About the Author

Having John as my brother created in me a tendency to fight for the underdog. That fueled my decision to earn Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Psychology, graduating with an accreditation in Social Work from Iowa State University in 1980. I've spent my career dedicated to de-institutionalization and developing community-based services for people with mental health disabilities. I have the unique perspective of having lived the experience of growing up with a person with a disability, and of being a professional serving people with disabilities and their families.