Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is pleased to announce the addition of three outstanding new members to our Board of Directors. Heather Martin, Louise Fougner and Cory are very welcome additions and we look forward to their contributions in assisting TMI to continue to thrive! We value and rely upon each Board member's voice to help TMI make a lasting impact on the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as the deaf and hard of hearing.
Heather was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Riverside. After college she worked at Forest Lawn Memorial Parks in Glendale, CA where she was introduced to the field of grief counseling. She returned to San Diego and completed her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University. She began working in the mental health field as an intern at an alternative school for at risk youth. She also interned at a crisis house for two years before moving to acute adult outpatient care. Over the next 12 years she worked as a clinician, bilingual outreach program coordinator, and program director of an outpatient mental health clinic. She currently lectures and presents on mental health awareness topics throughout California.
Louise recently retired after 40 years as an educator. Her experience includes both special education and the general education classroom, mostly with preschool to second grade. She still acts as an early childhood consultant for The Cambridge School in San Diego. She has been married to Pete Fougner for 37 years and they have two adult children. Their daughter has special needs and lives in a group home in Chula Vista. Louise enjoys hiking, Pilates, reading, baking, and playing the flute. Her retirement has allowed more flexibility for travel, which she and Pete both enjoy. She is thrilled to join the TMI Board!
Cory is TMI’s new Board Client Representative. He has been with our Independent Living program since 2009. Cory completed his general studies at Landmark College, as well coursework at California State University, Sacramento. In addition, he has completed Kaiser Permanente Positive Choice Wellness Center 14-week courses, regularly attends spina bifida national and regional conferences, ability expos, as well as the San Diego State University Fitness Clinic for Individuals with Disabilities. Cory has had paid employment with Landmark College, LD America and Giant Eagle Supermarket, as well as volunteered at Morton Plant Hospital, Therapeutic Recreation Services and KPBS-TV/FM 89.5. He joined our Board to learn the inner workings of TMI and to see his own case from a new perspective.
Welcome to you all!
TMI’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in helping to set our course into the future in a productive and progressive direction. Our Board is currently comprised of 13 diverse individuals seeking to improve the lives of those we serve. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to our mission.
Should you wish to receive information on how you can join this dynamic Board of Directors, please contact us today. Thank you for your interest in TMI!
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the deaf and hard of hearing since 2000. Like all of us, our clients are born with hopes, dreams and the drive to contribute to society. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties.