What Past Participants of The Leadership Institutes Have Said...

“There was a commitment made to me by the Leadership Institute and I now have a commitment to my organization and the people we serve to move toward a vision for a better future. Thanks for the best week of my career.”
~ Kevin Hondl, Program Director, Dakota Communities, Eagan, MN
“Years worth of knowledge packed into seven days. A week-long collaboration among national leaders and their successors. It was an opportunity to learn, network, and rekindle my passion.”
~ Joseph Macbeth, Director of Member Services, New York State Association of Community & Residential Agencies, Albany, NY

Participants of the Leadership Institutes, classroom photo

“The Leadership Institute re-energized and renewed my passion for what I do. Great leadership tools and a wealth of knowledge relative to the field. All that I’ve gained this week will truly help me along this challenging but rewarding journey.”
~ Stephanie K. Grimes, Director Adult Services, Gateway Services, Inc., Princeton, IL
“An empowering and interactive week that will forever enlighten my thinking and decision making.”
~ Sandra Root-Elledge, Coordinator for Community Education, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, Laramie, WY
“This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and I feel renewed and energized. Really gained a new perspective on my vision and where I can lead my organization.”
~ Diane O'Rourke, CFO/Associate Administrator, Arc Mercer County, Hermitage, PA
“The Leadership Institute exceeded my expectations. It was the most powerful week of professional development in my thirteen-year career in disability services. This week provided a unique and exciting opportunity to work and learn side-by-side with true leaders in the field.”
~ Becky Hansen, Vice President, Service Coordination, Sioux Vocational Services, Sioux Falls, SD
“The Leadership Institute was the greatest opportunity I’ve had to learn from other leaders in the field. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with people and ideas from all over the country.”
~ Tonya Fowler, Executive Director, The Arc of High Point. High Point, NC
“The Institute provides a safe environment in which to promote individual growth while maintaining the values of dignity and respect for people with disability.”
~ Jeni Grotjohn, Assistant Executive Director, Faith, Hope & Charity, Storm Lake, IA
“The Leadership Institute provided space and time to work on professional and leadership development issues with experts and veterans in the field.”
~ Kerry Lida, Senior Policy Associate, American Public Human Services Association, Center for Workers with Disabilities, Washington, DC
“The Leadership Institute is an excellent opportunity to network, build relationships and learn new and creative ways to enhance the quality of supports for persons with disabilities. I came away rejuvenated and with new passion for my work.”
~ Benjamin Stortz, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Cornerstone Services, Inc., Joliet, IL
“The Leadership Institute was a transforming experience in my development as a leader in the field of developmental disabilities. I will never be able to think about my organization or my work in this field in the same way.”
~ John Bauer, Interim COO, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Watertown, WI
“The Leadership Institute challenged me to take a serious look at the difficult changes that need to be addressed at my agency and in the service system as a whole.”
~ Stephen Russell, Coordinator, Liberty Resources Inc., Syracuse, NY
“The Leadership Institute is a phenomenal experience for growth and opportunity. It helped me to develop a vision for the future.”
~ Eileen Durkin, CEO, Neumann Association, Chicago, IL
“The week-long Leadership Institute was inspiring and invigorating. It was an opportunity to meet with leaders in the field and explore the vision of the future for individuals with disabilities.”
~ Jake Jacobs, Executive Director, Jackson County Board of Services, Jackson County, MO
“Ideas that cannot be expressed anywhere else were shared and built upon at the Leadership Institute - the message? -- the future is now!”
~ Marian Frattarola-Saulino, CEO, Values into Action, Inc., Philadelphia, PA
“The Leadership Institute was intellectually stimulating, out-of-the-box thinking, visionary.”
~ Vernessa Broddie, Director of Quality Enhancement and Supports, Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, Washington, DC
“If you don’t want your world turned upside down, don’t apply! If you’re seeking real connection to others in the field and are interested in re-discovering shared values and pushing your organization to provide better services, stop everything and apply now!”
~ Jill Rushing, Program Manager, The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities, Raleigh, NC