Breaking Ground 110 - Council Staff Profiles
There are a lot of things that make the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities special:
- Our role as the only state agency with the job of bringing positive change across the entire system.
- Our history of big changes that have shifted the path of disability services in Tennessee.
- Our ability to connect dots and bring people together around shared goals.
- Our broad lens on disability issues across the lifespan, from birth to aging.
- Our diverse Council members from every district in the state whose real-world experiences shape everything we do.
There is another thing just about everyone who knows the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities will tell you is part of our magic: the Council staff.
We know we’re not objective on this subject. So, we thought we’d give you the chance to get to know us. Some of you have been working with the Council for years and know many of our staff well. But there have been new additions in recent years. And some of our staff have fewer chances to share the public spotlight. In this issue, each staff member will get their highlight. Each person brings a unique set of skills and experiences to this work.
There are also common threads across our 10-person crew:
- A deep commitment to the Council and its values of inclusion, independence, and self-determination for people with disabilities
- A team mindset that sets aside personal ego and works across areas to get the job done right
- A focus on practical problem solving
- A culture of kindness, gratitude, trust, and support
- An internal drive for excellence
An agency’s culture always starts with leadership. The Council was lucky to have Wanda Willis as our Executive Director for 33 years, until her retirement last year. As Lauren Pearcy stepped into the role in January, she made it clear she would be building on Wanda’s legacy. Her time so far has focused on fulfilling the clear vision of our work under the Council’s state plan. She has also focused on growing our internal culture of close teamwork.
The proof of a strong team is in our results. We invite you to get to know us. Follow along with us to see change in progress. And most importantly, join us in this work. As amazing as our team is, we know this work is bigger than us. It will take our entire community working together to build the future we want for people with disabilities in Tennessee.
Read the profiles of each staff member below the photos
Time with the Council: 22 years
Main areas of responsibility: Federal reporting - State Plan and PPR; Contracts - development, management, monitoring and payment; Quarterly reporting process; Program evaluation – strategies, data collection and monitoring; Title VI – monitoring and plan implementation.
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I liked the idea of supporting Mississippians with intellectual disabilities to be employed in the community…so that was my first, full-time, real-world job after college.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Problem solver
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? Creation of the Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services (Council note: This program is the only one of its kind in the nation! It offers expert training to employees who work in disability-related areas of state government. The training grows their leadership skills and knowledge of important disability issues.)
What is something you think makes the Council special? Being a systems improvement advocate from within the system.
When should people contact you directly for help? Whenever they want, because if it is not my specific area, I will assist them to get to the person on staff with whom they need to speak. Any time they have is a question in any of my specific work areas.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Catching up on sleep while cuddling with one of my pets.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? I have three cats. I love cats because they love unconditionally and are very smart. Sabrina is my oldest and a seal-point Siamese. Fitz is my middle child and a tabby-point Siamese. And Tiger is my youngest. He was once feral and is a domestic short-hair black and grey tabby. All are rescues from either Texas or Tennessee.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Planning some trips to places in the southeast and southwest United States.
Job title: Assistant to the Executive Director
Time with the Council: 4 Years
Main areas of responsibility: Supporting the Executive Director’s desk and special projects as assigned; Meeting coordination & support.
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I earned my Master’s in Reading Education thinking I would teach high school social studies somewhere. I ended up at a school for kids who needed individualized learning plans, teaching reading and technology. It changed my entire life. I’ve learned from some of the most incredible young people (I hope I taught them something too!)- some who are working in the field with me today!
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Creative problem solving ß sometimes just a little creative, sometimes we question whether Ashley is off her rocker…
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? (with the help of all staff) Moving Council meetings from in-person, to virtual, to in-person again.
What is something you think makes the Council special? In a world where people notice gaps or obstacles in the services system, the Council suits up to get to work building bridges and connecting dots to close the gaps and eliminate obstacles. In my experience, we tackle problems or search for solutions because of the people who have served on or are currently serving on the Council. We’re going into meetings with the faces and names of Tennesseans these programs impact regularly. Sometimes it takes time, but our track record is pretty great!
When should people contact you directly for help? If they need to set a meeting with the Executive Director, when they would like information about upcoming council meetings… or if they want board game recommendations!
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Walking around Cheekwood without interruption, watching my kids playing baseball or performing on stage, or playing board games with my partner.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? Iris is my fur baby. She’s a 6-year-old Brussels Griffon and is very grateful for remote work. She’s a very good (read: high-strung) guard dog.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Taking my mom to Harry Potter World in Orlando. My mom has spent her life taking care of other people and it’s been my dream to take her on some sort of vacation. She has been obsessed with Harry Potter since it came out 20 years ago. I can’t wait to enjoy down time together and watch her excitement when we go in October!
Job title: General Counsel and Director of Public Policy
Time with the Council: 6 months
Main areas of responsibility: Legislation and legal compliance
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I have a disability myself. The disability community has always been important to me, and I love to give back to it.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Innovation!
