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.
