Meet our Team Leaders: Jenna Wray

Posted on By Communications Team
Team Leader Jenna Wray takes a break in her office.
Team Leader Jenna Wray takes a break in her office.

We are very excited to introduce you to one of our Team Leaders, Jenna Wray, who is in charge of our Comprehensive Care Team. Comprehensive Care provides respite care and community support services for people of all ages with developmental disabilities or chronic conditions, and their families.

How long have you been with the DDRC?
I started working at DDRC in August 2014, so two-and-a-half years now. And six months as the Team Leader for Comprehensive Care.

What made you want to work here?
I wanted to work with the DDRC originally as I was interested in the Client Services Coordinator position. I had never seen a role quite like it, and I could tell the Agency is ahead of the times by having a communication hub [for clients and their networks] like that. I continue working at the DDRC because of their willingness to grow and develop to better the lives of the individuals we support. I am also happy to work in a positive environment with such kind and friendly people!

What’s the best part about being a Team Leader?
My favourite part about being a Team Leader is being able to converse and be actively involved with the team. I enjoy being able to coach others to better themselves, and the people they support. That’s both with the frontline staff (Community Support Workers) and the office staff (Comprehensive Care Service Coordinators).

Can you tell us about a recent Comprehensive Care Team success?
A huge success is how we’ve been able to streamline our processes and having everyone working as many hours as they would like, with steady and consistent schedules.

What is a winter activity that you enjoy?
I really like snowshoeing in Kananaskis Country. It is so beautiful out there, and only an hour jaunt out of the city. I could happily go out every weekend!

So Long 2016, Welcome 2017

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Happy New Year! The beginning of a year can often be both a time for reflection, and a time for planning for the future. We wanted to see what some of the staff and clients around the office were focusing on in early 2017; here’s what they had to say:

Maria M., Client Services Coordinator
Maria M., Client Services Coordinator

“The best part of 2016 was that I applied for a position with the [Client Services Coordinators] team, and I got hired. That was my highlight. I am very happy to be here. I was a Community Resource Worker prior to coming into this position, so it is something different, but something challenging I think. I feel I’m heading in the right direction for 2017.”
– Maria M., Client Services Coordinator

Adam C., PACE Team Client
Adam C., PACE Team Client

“I had some highlights in 2016. Presenting at the Inclusion Awards in September was one. I am looking forward to getting my driver’s license in 2017. Also, I’m hoping to get a job by the spring.”
– Adam C., PACE Team Client

Jessica L., PACE Team CRW
Jessica L., PACE Team CRW

“The Holiday Open House was a great experience. Very fun. I got to work with one of our clients serving vegetables. I am looking forward to seeing great changes with each of the clients here as they learn and grow, and just having new adventures.”
– Jessica L., Community Resource Worker

 

Cieran R., PACE Team Client
Cieran R., PACE Team Client

“I joined Toastmasters, and I think that it is a really good place for me to be. I’ve gotten pretty good at  it [public speaking]. I am mostly looking forward to working on writing creatively. I like writing stories.”
– Cieran R., PACE Team Client

 

Meet our Team Leaders: Denise Aquino

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Denise Aquino, South Team Leader
Denise Aquino, South Team Leader

We’re pleased to introduce you to our newest Team Leader, Denise Aquino, who is in charge of our South Team. The South Team is one of our four community-based teams for Career and Leisure Services (CLS), which provides part-time and full-time support to adults with developmental disabilities in their communities.

 

How long have you been with the DDRC?
Three months, almost!

What made you want to work here?
DDRC has good policies and processes in place that align with my professional values and practice. The organization is forward thinking, efficient, vibrant, creative, and Level 2 ACDS CET accredited!

What’s the best part about being a Team Leader?
Working together with Community Resource Workers to develop tools that can positively impact the quality of service we provide to our clients.

Can you tell us about a recent South Team success?
We recently formed a bowling group, which every client on our team seems to want to be a part of! Also, the employer of one of our clients has committed to doing a “staff picks table” on a quarterly basis where our client gets to choose and gather items and books from their store, and engage with customers about these featured items. This means a lot to the work that we do because it shows how the community sees the talents, interests, and strengths of our clients.

What is your favourite thing about summer?
Longer sunlight hours which means being able to do multi-pitch trad [a type of rock climbing] or sport rock climbing routs in the mountains the whole day. Also, it does not feel too cold while flying single engine airplanes [one of Denise’s hobbies].

 

Meet Our Team Leaders: Doug Tryon

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IMG_3134We’re pleased to introduce you to our Northwest Team Leader, Doug Tryon. The Northwest Team is one of our four community-based teams for Career and Leisure Services (CLS), which provides part-time and full-time support to adults with developmental disabilities in their communities.

When did you start at the DDRC?

I did a “government grant” position in 1986, and in 1987 I was offered a permanent position.

What made you want to work here?

I enjoyed working with the people at DDRC when I did the government grant position. I wanted to return so I could assist people to learn skills, and help them be the best they could be.

What’s the best thing about being a Team Leader?

I feel being able to share my skills and knowledge with others has been one of the best parts of being a Team Leader, but I must say also that learning new things from clients, families, and CRWs has been a growth experience for me.

Can you share a recent success story from the Northwest Team?

A client was having difficulty taking the initiative to work on his goals. Over time, with support and encouragement, one day he took the initiative to approach an employer for work. He was offered a part-time position doing recycling, which is an area he was interested in working in.

Tell us about a hidden talent that you have.

As I have gotten older, I am discovering talents I did not know I had. We’re renovating our house, and I have been enjoying drawing up the plans for it. I am actually doing the woodwork and using power tools, which I used to be terrified of.

Time for a Change of PACE

Posted on By Communications Team
Photo: Brandi and Kieran in the new PACE office.
Brandi and Kieran in the new PACE office.

The PACE team has recently expanded into a new office space on the main floor of the DDRC, and they’re already seeing lots of excitement among clients and staff: “I really like it here,” PACE client Kieran Corrigan said. “It’s nice and quiet and not as busy as [the old office].”

Both the PACE team and its clients recognized the need for another room quite some time ago. However, given the size of the building, it hadn’t been possible until now. According to Shannon Mills, PACE Team Leader, the new office is a positive move because it shows that the DDRC values its staff and clients. “Our team is growing and we really needed more space,” Shannon explained. “We now have 52 clients and more than 20 PACE staff; we were overflowing into the hallways!”

With its six computers and white board, the room has a classroom-like feel to it. Currently, both PACE rooms are being used by the whole team. The client’s goals help determine which space they will use. “The extra computers will help me apply for different jobs. I’m also working on my writing, math, and resume writing,” Kieran said.

Eventually, the PACE team plans to run courses and training in the new space. “It will be geared towards [the PACE] population and age group,” Shannon said. “The courses and training will develop the skills and positive relationships our clients are looking for.”

Though they’re still working on adding a few personal touches, both clients and staff are thrilled with the new room and its potential: “I like the new space. I love that it has a window,” Brandi Russell, a PACE Community Resource Worker, said. “I think that coming down [here] is a good way to refresh everyone and help them focus on their goals.”