Support services - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges | Feeding Our World
Celebrating Brooke’s 10th Anniversary at TVS

Celebrating Brooke’s 10th Anniversary at TVS

“I knew I wanted to help and give back because I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said TVS INTERACT Program Supervisor Brooke Wilson. “There is never a question if I am helping people; I see it every day.” Brooke is celebrating her 10th anniversary of serving and giving back to individuals with disabilities at Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS).

Brooke has been the INTERACT Program Supervisor for the past three years. She is responsible for creating meaningful and engaging activities, setting individual goals and independent plans for each participant and keeping detailed documentation and reports. But her favorite part of the job is getting to be a Direct Support Professional (DSP). “I enjoy getting to jump in and watch them grow and laugh,” she says. “It fuels me when someone is successful, meeting a goal, and growing as a self-advocate and gaining independence.”

In the beginning

Brooke was hired as a DSP in 2014 and promoted over the years to Activity Coordinator and the INTERACT Team Mentor. “Brooke is an exceptional employee.  She has worked in many capacities, DSP, mentor to other DSPs, and is currently supervisor,” said Program Director Carla Hill. “She believes in our mission and purpose, making every effort to ensure that our participants and staff are having meaningful experiences.” 

After graduating high school, Brooke lived in Charleston, Portugal, and Little Rock, Arkansas where she graduated from Arkansas State University with her bachelor’s in criminal justice and minors in sociology, internationals studies, and forensic psychology before moving back home to Brevard in 2011.

“It was actually my senior project in high school along with my personal relationship with friends and family in the disability community that pushed me in this career direction,” said Brooke. “My senior project was helping a woman with down syndrome read and explore the community. This is the experience that lit my fire.”

Describing Brooke

Described as compassionate, encouraging, hardworking, and fun. Brooke has flourished in her INTERACT Supervisor position. “She is always focused on being person-centered and doing what is best for the participants, guided by their interests and needs,” says Program Manager Suzanne Byers.

It takes a special kind of person to be a DSP. “An individual in this position must be able to change directions in a second, work alone with multiple disabled individuals at one time, be aware of and keep all those individuals safe, be engaging with everyone, and be a mentor,” says TVS Employee Support Specialist Tracie Fisher. “It requires a person with a certain character and heart, and Brooke is the perfect example of that. She is a very caring and selfless individual, and it shows in her role at TVS.”

Thinking back over the last decade, Brooke smiles exclaiming, “there are too many favorite moments!” She reflects on numerous company picnics and Christmas parties, Racquet Club pool trips and playing pickleball and ping pong, visiting Sky Top Apple Orchard, the Asheville Art Museum, Arboretum, Carl Sandburg House, PARI, gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn, Night to Shine Proms, hikes at Gorges State Park, reimagining Avery’s Place with adventures such as the recent Christmas Cruise and Harry Potter Christmas, and TVS dances.

“I dressed up and danced as a dinosaur at this past Halloween dance,” said Brooke. “Our folks kept asking what I was dressing up as and I told them they would have to wait and see. When they figured it out, we could not stop laughing.”

Tracie also laughs thinking back on Brooke at the TVS dances, “She gets right out there and encourages everyone, even the DSPs, to boogie. She is everyone’s biggest cheerleader and supporter. Brooke is, and will always be, one of my favorite parts of my TVS time.”

According to INTERACT participants, Brooke “has a good heart and is fun to be around.” She also happens to be a “good cornhole partner with a good sense of humor.”

Outside of work

When not at TVS, Brooke can be found doing a lot of similar things such as outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and swimming. She also can be found with tie dyed hands shopping in a thrift store. Some of her favorite things are babies, the movie Elf, and her family. Brooke is married to her husband, Jamie, and is a proud mom of three; Haiden, Maybrie, and Kennedy.

“Brooke is a sweet person. Our friendship grew when we realized we were cousins and noticed how much we resemble each other,” laughs TVS Housekeeping Supervisor James Gardin. “All jokes aside, she is a very important piece of TVS and in my life, even if she is a ‘Dukie’ or a Duke fan.”

She believes that people should never be underestimated because you never know what they are capable of; give them some time and they will show you. Brooke quotes Neurologist, Oliver Sacks, “I wish for a world that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities.”

“I have met some of the most incredible people, coworkers and participants alike, at TVS. They have the same passion and heart for this work and that is something I will carry with me forever,” Brooke reflects. “They have all impacted my life in ways that I could never even come close to doing the same in theirs.”

Borrowed from an INTERACT participant, “Hope for the best but prepare for the rest” is a fun twist on the popular saying, “hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” Brooke prefers the updated version because she doesn’t believe in bad days – just days with different challenges. She says, “I get excited when getting ready for the day. It’s a new adventure and I look forward to what’s next.”

TVS DSP Carolyn Trapp celebrates 15th anniversary!

