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5 questions with Lisa Fannin, Ohio State Director
Three cheers for our Dungarvin Ohio team! New State Director Lisa Fannin and a newly created Trauma Responsive Team are working on a state grant to identify new ways to create a healthier workplace culture.
Congratulations are in order for Dungarvin Connecticut trainer, Brittany Henry! Brittany has been recognized as one of the 100 Women of Color in Connecticut. The 100 Women of Color Awards honors contributions made in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, sports, government, public service, and the impact made on the lives of people throughout Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, & Rhode Island.
February 15th, 2025, marked an extraordinary day in the lives of James and Victoria—a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments that will forever be cherished. After three decades of love and commitment, the couple finally had their dream wedding. This long-awaited celebration of their bond was more than just a ceremony—it was the realization of years of dreaming, planning, and waiting for the perfect moment to say, “I do.”
1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so? When I started working in the group home in St. Cloud, I worked with four children and quickly found that helping them become more independent and grow up even in a setting like a group home was very rewarding. I was only 20 at the time and had to take on a role of staff, parent and friend. It was quickly evident to me that these kids needed people who would show up for them every day and who would create strong relationships with them that they didn’t get in a traditional way. If it wasn’t for us staff who genuinely cared about them who knows what their childhood would have been like. I have had the opportunity in my career to work in so many different service models and see how they all play a part in helping our people served grow, gain self esteem and feel like they matter. That’s what keeps me coming back every day, how we can make their lives better. 2. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker? In a friend, I value someone who is honest. I want to be real and myself and always want my friends to be the same. In a co-worker, I value determination. I want a co-worker who sees a problem and wants to find a solution, someone who steps up and puts themselves out there for the greater good of the individuals we support.
Anna Hegland, Minnesota Senior Director, was honored and touched as family, friends and colleagues came together to celebrate her 15 years with the organization last night in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Tears were shed and laughter ringed throughout the room as we demonstrated our appreciation for her immense contributions to the Dungarvin organization.
Today, we invite you to walk through a “Day in the Life” of a Mental Health Specialist, and more specifically, see a special friendship shared between staff and a person supported. Take a moment to learn why Mental Health Specialist roles at Dungarvin are so critical to the population we serve.
The Oklahoma team recently had a festive recognition event to honor some long term Dungarvin staff! DSP Karen Clark and Program Director Teri Arquilla celebrated 10 years, and Program Director Angela Wheeler celebrated 20!
“Where you start is not as important as where you finish.” These words by American author Zig Ziglar continue to inspire Dungarvin I.S.P. Coordinator Donn Zeigler. In the past year, he has been responsible for the development of strategies, objectives and activities to enable consumers receiving day habilitation and soon-to-be pre-vocational services at three Day Programs in New Jersey. “What makes our Day Programs so special is that we have a diverse population of individuals we serve and an even larger diversity among our staff from various parts of the world,” believes Donn. “That diversity crates an opportunity for a higher level of learning for the individual, like learning new languages and developing a greater tolerance for other cultures, often without even knowing it!”
“Being a part of the Dungarvin team has allowed me to pursue my passion to impact the lives of others; colleagues, staff and persons served alike. I have been able to make a positive contribution to the work others do while providing me opportunities for continuous learning and growth through collaborative environments.”
