—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 Manager - 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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Duncan Young, Field Manager - 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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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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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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