TVS DSP Carolyn Trapp celebrates 15th anniversary!

Residential Direct Support Professional (DSP) Carolyn Trapp is celebrating her 15th anniversary at TVS! “Carolyn has brought us a wealth of knowledge and lived experience,” said Carla Hill, TVS Programs Director. “She is a dedicated and loyal TVS employee. She has shared her compassion with us for 15 years and I hope she will be with us for 15 more!”

Carolyn taught K-8 Special Education (Varied Exceptionalities) in Alabama before joining the TVS team. Over the years, Carolyn has worked as the Resident Manager of Tanjer House and Fisher Road Group Home, been a provider [DSP] for residents in Supported Living, as well as working as a full-time, part-time, and as a PRN employee.

Throughout all her different career positions at TVS, Carolyn most enjoys working with residents’ families. “They are great, and I understand where they are coming from,” says Carolyn. “I have a brother in a group home in Florida and I want to give others, what I also want my brother to experience in life.”

Carolyn is credited for fostering the bond between the different group homes. She organized hangouts so the residents could visit with others for holidays or special events. The BBQs, picnics, and hangouts are still a favorite among residents. Many of the home residents commented that Carolyn “is a good cook” and that “she is good, polite, and caring.”

“I am blessed to have found TVS,” reflects Carolyn. “I have made close friends with those who work here, and this job has kept me young. It has broadened my horizons and got me out into the community more than I would have been otherwise.”

Thinking back over the last 15 years, Carolyn remembers the first Night to Shine Prom held at the Rec Department. “It was amazing to see everyone celebrated and experience a great evening,” she said.

Carolyn has done it all! – Special Olympics, group vacations to Myrtle Beach, and surprise goth band concerts. “Tanjer was set up to go to a concert at the Orange Peel in Asheville one weekend, years ago,” laughs TVS Residential Coordinator Lynn Brewer. “Carolyn had no idea who they were going to listen to but when they got there it was a goth band.” Surprised by the music genre, Carolyn and the residents walked down the street to a sport bar where they ate peanuts and watched games on the TVs.

Lynn also bragged about Carolyn’s different charts and visual aids that are used by residents to help keep track of which DSP will be there, daily chores, and other aspects in the homes that are constantly changing. “She is very thorough and organized,” says Lynn. “One of her best qualities is helping individuals find their strength and letting them shine!”

Friend and TVS DSP co-worker, Karen Benson, echoes her strengths. “She always comes up with ideas for the best for residents such as techniques for life skill building and her calming demeanor always makes residents feel safe,” said Karen. “Carolyn is one of the most compassionate and caring people I know.”

When not working, Carolyn enjoys watercolor, gardening and getting outside whenever she can, as well as watching her three grandsons.

“I would like to bring more gardening and growth in the community homes,” said Carolyn. “I simply enjoy going through life together with the residents and nurturing their souls.”

Carolyn laughs, “I thought I was coming here for a couple of years, now it’s been 15 years. My wise words of advice would be to ‘just chill’ – take a breath and let things be what they are. It will all be okay.”

TVS & Mountain Sun Community School Partnership Highlighted for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

TVS & Mountain Sun Community School Partnership Highlighted for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and its annual campaign highlighting how people with and without disabilities come together to form strong communities; Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) is proudly celebrating our community partnership, “Reading Buddies,” with Mountain Sun Community School.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) 2024 theme, “A World of Opportunities” aims to raise awareness about inclusion of people with Developmental Disabilities (DD) in all areas of community life and reminds us to explore the work still needed to remove barriers.

TVS and Mountain Sun Community School have been working together since 2018 with the Reading Buddies program. “This partnership helps the TVS participants learn leaderships skills, along with helping the students and participants to have relationships with others that are not paid service providers,” said TVS DSP Ashleigh Alquiza. “When you look at communities and individuals with DD, there is a critical divide that sometimes separates rather than includes them. Reading Buddies is helping bridge that gap.”

Participants join students every other Friday for reading and literacy activities. Each group ranging from five to six students plus a TVS participant showcase creativity by creating skits, crafts, songs, and dances to accompany the readings.

“Through our adventures with Mountain Sun Community School we have grown, gained confidence, and made some lifelong friendships,” said TVS INTERACT Supervisor Brooke Wilson. “A true partnership is about people listening to one another and working together to accomplish a common goal. Each person contributes in their own unique way and with respect and learning for all.”

This partnership offers TVS participants opportunities to develop leadership skills while encouraging long lasting relationships in an inclusive and mutually benefiting environment. 

“Our class reading lessons are far more engaging with our [TVS] Reading Buddies here,” said Brigid Cameron, Mountain Sun Community School Teacher. “Concepts such as literal and figurative, inferring, setting, or plot are the main focus for our morning lessons, but the real learning is about working with diversity.”

The benefits of this community partnership stretch past the immediate benefits of reading and literacy. Each individual and student is developing self-advocacy skills, gaining confidence, and creating problem-solving skills with life-long friendships.

