Spotlight – Page 2

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Jaime Grove

Posted on December 26, 2019 | by Beth Potter

Take as much in as you can. Utilize the wealth of knowledge and experience HDI has to offer. That is one of HDI’s greatest strengths – the variety of backgrounds, knowledge and experiences that each person brings to the table.

Jaime Grove – Research & Development Associate

How did you come to know HDI?
I answered a call for a research assistant position.

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I’ve been with HDI for 19 years! I started out as a graduate research assistant. I was also part of the first cohort to complete the graduate certificate in Developmental Disabilities program through HDI. After graduating, I stayed on with HDI. Over the years, I have served in multiple positions, across numerous early childhood projects.

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
I think HDI will continue to grow and adapt, to find the niches where positive differences can be made. I am excited to see what the future holds for HDI!

50th Anniversary Spotlight on Angela Cooper

Posted on December 21, 2019 | by Beth Potter

The possibilities are endless with the collaborative efforts of the HDI team!

Angela Cooper – Child Care Administrator

How did you come to know HDI?
I found out about HDI after becoming employed with Child Care Aware.

How long have you been at HDI and what is your role?
I have worked at HDI for 4 years as a Regional Child Care Administrator.

During your time at HDI, of which accomplishments are you most proud?
Partnering with regional stakeholders to educate the community about the importance of high quality in early childhood programs.

Do you have any advice for current and future staff and students at HDI?
Take advantage of all the resources that can be found at HDI.

What do you think the future holds for HDI?
When I think of HDI, I think of cutting edge resources and research leading to quality outcomes across the lifespan.

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!