seven and three.
Andrea (Andy) Nielsen – 10 Years
Ogden Group Home Coordinator, Andy Nielsen, was hired in March 2001 as a Program Instructor at the new Women’s Group Home in Ogden. In October 2001, she became the Assistant Program Coordinator in Ogden. In June 2002, Andy was promoted to Program
Coordinator over both the Bountiful Group Home and Lakeside Women’s Home, also in Bountiful. Having established an excellent record of providing support to programs undergoing management changes, Andy was transferred to the new Clinton Group Home
in July 2006, where she assisted four men who were transitioning from other residential programs. In October 2007, she was reassigned to the Layton 4-plex Program to replace the Program Coordinator who had been called to active duty. Finally, in May 2009, Andy “came full circle” when she returned as Program Coordinator for the newly-built Ogden Group Home. Andy has served on the File Review Team, and currently, she is a CPR and First Aid Instructor for Davis County programs. Andy has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management (Dixie State College) and is a Certified PC Technician (Weber Applied Technology Center).
Amy Steed – 10 Years
Amy Steed, Specialized Response Team (SRT) Instructor, came to TURN in March 2001. Initially, Amy’s interest in the field was sparked when she attended a barbeque at her Aunt’s home, and met several individuals who received services from Developmental Services of Utah (DSU), where her Aunt was employed. By the end of the barbeque, the “spark” had become a flame, and Amy began working for DSU. After that agency closed two years later, Amy found her way to TURN, where she was hired as an on-call SRT Instructor. In April 2005, Amy, who, by then, was working 30-hours a week, was nominated by her coworkers for TURN’s new Exemplar Staff Program. After being inducted into the Exemplar Program, Amy was elected to be Exemplar Facilitator, a position she still holds today. Amy teaches Professional Training ‘Natural Supports’ classes, participates in TURN Toastmasters Club, and fills-in as SRT Program Coordinator when needed. She and her husband, Paul, along with their teen-aged daughter and son, enjoy attending TURN events and volunteering for the agency’s fundraisers.
March 2011
February 1, 2011 marked the 5th anniversary for eighteen former Easter Seals employees who came to TURN in 2006 after the agency acquired several Salt Lake area Easter Seals programs. TURN extends congratulations and thanks to those who chose to continue in service to the clients of the Wilmington Day Program and Family Services, the SHARE program, as well as to those who transferred to other programs within the agency.
Jodi Wells, Director of Program Services, brought to TURN nine years of experience in the fields of geriatrics, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities. She was hired by Easter Seals in March 2003 as a Family Support and Respite Coordinator at the Wilmington day center. Over the next three years, Jodi took on many additional administrative duties, including the supervision of two separate day training programs, while continuing the coordination of family services. Today, Jodi oversees the provision of services for Wilmington Day Program, Family Support and Respite Services, Saturday and Summer Camps, and the SHARE program at Murray Senior Heritage Center. Jodi is a member of the Pastabilities and Safety Committees, and TURN Toastmasters Club. Jodi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Utah.
Tammy Tanner, Wilmington Day Training Program Coordinator, began working for Easter Seals early in 2000 as a program instructor for family support, respite care, and day training. Within a couple of months, she was promoted to Day Program Coordinator, a position she continued when she joined TURN in 2006. Tammy’s past work experience and community involvement include child care, Child Protective Services (as an intern), homeless youth resource services, community and university campus recreation, and Special Olympics. She attended Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah, and Weber State University where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Social Work in 2000. Today, Tammy supervises a Program Assistant and ten Program Instructors (including the four who came over from Easter Seals), and provides support to nearly thirty clients.
Spencer Perkins has worked in the social services field since 1998. Prior to his employment with Easter Seals, Spencer worked for four years at the Work Activity Center in Salt Lake City. At Wilmington, Spencer is known as a master shopper. According to Spencer, “TURN is the best company [he has] worked for.” He likes that TURN is “not too big or too small,” and that “top management people are easy to approach and to talk to.”
Prior to working with people with disabilities, Lori Bunting spent years caring for children in her home and other day care centers, and serving as a professional parent. When she decided to change her career, Lori began working at Easter Seals’ SHARE program, and two years later, at the Wilmington day program. After six years, Lori still loves working at the day program where she is the “academic specialist,” helping individuals develop educational goals and ideas for new activities.
Before coming to TURN’s Wilmington Day Program, Marilyn Beagley worked at the School for the Deaf and the Blind for five years, and then for Easter Seals for another three years in the Saturday night group and day training programs. Marilyn has also been an active member of the National Federation of the Blind for many years, and spends much of her time attending Federation conventions, helping with fund raising events, and assisting individuals to participate in activities.
Darron Allen was working in the computer department of the LDS Humanitarian Center in 2003 when he learned of a job opening at the Easter Seals Day Program. After meeting with the Coordinator and spending a day observing the center’s operations and activities, Darron decided that this may be a good job for him. Darron has exceptional rapport with several less active clients at Wilmington, and he possesses an amazingly ability to encourage them to participate in physical activities.
Wilmington Program Instructors (from left): Spencer Perkins, Marilyn Beagley, Lori Bunting, and Darron Allen.
The SHARE Program, (Seniors Having Abilities, Resources and Experiences), located at the Murray Heritage Senior Center, is a unique program for individuals over the age of 55. Under the supervision of Program Coordinator, Peggy Parkin, SHARE serves eight seniors and employs two Program Instructors.
