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Empowering Individuals with Down Syndrome in the Workplace: Sandy's Extraordinary Three Decades at TMI


TMI COO Jessie Campbell, TMI Director of CLS Angela Newmeyer, and TMI CEO Dr. Rachel Harris with Sandy

We are excited to celebrate a remarkable milestone at Toward Maximum Independence (TMI): our beloved Office Aide Sandy, who has Down syndrome, is commemorating 30 incredible years of dedicated service at our San Diego office!

At 61, Sandy is a shining example of perseverance and ability. She has been an invaluable member of the TMI family for three decades. With her warm smile, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment, she has touched the lives of countless individuals and colleagues alike. Sandy has a positive attitude that is truly inspiring!



(Sandy receiving her award for 30 years of service at our All Staff meeting)

Sandy is tasked with a range of responsibilities, such as organizing documents, restocking kitchen supplies, and overseeing the replenishment of office materials. Throughout her 30-year tenure, Sandy has received invaluable support including from her TMI Job Coach of 14 years Beverly Edwards. Additionally, Sandy has collaborated with her colleagues Shaun and Vanessa who are also with our Community Integration Training Program (CITP) for 14 and 17 years, respectively. Their supervisor, CITP Site Coordinator/Division Manager Dennis Moran, has been overseeing their work for the past nine years.


"Congratulations, Sandy, on your 30 amazing years working as a TMI Office Aide!" said Dennis. "It has been a joy supervising you. Your commitment and diligence in ensuring that all office staff have their supplies and coffee are valued by everyone. Running into you in the office hallways to exchange greetings and chat is always a special moment for me. Your presence brightens my day! Thank you for bringing light to TMI over the past 30 years!"

Beverly, Sandy, Shaun, & Vanessa at the TMI Office
"Sandy's teammates and I would absolutely like to give a huge congratulations on such a great achievement and for her hard work and dedication," said Beverly. "It has been a pleasure working with you, Sandy!"

Sandy also receives support from our Community Living Services program in which she has been a client for more than 30 years. Under the supervision of TMI Director of Community Living Services (CLS) Angela Newmeyer, Sandy's Case Manager is Monika Driscoll.


"I have seen Sandy around the San Diego office for the past 19 years and she has always met me with a smile and a hello," said Monika. "Sandy is very social and physically active in her life.  It is my honor to support Sandy in her golden years and assist her to remain as active as she can going forward."

Sandy's Supported Living (SL) direct staff Jessica Wood has assisted her for two and half years. The TMI SL program assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently or with paid support in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Personalized supports are dictated by a person’s needs.


Jessica shared: "It has been a pleasure to work with Sandy. She is always chipper and never complains."


(Sandy and Jessica enjoying life!)


The two have enjoyed going on road trips, walking on the beach and getting Sandy her Friday Frappuccino at their local Starbucks. They recently went on a trip to Sequoia National Park and Disneyland!


Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandy is a beloved member of our TMI community. She loves attending TMI special events where she can often be found dancing and socializing with friends. Her infectious joy and genuine care for others creates a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. She is a living testament to the fact that individuals with Down syndrome are capable of making significant contributions to the workplace and to society as a whole.


(TMI Division Manager Julie Takahashi (Sandy's former TMI SL roommate), Sandy, TMI CEO Dr. Rachel Harris, Jamie Takahashi, and Jessica Wood)


"For 30 years, Sandy has been a vital member of the TMI family, both as a client and as a dedicated employee," said TMI CEO Dr. Rachel Harris. "Her journey exemplifies the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals with disabilities are given the support and opportunities they deserve. We’re incredibly proud of her and grateful for her contributions.”

Sandy’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. TMI is honored to have Sandy as part of our team, and we look forward to many more years of working together to create a more inclusive world.


Sandy getting her TMI Wings

We invite you to join us in celebrating Sandy’s extraordinary 30-year journey. Please share your well wishes and congratulations in the comments below.


 

The Community Integration Training Program (CITP) is designed as a vocational and social skills training program to recognize, develop and build the necessary skills for our clients to participate in their community, all at the level at which the client chooses. The goal is to offer all available resources for community integration and includes, but is not limited to, improvement in self-help, socialization, job acquisition and/or retention, and learning adaptive skills.



 

Founded in 1981, Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and veterans with disabilities. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living Services and Family Support Services. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.


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