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? I have a few that I’m still working on. Give me 3 more months! (Council note: Brian answered this before the Tennessee legislature passed $1 million in funding for adult-size changing tables – the Council’s top policy issue!)
What is something you think makes the Council special? What it can accomplish as an advocate inside the system.
When should people contact you directly for help? Any time they are having a problem with a state service or agency, or any time they have questions or ideas about legislation.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Walking my dog and eating at Taqueria Del Sol.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? A 4-year-old boxer mix named Gunner
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Play catch with my son, who will be born in a couple of months. (Council note: John Patton Keller was born on May 14!)
Job title: Director of Leadership Development
Time with the Council: 2 years
Main areas of responsibility: Partners in Policymaking, Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services (LAEDS), Scholarship Fund
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I raised an amazing young woman who is Deafblind. Advocating for her over the years, along with caring for other family members who were disabled, made this transition a natural fit for me. Just because a person has a disability does not mean they shouldn’t have access to services, employment, education, etc.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Flexibility
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? I am proud that in spite of the difficulties that COVID-19 posed, it provided an opportunity to present Partners in Policymaking in a new way (virtual). The virtual option also provided a way to connect for some that may not have been able to partake in the class otherwise.
What is something you think makes the Council special? What makes the Council special is the staff. Each person brings unique gifts and skills that makes our team whole. Our Council members also bring their lived experiences and knowledge, which provides a perspective representing Tennesseans with disabilities.
When should people contact you directly for help? It is always the “right” time to reach out to me if one has a question, concern, or comment. If I don’t know the answer offhand, I will seek an answer or get them to the appropriate person for their need.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? When the weather is nice, I truly enjoy sitting outside in my garden, watching and listening to the birds, or taking a nice walk. I also enjoy spending time with my family.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? I have two fabulous dog fur babies! I am a country girl, so I have always had pets and cannot imagine life without them.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? My husband and I would love to get a small RV and go on some National Park tours. There is still so much to see!
Job title: Public Information Specialist
Time with the Council: 10 years full-time
Main areas of responsibility: Communications work supporting the Chief Public Information Officer; tracking data and outcomes for storytelling and federal reporting; sharing information about Council priorities and news impacting the disability community; leading statewide sibling support network TN Adult Brothers and Sisters
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I have a younger brother with autism and other disabilities. After his diagnosis, my family became very involved in the disability advocacy community. I became interested in how public policy impacted families with members with disabilities. This led me to the Council for a college internship and I was hired after I graduated.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Curiosity
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? I led Tennessee’s participation in a national learning community about supporting families of people with disabilities using the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools (www.lifecoursetools.org). The LifeCourse framework continues to impact how the Council and other partners in Tennessee think about supports for families and public policy.
What is something you think makes the Council special? I think it is so special to see how many leaders in TN’s disability community have been impacted by the Council’s work.
When should people contact you directly for help? Contact me at emma.shouse@tn.gov or 615-253-5368:
- If you have success stories about Tennesseans with disabilities
- If you have questions about our communications
- If your organization wants training about the Charting the LifeCourse framework and tools
- If you want to learn about issues impacting siblings of people with disabilities
- If you are an adult sibling who wants to find support
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Sitting outdoors with a good fiction book or thought-provoking podcast
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? My husband and I adore our two bunnies, “Basil” and “Pocket”.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Finding, buying, and settling into our first house – which sounds both exciting and overwhelming!
Job title: Office Resources Manager
Time with the Council: Almost 19 years (started October 2003)
Main areas of responsibility: Administrative lead for agency operations, Technology/sensitive asset coordinator, Coordinates council meeting venue logistics, serves as agency records officer and public records request coordinator, and increasing agency efficiency with new and/or changing systems
What brought you to this work in the disability field? Working where I have an opportunity to contribute to positive change for people fuels my fire: From working with battered women, to Choctaw children struggling to succeed in “white” schools while also losing their native culture, to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, where I discovered the disability field was my home before joining the Council. Also, my favorite cousin has Down syndrome!
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Problem Solving!
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? Learning about and implementing our records management program, something we had to do as part of becoming an independent state agency. It is complex but I love getting rid of paper!
What is something you think makes the Council special? Our success with meaningful, positive systems change is directly tied to our Council members. We have a unique role in state government that has allowed us to instill many changes over the years. Sometimes they happen quickly, sometimes it can take a decade, but we have been part of many improvements that impact the lives of people with disabilities and family members.
When should people contact you directly for help? Anytime! If I can’t help directly, I’ll do my best to find someone who can.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Riding around in the country with friends.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? I don’t have any pets at the moment, but I have had several cats over the years and love them all. I also love dogs, but they can be a little high maintenance for me.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Taking a real beach vacation before the end of the year!