In 1995, Teri Furse began providing respite care for A.J., the son of a close friend, through funding from Easter Seals. After serving A.J. for a while, she was invited to try Easter Seals’ Saturday night respite, the day training program, and the SHARE program. SHARE proved a good fit for her, and she came to work there as a substitute Instructor. Teri served A.J. for about seven years, and has worked at SHARE off and on for the past sixteen years.
Jenna Gerona was hired as a Program Instructor at Easter Seals SHARE program in June 2005, after being referred through a Target retail training employment program, through which Easter Seals subcontracted. Jenna thoroughly loves the work she performs at SHARE, and the things she learns from those she supports, such as learning to do the “whip-stitch” from a SHARE client. Today, Jenna conducts a new, hands-on arts and craft group that meet once a month.
TURN Salt Lake area Family Support and Respite Services are operated under the direction of Program Coordinator, Larissa Bennett. Larissa, who has worked for TURN for eight years, currently supervises twenty-five Program Instructors, including the seven who came to from Easter Seals. Larissa also coordinates the Summer and Saturday Camps in the Salt Lake area and Weber County.
For more than ten years, Shelby Donaldson has worked with a young woman with mild intellectual disabilities. Shelby loves working with her client, now in her mid- twenties, and helping her to increase her communication skills, particularly in the area of expressing her needs fully. Shelby also helps her client with other personal goals, including increasing her community accessing skills. Because of their time together, Shelby has developed a great working relationship with her client, as well as with client’s mother, who has Traumatic Brain Injury.
Young Kang Louie became an Easter Seals Family Support Instructor in January 2006. Young works with a 25-year old woman who lives with her parents, and who wishes to enhance her academic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Young also helps her client with community-oriented skill development so that, hopefully, one day she may live on her own. With seven children and three grandchildren of her own, Young is bound to have great success in helping her client achieve her personal dreams.
Mandy Turner works full-time providing family support and respite to multiple adopted individuals within one family. The widowed mother of 11 depends on Mandy to help the family achieve personal and combined goal including accessing community services, increasing social interaction skills, and maintaining the home. Mandy, who was referred to Easter Seals by the family, was happy to have had the opportunity to continue her work through TURN. In her words, “I am grateful for all the things that they teach me every day.”
Lucille Lewis enjoys the unique opportunity of providing respite care for her 27-year old granddaughter with Cerebral Palsy, who requires full physical assistance. Lucille, who is described by her Program Coordinator as “one of the kindest and most loving women she has ever met,” is quite skilled at providing her granddaughter stimulating and exciting activities, which often draws involvement from her siblings and parents. Lucille’s entire family is so loving and caring that other TURN fill-in Instructors request to work with them.
Bonnie James has worked with people with disabilities since 1989. She came to Easter Seals in 1998 while providing services to a family with two children with disabilities. Their single mother also has disabilities and receives TURN family support and respite care. Bonnie, who has worked with the family for fifteen years, helps them to care for their home, prepare healthy meals, and maintain their personal health and hygiene. And, she works with the siblings through individual goals that will help foster their independence.
Joan Balde has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (specializing in autism). Joan, who began working for Easter Seals in 2001, has been providing family support to a 38-year old one woman with cognitive disabilities for twenty-two years. Today, Joan is helping her client achieve personal goals such as increasing her social interaction skills, community involvement, and self-expression. Together, they enjoy attending workshops, dances, dinners, and other activities through Joan’s many outdoor and social clubs.
Warren Cox began working for Easter Seals in 2004 providing Family Support to a young man whose father specifically requested his services. Warren, who has three grown children of his own, has developed a strong bond with the 28-year-old man and his father who also has disabilities. Warren has enjoyed working for TURN over the past five years. Outside of work, he spends time with his wife of thirty-five years, and participates in church activities.
Administrative and Program Support Staff
Patti Boyd came to Easter Seals in June 1997, after serving as a vocational counselor in Seattle, Washington for people with disabilities who were seeking career choices through Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Initially hired as a job coach for men who had been released to half-way houses from the Utah State penal system, Patti was promoted to Office Manager for Easter Seals in 2001. In 2006, Patti brought with her to TURN a total of twenty-six years of experience in human resources. Patti earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Speech Communication from the University of Utah in 1989, where she served as a Therapist’s Aide for TBI cases.
Barbaranell Owens was referred to Easter Seals in March, 1996 by Salt Lake Community College Vocational Rehabilitation Services where she served an internship as a sign language interpreter. Barbaranell, who learned sign from her hearing-impaired parents beginning in infancy, was hired by Easter Seals as an Employment Specialist, but also worked in supported living, day training, and family support over the course of ten years. Today, Barbaranell works as an Hourly Services Assistant through TURN’s Salt Lake area Supported Living and Supported Employment programs.
In 1999, Claudine Burkhalter moved to Utah from California to find services for her sixteen-year old son with cognitive disabilities. In 2003, Claudine was referred to Easter Seals by a Special Olympics parent. Through Easter Seals, Claudine was able to place her son in a group home, and later, into supported employment services. After working for Easter Seals for three years, Claudine went on to became a Program Instructor at TURN’s Clearfield Group Home, the Fairfield Apartment Program, and the Ogden Group Home, where she has been employed for the past five years.
"I am an artist", said Kathy Thomas when asked to describe herself. "And there's a lot of talents I can do, like exercise dancing. I do word search and jigsaw puzzles. I do cursive writing and I can do printing. I am good at bowling." Kathy says she has lived in many places in Utah, and currently loves the little 3-bedroom house she shares with two roommates. She is happy that she can walk to the market and her bank. She also likes the Orem Center Street Day Program she attends because of the friends and all the creative activities. "I think being an artist is real good. You can make pretty pictures and hang them up everywhere." 
