During the past five years, I have had the privilege of serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Mainstay Life Services where every day we support people with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) as they live their best lives.

This role has been both rewarding and challenging and has allowed me to witness the incredible strength and resilience of the people we support, while also highlighting the importance of advocacy and inclusion.

From day one, I embraced the Mainstay mission to empower people with ID/A to live fulfilling lives and become active participants in their communities. Enriching Lives. Unlocking Potential. is our guiding principle and has been the driving force behind every decision I have made as CEO. It has helped me to stay focused on our core purpose and provided a sense of direction during challenging times – and we know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many challenging (and frightening) times.

One of the keys to success is building a dedicated and passionate team. Over these five years, I have had the privilege of working with a team that is deeply committed to our mission. This team has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs, expanding our reach, and fostering a sense of community among the people we serve. Seeing the positive impact of our programs on the lives of people we support is incredibly rewarding and reinforces our commitment to our work.

During the past five years, I along with many of my colleagues have actively engaged with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by people with ID/A (including access to services and supports, transportation, housing, and more) as well as the decades-long Direct Support Professional crisis. We continue to advocate for policy changes, living wages for our talented workforce, and partnerships that strengthen not only our own organization but also the ID/A sector. Change takes time, we are seeing progress, and we will continue to be passionate advocates for what is best for the people we support, our team, our organization, and the sector.

One of the greatest joys of my job is witnessing the personal growth and achievements of the people we work for. Whether it’s seeing someone secure meaningful employment, develop new skills, or form relationships in their communities, these success stories serve as a reminder of the impact Mainstay is making. Celebrating these accomplishments not only brings joy to the individual but also motivates us to continue our dedicated work. I always say, there are days that are tough, however every day I LOVE what I do.

Reflecting on my first five years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. This journey has taught me the importance of empathy and resilience, and the intense power of community. Despite challenges along the way, the progress we have made and the lives we have touched have made every moment worthwhile.

As Mainstay enters its 25th anniversary year in 2024, I am excited to continue this journey, working towards a more inclusive and empowered future for people with ID/A, and I am honored to do this work alongside my 400+ dedicated colleagues.

I cannot wait to see what the next five years bring!!!