Job title: Chief Public Information Officer
Time with the Council: 3 years
Main areas of responsibility: Oversee all Council communications
What brought you to this work in the disability field? My entire life path! My dad has been blind since I was 18 months old, and I participated for many years in my parents’ disabilities ministry work at churches across the southeast. That introduced me to so many people with all types of disabilities from all kinds of diverse backgrounds. As an adult, I now have two children with disabilities. I am so grateful to have this chance to bring my professional communications skills to this work that is so personally meaningful.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Raising the Bar
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? I think we’ve made great progress on increasing awareness and understanding of the Council. I am so proud to see more folks knowing about us and reaching out to engage with us, which allows us to keep growing our impact.
What is something you think makes the Council special? Our unique role of connecting real-world disability experiences with the whole system of disability services. Our agency is the only one with a bird’s-eye view of the system, and the ability to plug people in so their experiences are informing how services and policies work.
When should people contact you directly for help?
- Any time they have a news item or story idea they think our audiences should hear about
- Any time they have communications-related ideas or questions
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Traveling to new places, spending time in nature, or curled up with good coffee and a good book
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? Our dog, Reilly, is a shepherd mix our family adopted in 2020. She’s goofy and sweet and I adore her.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? After staying home during COVID, I am craving travel! This year, my husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary with a trip to Scotland. My son is lobbying for a trip to Greece soon, and we really hope to visit friends in Australia before long.
Job title: Executive Director
Time with the Council: 5 years (starting Fall 2016)
Main areas of responsibility: My role is to see the big picture. The Executive Director brings all the pieces of our work together toward a common vision.
What brought you to this work in the disability field? I started my career at the National Governors Association, where I was assigned staff to Delaware Governor Jack Markell’s initiative, “A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities.” That initiative was an unexpected, intensive education about disability policy. I was hooked, and I have been committed to the field ever since.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Big picture thinker
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? I am proud, but mostly humbled, by our work expanding access to adult-size changing tables. This project is led by Council members and has required “all hands on deck” by our staff team, which has made every setback and every accomplishment feel like a truly shared experience across the whole Council.
What is something you think makes the Council special? We are a rare organization that is equally connected to the people experiencing disability and government services for disability. I like to say, “We have a foot planted firmly in each camp.” It is when those two perspectives come together and truly hear each other that lasting, positive change happens.
When should people contact you directly for help? I want to hear from anyone who has interest in the Council, especially if you are having trouble with (or having trouble finding) services and supports you need. If I can’t answer your question, I can get you to someone who can.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? I go to the Ellington Agriculture Center every chance I get. It’s endless exploration for my two young kids, and I love to be outdoors.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? I do not have pets because two toddlers is already a zoo!
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? I am from Northern California but have not lived there since 2007. I can’t wait to take my kids to experience my favorite places, from Alcatraz to Lake Tahoe.
Job title: Deputy Director
Time with the Council: 22 years (Started June 1, 2000)
Main areas of responsibility: Agency budget, fiscal, and operations. Federal and state compliance.
What brought you to this work in the disability field? My now 29-year-old daughter with a disability.
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? Problem solver
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? Selection for and participation on the State’s inaugural Government Leadership Council, focused on supporting and strengthening leaders in state service.
What is something you think makes the Council special? The staff! Everyone has a personal connection to disability or a deep passion for the work that we do. It’s an incredible, versatile, committed team.
When should people contact you directly for help? If you are interested in serving on the Council, or if you aren’t quite sure who else to contact. I’m always here to help.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Walking on Tennessee trails. We are fortunate to have so many state parks and natural areas, and I’m always looking for new ones to explore.
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? How much room do I have for this section? I have 2 Shetland sheepdogs and 3 cats. They are all rescues. They make our fur-covered house a home.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? I’m not sure if it will happen in the next few years or not, but I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. That’s my once-in-a-lifetime big bucket list trip.
Job title: Administrative Secretary
Time with the Council: 18 years
Main areas of responsibility: Fiscal Transaction Support; Assisting Directors with special projects; meeting support; Greeting visitors and customers to our agency
What brought you to this work in the disability field? Interested in helping others and working with a positive purpose
What one word/phrase best describes what you bring to the team? positive energy and personal commitment
What is one accomplishment/contribution from your time at the Council that you’re especially proud of? Always ready to help where I can with team members and our customers
What is something you think makes the Council special? Passion working with purpose, a positive outcome
When should people contact you directly for help? Contact the office when someone has a question and not sure where to get an answer, or looking for information about disability services.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Playing and spending time with my grand children
What pets do you have/what is your favorite animal and why? Dogs are my favorite pets because they show unconditional love. Dolphins & whales are my favorite animals – gentle swimmers and I love to swim.
What’s something on your “bucket list” for the next few years? Experience sights and sounds of Hawaii, and a return visit to Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. It is so beautiful and peaceful there.
