—Laraine, Michael’s mother
About Us: Staff
Joan Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer—Joan’s first professional career was in the field of communications and public relations, which included launching a successful convention-planning business. She was introduced to the world of developmental disabilities with the birth of her son Deron, who was diagnosed with autism. She has decades of experience conducting professional presentations and providing training and technical assistance for families and professionals in the field of developmental services. She also has spent decades advocating on issues affecting people with developmental disabilities. When her son was aging out of the education system, Joan pioneered parent-vendored Supported Living Services by negotiating with State agencies to create an SLS arrangement for him. She and Kathleen Campbell founded Creative Living Options in 2001. They co-wrote the manual published by Connections for Information and Resources on Community Living (CIRCL) and the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Joan served for 15 years on the Steering Committee of the California Supported Living Network. She continues to advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and Supported Living.
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Mary Anne Delaney, Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources – Mary Anne contributes strong sales, financial and business management background to the CLO management team. Her most recent experience includes five years as a Payroll Compliance Manager for a CPA firm where she managed multiple Trust Funds and five years as Area Vice President for HQ Global Workplaces, a “turn-key solutions” company. Global Workplaces provided cutting-edge office space and furnishings, hardware, software, administrative staff, and office support to a diverse group of companies in Marin County and the Bay Area. Her experience uniquely qualifies her to provide oversight and leadership for all aspects of CLO business operations. Though Mary Anne has a strong services-related background, this is her first experience working directly for a nonprofit. “While I thrive on performing services of excellence, I’m absolutely thrilled that I have the opportunity to give back. When I met the people whom CLO supports, I was struck by the realization that supporting people to live their choices and pursue their dreams goes far beyond simply allowing them to live in the community. It empowers them to be true gifts to their communities.”
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Joe Cruda, Field Director - Joe, who was born, raised and educated in the Philippines, was first exposed to adults who live with developmental disabilities when he moved to the US and was hired as a direct support staff at a 90-bed facility in Illinois in 1986. It didn’t take long for his curiosity to transform into a passion for helping people with disabilities. He educated himself through various trainings and conferences. He rose to the role of the Asst. Administrator and had pioneered a pilot program serving seniors who have developmental disabilities by the time he moved to California in 2001. He also has experience in group home settings and has consulted with several agencies over the years. Joe has a broad knowledge of state regulations in both residential and day program settings and was involved in a successful CARF survey for the agency. Joe was an instructor in a Direct Support Certification Program through the agency for which he previously worked and is also a certified Red Cross, CPR, and First Aid instructor.
Until Joe came to CLO in 2001, he provided the best services possible to his clients based on what he knew and read independently of a formal program. He quickly realized that it was not enough to simply “take care” of people, and saw the benefits of supported living services. He realized that true independence and promoting choices can be achieved through the SLS program.
Joe left CLO for two and a half years to work for another SLS agency as Program Director. He then returned to CLO and currently functions as Field Director. His knowledge in the field and experience both in the administrative and management role allows him to actively contribute to the team. Joe, just like everyone else in CLO’s management, is a hands-on support supervisor. He constantly reminds CLO employees that, “I will never ask you to do anything I myself won’t do.”
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Community Support Facilitators
Suzanna Chea - Suzanna is the first CSF to ascend through CLO’s CSF Apprentice Program. The program is one of the ways in which CLO seeks to create opportunities for career growth for our staff and professionalize the SLS field. Suzanna began supporting Anna in 2004 when she was a senior at UC Davis, completing her B.A. in sociology with a double minor in Asian-American studies and communications. Prior to joining CLO, Suzanna worked as a certified nursing assistant in a residential facility for elderly people, a “very sad environment.” “I didn’t know what Supported Living was. I thought it was some kind of care-giving. It opened up a whole new door,” Suzanna said. Now, the CLO photo collection includes many images radiating the warmth and intimacy among Suzanna, Anna and her support team. Suzanna’s long-term career goals include obtaining a nursing degree. “But I love the hands-on part of my job at CLO. I love getting to know the people we support.”
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Sara Dyson - Sara joined CLO in August of 2008 as a personal attendant and was promoted to a CSF position in April of 2010. Sara previously spent 5 years working in a daycare/ preschool center and has volunteered at places such as Kaiser Permanente and The Ralph Richardson Center. Here she gained valuable experience working with people in the areas of orthopedic impairment, emotional disturbance, severe developmental delay and medical fragility. When asked what Sara liked about CLO, Sara responded “I’ve always felt at home here at CLO. They have taken me in with open arms and guided me to where I am now. I don’t know where I would be without the love and compassion CLO has shared with me and others along the way. Especially for the people we support. CLO is an amazing company that I’m proud to be apart of.”
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Bobbie Hancock - Bobbie joined CLO as a Personal Attendant in July of 2006. She was promoted to Community Support Facilitator in June of 2008. Bobbie’s past experience involves working for a day center for a year and working with people in various situations. She brings a great amount of field experience to CLO along with her desire and passion for what she does. When asked what she likes about CLO, Bobbie responded, “The support that has always been there for me, from the time I started as a PA to becoming a CSF. There has not been one time that I needed help or support that it wasn’t immediately given. It’s interesting how sometimes you go through life doing different things and searching for where you “fit” then all of a sudden an opportunity is given to you and you find what you know in your heart you were meant to do. I feel very lucky to have found my passion, and have the support I need to direct the energy to those who need it.”