“I have seen children grow more comfortable with diversity, engage more fully with new people and guests, and their creativity and openness expand,” reflected Cameron. “Having a break from our Reading Buddy program during COVID impressed upon me the need we all have to embrace the beautiful friendships we have created with our class and our friends who learn with us every other Friday.”

Mountain Sun Community School holistically nurtures, challenges, and guides each unique child to discover academic skills using Montessori principles, explore the natural world, create through self-expression, and belong to a collaborative, diverse, and peaceful community. We invite you to learn more at: https://mountainsunschool.org/

Read in the Transylvania Times

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TVS Programs Receive Highest Mark on 2023 CARF Audit

TVS Programs Receive Highest Mark on 2023 CARF Audit

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TVS recently received a 3-year Accreditation from CARF, International. The accreditation is an indication of TVS’ dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the individuals we serve in our group homes, day programs, and employment services. TVS was reviewed against 1,126 Quality Standards. At that end of the review, there were no recommendations! Now that is something to be proud of!  According to CARF, an accreditation report that identifies no recommendations is achieved in only 3 percent of CARF surveys.

“What an accomplishment,” said Program Director Carla Hill. “This achievement by TVS is the result of many caring and dedicated Direct Support Professionals and Supervisors who believe that helping individuals have the lives they choose is good for the individuals and the community.”

At TVS, CARF evaluates our employment supports, job development, group homes, INTERACT, and Life Skills. The CARF accreditation is an acknowledgement of quality and TVS has been proudly accredited since 1984!

Want to know more about our CARF accreditation?
Click here to view our TVS Programs Monthly Newsletter, In The Loop!

TVS Employee Specialist Katie Pace Retires

TVS Employee Specialist Katie Pace Retires

“To be successful at job development, an Employment Specialist must be able to use skills and experience as well as, have a creative imagination. They must be able to imagine individuals who may not appear to have the capability to perform certain tasks completing those tasks,” said TVS Program Director Carla Hill. “This is Katie’s gift.”

After 8 years at TVS and a lifetime of working for adults with disabilities, Katie Pace has retired! “Katie accepts individuals where they are and gently guided them to where they wanted to be,” reflected Carla.  “She never wants to give up; always asking herself, what can be done to help make this person successful.” Katie is described by coworkers as selfless, humble, loving and accepting.

“The best part of the job has been watching people grow from a ‘child-like’ place to having adult conversations. All because they are being treated as an adult in their professional setting,” said Katie. “I love being able to be a part of their development and growth.”

Her career began in Tucson, Arizona working with adults on Medicaid while pursuing a nursing degree. “This job made me realize that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” reflects Katie. “I changed my major from nursing and didn’t look back!”

Shortly after moving to Brevard in 1987, Katie met a neighbor who worked at TVS. “She talked to me about TVS and what they were doing for adults with disabilities, I thought, ‘I don’t care what the job is, I want to work there.’” Later that year, Katie began her TVS career as a production worker building boxes for DuPont before working in the cafeteria and filling in gaps with one-on-one services after an unexpected death of a fellow employee.

“It was God intervening,” she said. “From buying the home on Cedar Mountain, having a neighbor who worked in the field of my gift, being able to help when a tragedy hit, and finally being pushed to gain my degree.”

In 1989, Katie left TVS to complete her degree in Special Education with a specialization in Learning Disabilities from Western Carolina University. During this time, Katie worked for different group homes around the area to best accommodate the school-work schedules. It was during her education that Katie, “fell in love with the younger generation through teaching.”

She completed her degree and taught in local elementaries schools for three years before opening her own company, Plans For Life. “Plans For Life became one of the best case-management agencies in North Carolina,” said Carla. “I think Katie would say that the most rewarding part was making things better for the individuals she supported.”

Unfortunately, case-management, that had been privatized was moved back to the state operated LME/MCO system and Katie had to close the doors. “We had a group home, direct care services, 300 plus clients, and 40 employees that served Transylvania, Asheville, and Hendersonville,” reflected Katie.

In 2014, she returned to TVS. “TVS was meant to be a part of my life,” she said. “I am so glad that God made TVS such a big part of my world and for its ability to enhance the lives of people who need a helping hand and support. I never want to see the mission change.”

As an Employment Specialist at TVS, Katie would go out and find employment opportunities for individuals, educate the client about the job, help with the interview, and with any monetary needs to get the individuals into work.

“Katie came into my life at the end of my senior year in high school. She was instrumental in her guidance and encouragement to apply for the position I currently have here at TVS,” said TVS Life Skills Direct Support Professional (DSP) Maddy Shannon. “It was the best decision, and it is thanks to her support and encouragement.”

On a final note, Katie said, “You really have to care and respect the people you are working with and for, that’s what makes all the difference in the lives we touch.”