Category: HDI Spotlight Profile

You can bring more joy to yourself and those around you, by aligning what your passionate about with the needs of others.
Aaron Piercefield, Lead Applications Developer

How did you come to know HDI?
I was made aware of HDI and the need for assistance in the Early Childhood Technology group through an acquaintance working in the UKY STEPS office.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
10 years as a Web Applications Developer
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Productive Collaboration – No initiative is the work of one person, but successful and productive collaboration on many projects has lead to good and useful data.
Will you please share a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
It’s hard to pick just one. I can say I have thoroughly enjoyed ten years of getting to know and learn from some of the most kind and caring individuals that I have ever met.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Great things of course! More opportunities and abilities to add value and happiness to people’s lives.
What does HDI mean to you?
HDI is a study in empathy. Learning to feel and understand others pain and challenges, so as to identify how you can better offer your help, care, and support.

HDI is an encouraging, supportive place to try new skills and to expand our mission of services to people with disabilities. I am most grateful for recent opportunities to teach college students and to promote inclusive education with tomorrow’s leaders.
-Caroline Gooden, Disability Program Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned about HDI through my work in early childhood as an early interventionist and program director.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have worked at HDI since 2005, as a project coordinator co-principal investigator, principal investigator, and practicum instructor. I have enjoyed working on projects related to early childhood assessment, transition, and advocacy.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I am most proud of the online modules I have developed, and the students I have mentored, as their work will carry on the mission of HDI in many settings.
Will you please share a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
A recent fun moment was the HDI 50th Anniversary 5K run, walk, and stroll. It was a morning of meeting new and familiar faces at Coldstream Park on a brisk fall morning, where a great variety of people of all ages and talents gathered to support HDI and to get some exercise!
Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
HDI is a great place to work, as it has consistently allowed me to try new avenues of service to people with disabilities, by providing support through technology and HDI staff to do so. I encourage staff to ask for help and step out in new areas of service that inspire you.
What do you think the future holds for HDI?
Based on our recent successes, HDI will continue to grow as a leader in the field of education and service related to disability, across the age span from early childhood to later adulthood.

I would encourage everyone to work hard and do their best, as future accomplishments are unlimited for HDI.
-Joe Cowan

How did you come to know HDI?
I learned of HDI while attending college.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been involved since 2003, as a member of the HDI Consumer Advisory Council.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I am most proud of my accomplishments as Chairperson for the HDI Consumer Advisory Council.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Some of my most fond and fun memories are when we socialize.
What does HDI mean to you?  I see HDI as a benefit to many, especially those with disabilities.
 

HDI will continue to play a key role in systems change efforts here in Kentucky as well as impact people with disabilities and their families on a personal level.
-Carolyn Wheeler, Human Development Institute Project Director

How did you come to know HDI?
While I do not recall the occasion, I met Harold Kleinert and Jacqui Farmer Kearns in the late 80’s when I worked for what was then Seven Counties Services (now Centerstone). We worked together with Mike Burdge to form KY TASH, as well as several other collaborative adventures. Harold told me about a Project Coordinator position for a Personal Futures Planning Project for young adults who were deaf-blind to assist with their transition from high school. I was fortunately hired for the position and came to work for HDI in November of 1990. I had also met Karen Middendorf through various connections with staff and two amazing parents who were also staff at the former KY DMR  – Doug Riddell and Jane Hart. These two people greatly influenced my life both professionally and personally.
How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have been fortunate to have been involved with HDI since November of 1990 either in a staff or contract role. As is often the path for many HDI staff, one project leads to another until it doesn’t! When I was not on staff, I was on contract with one or more projects for a training or meeting facilitation role.
During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
I am most proud of the passage of legislation in 1992 which created the Supported Living Program which was later named the Hart Supported Living Program after Jane Hart. As part of the Personal Futures Planning Project, I convened a stakeholder’s group to explore the development of a self-directed model (before we even had those words) of support. I helped write the legislation, organized testimony before several key Committees of the KY General Assembly, and was present when the legislation was passed. I am also proud of the work that Milt Tyree and I subsequently did the following three years with funding from DD Council to establish the internal structure for the program.
Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Being present with Kathy Sheppard-Jones, Katie Wolf Whaley, Jeff White, and Becky Cabe when Governor Matt Bevin signed the Employment First Order in May of 2018 was a really fun and exhilarating moment!
Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
Stay connected – the relationships you establish can extend beyond your time either as student or staff with HDI.
What does HDI mean to you?
Community – I am very fortunate have a community of friends and colleagues with whom I share not only a common professional vision and mission but also the opportunity to value and support each other through life’s challenges and opportunities.