HDI Spotlight Profile – Page 2

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Bethany Davis

Posted on December 20, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI is a community that deeply cares about the growth, development, and well-being of all people by ensuring they have resources and supports for high quality of life.

Bethany Davis – Child Care Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI after being hired with Child Care Aware.

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
4 years as a Child Care Administrator for The Lakes region

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Partnering with community leaders, workforce development, and area businesses to increase awareness of high quality child care in the region.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
HDI has a wide reach and many experts of which you can access.

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Even more research and resources for families across the life span.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Rongxiu Wu

Posted on December 12, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI will embody higher and higher importance in the U.S., as well as in the world, in the future.

Rongxiu Wu – Research Assistant

How did you come to know HDI?
Self-exploration

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been working as a research assistant in HDI for more than three years.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I had the chance to work with Dr. Rumrill, Dr. Adams, and Dr. Sheppard-Jones on a manuscript which focuses on the umployment reasons for people with multiple sclerosis and have it published.

Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
I still miss the time that several ladies in the floor at MIB come to Lindsey’s office during the noon break and had exercise together.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
Hopefully we could find ways to work on more research and spread our findings out.

What does HDI mean to you?
HDI is always a big warm inclusive family to me.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Becky Slone

Posted on December 10, 2019 | by Beth Potter

HDI assists Kentuckians, but is also influential nationwide in their research and development of early childhood resources. The people who work with the various projects within HDI are experts in their field.
Becky Slone – Quality TA Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
I was hired by HDI in October 2005 when they were awarded the Quality Enhancement Initiative (QEI) Contract by the Division of Child Care (DCC).

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I was hired in 2005 as a QEI Anchor serving Big Sandy, Kentucky River, Cumberland Valley, and the Lake Cumberland Area Development Districts. Since 2015, I have served as a Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist, working closely with the STAR Raters from DCC and the Child Care Aware Quality Coaches.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
During my time with HDI, I am most proud of the regional staff that I have worked with. These wonderful people take their responsibilities seriously, and thanks to their hard work and good leadership, we are a leader in QRIS participation. I am also thankful to UK for investing in my professional development with an educational benefit to earn a M.A. degree in Organizational Leadership, with a Certificate in Adult Education from WKU.

Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
The most fun moment with HDI was during an All Staff Meeting when we engaged in a team building scavenger hunt. This was fun and helped build a sense of connectedness among the team members involved!

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
Remember that the field of early care and education is always evolving. Change is inevitable!

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Amanda Corbin

Posted on December 8, 2019 | by Beth Potter

To me, HDI means helping people. When my nine-year-old was asked what his mom’s job was, he said, “She helps people with disabilities.” That’s what HDI does, and I feel fortunate to be a part of the work happening here.
Amanda Corbin – Data Support Specialist

How did you come to know HDI?
While working on my master’s at UK, I came across a temporary position at HDI.

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I started in January of 2017 as a temporary employee in the Evaluation Unit, and was hired in September of that year as a data support specialist.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
From writing an advocacy op-ed, to researching the employment needs of individuals with disabilities, to facilitating a community conversation simultaneously in Lexington, Murray, and Morehead via video conference, I’m proud to support the work of a number of different projects across HDI.

Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
I recently participated in StoryCorps training and was touched by the interviews with young people with disabilities. Sharing personal stories is so powerful, and I can’t wait to hear what stories are out there waiting to be heard!

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I think HDI will continue to expand its reach and make an even larger impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
There is so much expertise and so much passion at HDI! Reach out to your colleagues to learn as much as you can.

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Alice Wang

Posted on December 5, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Work hard, be happy, and be positive!
Alice Wang – Administrative Support Associate

How did you come to know HDI?
I was on the UK job site, looking for my first job, after being a stay-at-home mom for 15 years.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I was hired November 2005 to be in charge of accounting responsibilities for the Early Childhood program.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
The Early Childhood program was given the opportunity to assist Kentucky’s child care centers in accessing resources provided by a grant. This occurred while we were involved in closing out the fiscal year, which is a busy time for us. Although it required a lot of effort, I developed a process to respond to the requests from each child care center. It was a great success and we were pleased to be part of it.
Please share a fun or fond moment you had with HDI?
All the fun potlucks, birthday parties, and even a Halloween Party one year. A lot of good and fun memories.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Promising & bright!
What does HDI mean to you?
They are like my second family.