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Erica Tweet - Erica joined CLO just two years after having graduated from high school and receiving her license from the Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program. Bringing experience working with senior citizens, Erica first started as a PA at CLO in 2003. After a little over a year working as a PA, Erica returned to her work with seniors, feeling the need to work again with those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Over the next few years she studied sign language at Sacramento City College and worked with children with Autim before her return to CLO in 2007. As a floater, Erica built relationships with nearly all of the people who CLO supports, giving her a head start when she became a CSF in July of 2009. Along with her CNA/HHA license and years of experience, Erica brings patience, consistency, and a positive attitude to CLO. She appreciates the importance CLO places on the consumer and employee, saying that, “CLO will go out of their way for each and every consumer, and, that is why I love and appreciate what we as a company do.
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Rachelle Upton - Rachelle joined CLO with six years of past experience in the supported living field. She has worked for several agencies here in Sacramento as a live in caretaker as well as a vender through ALTA. Rachelle worked as a Personal Attendant for CLO for two years before being promoted to a CSF. Rachelle brings “a zeal for life that is passed on to the field and encourages the people we support to embrace their lives and reach their full potential.” When asked what she likes about her job Rachelle said; “I enjoy the people aspect of my job. I like the ability to use my creativity to come up with practical solutions for every day living. I like having a bi-location professional job that allows me to have an ever changing work environment and a lovely office to return to where I can refocus and recharge.”
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Kody Westrick - Kody joined CLO in January of 2009 after moving to Sacramento from Colorado Springs, CO. He brings with him ten years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities at various levels and in various settings. Kody was promoted to CSF in June of 2009 after working as a Personal Attendant and getting to know Supported Living in California. Kody’s vision is to assist those with disabilities to participate in social, political, self advocacy, religious, recreational, educational, and interpersonal opportunities to the fullest extent desired. “My favorite part about working in this field is that I learn so much from everyone I interact with, it’s truly amazing.”
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Duncan Young - Duncan first joined CLO in early 2002 as a CSF, after a chance meeting with one of the directors of the agency. He had decided on a new career path after his daughter, Lauren, was born with cerebral palsy in 1996. The human services field seemed to be a great fit for him. His first tenure with the agency ended in mid-2004 as he had an opportunity to take on the responsibility of stay-at-home Dad. As the agency continued to grow, Duncan remained in contact, and, in 2009, jumped at the chance to return as a consultant. “It is such a pleasure to work in a collaborative atmosphere where everyone shares the same passion for what we do. There is something to be said for a workplace that makes your heart feel happy”.
Rehired in March 2010, Duncan is very happy to be reunited with lots of old friends and eager to connect with many more.
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Administrative Staff
Jessica Howell - Jessica joined CLO as a Personal Attendant in February 2002. Her love for working with the Developmentally Disabled began at an early age when her Step Sister Shirley joined the family. Shirley was born with Developmental Disabilities and inspired Jessica to learn more and become an advocate for those with disabilities. After several years working in the healthcare field supporting individuals with disabilities and the elderly, Jessica found a home with CLO. “The philosophies and values that CLO stand for are second to none. CLO is absolutely dedicated to promoting individual rights and freedom of choice. You can’t ask for anything better.”
After several years of working in the field as a Personal Attendant, Jessica has recently brought her vast field experience to the CLO office as the new HR/Admin Assistant.
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Jacqueline Lepage - Jackie joined CLO in September of 2009 as an Administrative Assistant. She received a Business Administrative degree from California State University Stanislaus with concentrations in Marketing and Human Resources. Prior to CLO, Jackie worked as a Marketing Coordinator for Associated Students, Inc. a not-for-profit organization at CSU Stanislaus. There she had experience with event planning and community interaction, which she uses in coordinating and working CLO events such as the Fall Community Concert in October 2009. She also has experience working as an Office Assistant for Associated Students, Inc. for two years prior to working as a Marketing Coordinator. “This is my first experience working with SLS, but I love every minute of it. I get to meet great new people and help make a difference in their lives. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience that most people do not have the opportunity to experience.”
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Jill Sells, Payroll/Benefits Administrator- Jill became a full-time member of the Creative Living Options team in July 2007, after serving impressively as a temporary bookkeeper. More than 20 years of experience in accounting prepared Jill for her role at CLO. Prior to joining CLO, Jill worked in the accounting department of Sacramento law firm Downey Brand. She enjoys the variety of tasks that fall under her prevue at CLO much more than the specialized, narrow roles she had in large, for-profit corporations. “The meaning behind the place is just incredible, the way this company reaches out and helps.” Born and raised in West Sacramento, Jill studied accounting at Sierra College in Sacramento. She brings to CLO boundless energy and enthusiasm for life in general and the CLO mission in particular. “Family is important to me, and this is a family atmosphere. That’s why I feel at home at CLO.”
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