What I Have Learned After Two Decades of Serving Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

This work is not just a career. It is a calling, a promise, and often a humbling reminder of what truly matters.

The Power of Being Present

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is the importance of simply showing up. Not just physically, but emotionally. The individuals we support often face obstacles most people never see. Behavioral challenges, communication barriers, and complex emotional needs can make the world feel unpredictable and overwhelming for them.

When someone takes the time to sit beside them, listen to them, and earn their trust, something remarkable happens. Walls begin to fall. Growth starts to take root. Confidence rises. I have watched breakthroughs unfold because someone cared enough to show up consistently with patience and genuine concern.

In this field, presence becomes powerful. It is often the very thing that changes a life.

Labels Do Not Define People. Relationships Do.

Early in my career, I noticed how quickly society assigns labels to individuals with developmental disabilities. Many people are defined by what they cannot do instead of what they can accomplish. After working closely with hundreds of individuals over the years, I learned that labels rarely reveal the truth about a person’s potential.

When we remove assumptions and take the time to learn who someone truly is, we begin to see strengths, humor, intelligence, creativity, and resilience. These qualities do not appear in paperwork or diagnostic reports. Yet they represent the heart of who a person is.

Some of the individuals I have worked with have overcome challenges that most people could never imagine. Their determination has taught me more about perseverance than any leadership program ever could.

A Person Centered Approach Begins With Listening

Person centered care sounds simple, but it requires deliberate effort. It asks us to slow down, to pay attention, and to ask important questions.

What does this person want
What brings them comfort
What sparks their interest or joy
What creates stress or frustration

Over the years, I have learned that listening is not passive. It is active and intentional. When we truly listen, we begin to understand not only needs but dreams. I have witnessed individuals reach goals they once believed were impossible. These achievements did not happen because someone dictated the steps. They happened because someone took the time to understand who they are.

Leadership Means Standing Up for the Vulnerable

As the CEO of an agency that supports more than one hundred individuals with developmental disabilities, I have learned that leadership in this field requires courage. Advocacy is not something you do when it is convenient. It is a responsibility you carry every day.

There have been moments when systems failed the very people they were created to protect. There have been times when individuals were misunderstood or overlooked. During those moments, leadership means speaking up, pushing for change, and ensuring that every person we serve receives the respect and protection they deserve.

This commitment to advocacy is one of the reasons I accepted the role of President of the TN NAAD. Supporting individuals who are dually diagnosed is not simple work. It is, however, necessary work. Being part of a team that strives for better mental health care and stronger support services remains one of the great honors of my career.

Hard Work Still Matters

When Capitol City Residential Health Care was founded, it was not built on shortcuts or flashy ideas. It was built on hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to help people live better lives. Those early years taught me that consistency matters. Integrity matters. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, matters.

Today, as our organization continues to serve as a trusted agency for individuals who face significant challenges, the foundation remains the same. Work hard. Care deeply. Treat every person with respect.

The People We Serve Are Our Teachers

Many assume that our clients benefit the most from our services. The truth is that I am often the one learning from them.

I have learned patience from those who move through life at their own rhythm.
I have learned courage from individuals who wake up each day ready to face fears and obstacles.
I have learned compassion from families who advocate with unwavering love.
I have learned humility from quiet moments when a smile, a small success, or a gentle breakthrough reminds me why this work matters.

One of the most personal lessons I have learned is tied to the mission and legacy of John H. Weston Jr. His influence taught me that leadership becomes most meaningful when it reflects service, sacrifice, and heart. It is a lesson I carry into every decision I make.

Why This Work Still Inspires Me

People often ask why I continue this work with the same passion and energy. The answer is simple. People deserve it.

They deserve someone who sees them as whole and capable.
They deserve opportunities to grow and engage with their communities.
They deserve a team that believes in their ability to thrive, not just survive.

Every success story reminds me that the work is never finished. Even the smallest progress, such as a calm moment, a new skill, or a step toward independence, can transform a life.

This belief keeps me grounded. It keeps me motivated. It reminds me why this mission matters.

A Journey That Continues

After twenty years, I can say that this journey has given me more than I ever expected. It has taught me compassion, resilience, patience, leadership, and gratitude. It has allowed me to serve people in ways that honor my purpose and values. It has shaped me both personally and professionally.

As we continue to grow and serve individuals across our community, I remain committed to the mission that has guided me since the beginning. Every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to reach their life goals. It is a mission inspired by the lessons I have learned throughout my career and by the legacy of John H. Weston Jr., whose example continues to guide my path.

Two decades in, I am still learning. I am still growing. And more than anything, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.