The DDRC’s PACE program has been offering support to young adults making the transition from high school into the post secondary or working world since 1996. Team Leader Shannon Mills has shared a bit about herself and why she works here.
When did you start at the DDRC?
I started with the DDRC in October 1993.
What made you want to work here?
I was a student at Mount Royal University in the Rehabilitation program (now Disability Studies), and answered an ad to work in the group homes that the DDRC used to own. I have been with the DDRC ever since in a variety of different roles, but I must say that the Team Leader role is so far my favorite!
What’s the best thing about being a Team Leader?
What I like best about it is the people that I get to see and work with on a daily basis. All of the management team, members of Career and Leisure Services teams, a variety of people from other departments, the PACE team Community Resource Workers, and of course the clients! Every day is a new and exciting day and I love the DDRC community as a whole.
Can you share a recent success story from the PACE team?
PACE has been growing rather fast, and we are currently supporting 48 clients. The team has been very welcoming and has embraced the growth with eagerness and excitement. We have many clients successfully pursuing their education and career goals, and to share a comment from a newer client when asked how things were: “PACE is just blowing my mind!” (In a good way.)
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I love to travel and have been lucky enough to do so! I have been to many places, but still on my list is Australia!