HDI 50th Anniversary Spotlight on Tony Lobianco

My advice for current and future staff and students at HDI is that there are many ways to address issues that we come across in our work, and the diverse ways of considering approaches that our staff have is one of HDI’s most valuable resources. — Tony Lobianco, Principal Investigator/Project Director of the Kentucky Post School Outcomes Center

How did you come to know HDI? 
I heard about HDI when Claudia Earnharth told me about a research assistant position.

How long were you with HDI and what was your role? 
I’ve been at HDI almost 17 years, first as an RA, then a STEPS employee, then full-time member of Evaluation Unit, and now Project Director with KyPSO.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
During my time at HDI, I am most proud of developing the Youth One Year Out (YOYO) survey instrument and helping it grow.

Looking back, can you please share with us a fun or fond moment you had at HDI?
Looking back, I have fond memories of the many opportunities that I have had to roast Harold at staff meetings.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with current and future staff and students at HDI?
My advice for current and future staff and students at HDI is that there are many ways to address issues that we come across in our work, and the diverse ways of considering approaches that our staff have is one of HDI’s most valuable resources.

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
In the future, I think HDI will have more integration with the University and local government.

Latest Updates

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s 'Heard Mentality' Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Play It by Ear: Allison Fradkin’s ‘Heard Mentality’ Tunes into Disability with Wordplay and Wit

Allison Fradkin wants people to laugh when they see her play Heard Mentality, but she also wants people to understand …

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Rooted & Rising: Supporting Mental Health in Rural Kentucky

Mental wellness is an important part of living a healthy, meaningful life. Experiencing good mental health helps people handle stress, …

Speaking Through Felt: Katie Peña-Van Zile’s Autistic Voice on Stage

Speaking Through Felt: Katie Peña-Van Zile’s Autistic Voice on Stage

Katie Peña-Van Zile remembers the job that inspired her play, Felt, well. “I was diagnosed with autism in 2021, much …