What is your role at the Partnership and what does it involve?

My role at the Partnership is Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development (VEIPD) Center Director. Our project oversees and coordinates professional development for all VA early interventionists who work with infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with developmental delays or disabilities, and their families.

What inspired you to join the Partnership?

I actually was recruited from the field back in 2002. I had been an early intervention (EI) program director and also provided developmental services (education) and service coordination. I helped write a statewide service coordination curriculum and was recruited based on that work. Fun tidbit—I was the first telecommuter at the PPD (and possibly VCU) LONG before COVID (2002).

How does your work contribute to the mission of the Partnership?

In the Partnership’s work to “link people, change lives”, early intervention is the entry into that journey. The VEIPD Center supports practitioners to be well-prepared to support infants, toddlers, and their families who are eligible for services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).

What’s something you're proud of accomplishing in your role?

I am most proud of the amazing team who work with me at the VEIPD Center. We are a distance team meaning we all work remotely and rarely have in-person opportunities to be together as a staff. (Another fun fact: I have been face-to-face with several staff members only two times but we operate like a beautiful, well-oiled machine.)

What does a typical day look like for you?

I spend about 85%-90% of my time on zoom meetings, interacting with staff, numerous state, national, and international colleagues on all topics related to early intervention and early childhood topics. The remainder of my time is spent developing curricula and other professional development materials and resources to support our EI workforce.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do here?

I enjoy the many opportunities I have to work with so many passionate, like-minded colleagues.

How do you collaborate with other team members or partners?

Through my participation on the Early Childhood Content Team, there are many opportunities to collaborate with PPD colleagues. We also collaborate with other projects such as Center for Family Involvement, Deafblind project, and the Technical Assistance Center for Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing to support early interventionists in their work with infants, toddlers, and their families.

What experience or background do you bring to the team?

My educational background is in psychology and early childhood education. I’ve worked in the field of disabilities for 35 years. I started as a neuropsychological technician administering cognitive testing for patients in acute rehabilitation who had experienced traumatic brain injuries or strokes. I also provided cognitive therapy and community re-entry supports. Following that job, I began in early intervention and have been here ever since!

What excites you about the future of this work?

Few people say, “I love my job” but I truly do. There is NEVER a dull moment and always something new to learn and try. And….although retirement is closer in my future than it has ever been in the past, I will look forward to spending more time with my four grandbabies…BUT NOT YET!

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the work we do?

I wish more people understand more of the collaboration between PPD projects. It really does occur frequently but we are not always good at recognizing this good work.