Category: Meet our Staff
Staff Profile: Erica Farrow
Some Things Will Never Be Replaced Just a couple of weeks ago, Open AI launched a new program called “Jukebox”. It generates original music in the style of famous pop stars. You feed the lightning quick neural net a request to create a composition in the style of Aretha Franklin, for example, and it comes up with a rather convincing… read more
Staff Profile: Cassidy Larkin
The Best Song Ever I knew from the beginning that this story was going to be complicated. It isn’t easy to define Cassidy Larkin. She is so many things. Where do you start? Where do you end? We were supposed to discuss her work, her professional goals and dreams but five minutes into our conversation I found myself talking to… read more
Staff Profile: Royce Smith
Tack Så Mycket, Mr. Smith! It was a perfect kick. The ball arched high through the crisp Swedish air sailing over “Umeå’s“ entire defense. The pass was so good it was about to catch its intended target in perfect stride. The player was fast and skilled. Three more steps and he would have a breakaway opportunity to win the game.… read more
Professional Family Teachers finding Joy in Shared Living
Professional Family Teachers (PFTs) are the heart of GoodLife’s unique Shared Living Model. In this family-style living arrangement, a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities lives in the home of a carefully selected and highly trained host family. The individual is part of a caring family and has real-life opportunities to develop independence. Becoming a PFT is a rewarding career… read more
Staff Profile: Meet Kaden Nix
GoodLife’s dedicated staff are the backbone of our organization so we love highlighting their stories and sharing their passions. This month we were excited to connect with Kaden, a valuable member of our Douglas County team and one of three Tommy Johnson Distinguished Service Award Winners this year at GoodLife. How long have you been with GoodLife? I have worked… read more
Meet Dakota Gehrer: Day Service and Training Coordinator
GoodLife’s dedicated staff are the backbone of our organization so we love highlighting their stories and sharing their passions. This month we were excited to connect with Dakota, a valuable member of our South Kansas team and our Day Service & Training Coordinator. How long have you been with GoodLife? I started at Goodlife nearly three years ago. How time… read more
Meet Ivo Ivanov: Multimedia Specialist
GoodLife’s dedicated staff are the backbone of our organization so we love highlighting their stories and sharing their passions. This month we were excited to connect with Ivo Ivanov, a valuable member of our marketing team and GoodLife’s go-to for all things multimedia. Ivo, how long have you been with GoodLife, and how did you come to join the team?… read more
Mindy Steps Into New Role and Supports Growth at GoodLife
Dr. Mike Strouse has been GoodLife’s CEO for more than 35 years and along the way has relied on a diverse and capable team to help drive GoodLife’s operations and outreach initiatives. For the past decade, Mike has committed to developing talent through a unique mentoring program that has produced some of GoodLife’s current leaders, including our Executive Director of… read more
Michelle focuses on family in her shared living journey
Michelle Ray believes family support can change the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She and her family have been providing that support since 2006 as part of GoodLife’s shared living program as a Professional Extended Family Provider. Over the years, the family has shared their home with seven (7) individuals. Michelle began her career with GoodLife… read more
A Team Leader’s Perspective: Meet Kassie
GoodLife serves adults with disabilities in family-style home settings. Our direct support staff provides daily teaching, support and companionship, which are vital to each client’s quality of life. Team Leaders manage individual homes to help ensure a safe and meaningful experience for our residents. Today, Kassie Johnston shares what it means to be a team leader and why she values… read more
