About lifempowered

Started working in this field early 1980’s, I was living in North Dakota at that time the State started to close State hospitals and move people out into the community. I started working in a sheltered workshop first, then moved into working with people in the community at their jobs and in their apartments. Moved to California in 1988 worked at a for-profit company the first 4-5 years then went to work for a Nonprofit. Took a break from the DD/IDD field for about 9years. Ran a Pet Resort where I learned how to do T touch massage on animals, our rooms were inside with tvs and beds. We had onsite grooming where we provided blueberry facials and pawdicures. Moved to Oregon from Cali Oct 2011 started working for Riverside (name at the time) I was a relief DSP initially, went to full time then up to Asst Manager for 2 weeks then to Program Manager for a few years and then into the position I am in now. My position has changed and adjusted over the years as we made internal changes and worked on a positive structure that was sustainable and provided the support needed for the DSP’s. I plan to retire from lifempowered if everything works out.