August 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Question & Answer Session with Ryan Heckert

Chief Executive Officer at The Workshops Inc.

Q. Where do you work currently?

A. I work for The Workshops Inc. (TWi)

Q. What is your job title here?

A. Chief Executive Officer

Q. How long have you been employed in your current job?

A. I was hired on August 14th, 2015.

Q. How long have you been employed in this industry?

A. I have worked in the field since 1998.

Q. What were your previous jobs in the industry?

A. From 1998 until 2003 I worked as a DSP (direct support professional) for a local agency provider. After graduating from Malone University, I began working as an SSA (Service and Support Administrator) for Stark DD in 2004. I worked there in various roles until coming to TWi in 2015.

Q. What do your day-to-day job responsibilities include?

A. Overall, oversight of the organization and implementation of our mission which is to nurture skills that foster independence and empower all to live their best lives.

Q. What is the inspiration behind why you work in this field?

A. From an early age I have been interested in leveling the playing field for those who may not get the same opportunities or experiences in life. With the right support, I believe anyone can accomplish anything. I enjoy being a part of those supports that help folks get from where they are to where they want to be. This inspires me daily to continue chipping away at items, ideas, and boundaries that limit the folks TWi supports.

Q. What part of your job are you most passionate about?

A. I deeply value the personal connections I get to make here. Building relationships with coworkers, individuals served, parents, family members, TWi board members, fellow providers and other stake holders is at the top of my list.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

A. To a new professional in this field, I would suggest remaining aware you are a guest in the life of those you work with and support. There are few things more important than remaining sensitive and mindful of where each individual is and how different their experiences in life may be from your own. Regardless of the capacity of your involvement, your presence around their table is unique and a privileg

Q. What is your favorite success story you have seen?

A. There are many success stories I have been able to watch and experience. One recent story comes to mind and is not elaborate but simply about an individual doing what he loves and doing it well! He just needed an opportunity! A friend of mine enjoys music and DJ’ing. He was able to DJ a party we had at our TWI-West location, and I loved watching him in his element. He was full of energy and kept the party going all evening. I believe he felt accomplished and confident in himself and that is a big win! He’ll be back for our fall party in August and I’m certain he’ll have the party hopping!

Q. If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?

A. It can be very easy to believe you know what may be best for someone else. Early on I found myself in this place. I remember being a young and inexperienced SSA. I was part of a group that went into Applecreek Developmental Center during its closure. We took a team of professionals and worked on getting folks out of Applecreek and into the community here in Stark. Looking back, I wish I would have been more focused on the person and less on trying to make things fit into a system.

Q. Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job and why?

A. Each day I am able to be a part of delivering service and support to around 400 adults in Stark County and get to work on a team of close to 100 to make it all happen. Every single day, we make a difference. Sometimes, perhaps most times, the difference is small. Bringing or sharing in someone’s joy, being a part of someone reaching a goal they set for themselves or helping folks maintain are incredibly significant.

Q. Where do you see your industry going moving forward?

A. I believe the most challenging (and rewarding) job in this field is being a direct support professional (DSP). The expectation is substantial and the average wage across Ohio doesn’t align with the amount of responsibility. Thankfully, significant movement towards leveling this out is happening and the industry is moving toward putting a greater value on frontline staff.

Q. What has been the biggest factor in your career success?

A. At no point have I been the smartest person in a room. I have zero reservations about being on a team or leading a team where other people are stronger, smarter, faster, and more equipped than I am. I believe acknowledging and supporting other people’s strengths have helped me find success so far. There isn’t one moment or accomplishment, instead lots of wins for teams I’ve been a part.

Q. What is your favorite non-profit organization or volunteer opportunity?

A. I have a special place in my heart for GiGi’s Playhouse Canton. My two youngest daughters are both 7 years old and one of the greatest sources of joy in my life. They receive lots of opportunities at Gigi’s and my wife and I have found a wonderful community there. The organization has a presence across the country but feels small and cozy here in Stark County. They provide all sorts of services and supports to the disability community. Programs are free and provided by volunteers.