March 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Question and Answer session with Laurie Miller

Question: Where do you work currently?

Answer: I work at Echoing Hills. Echoing Hills is a non-profit ministry providing residential, educational, recreational, and adult services throughout the state of Ohio for people with disabilities. I oversee the educational (EchoingU) and the adult service (Echoing Connections) programs in our Northeast Region.

Question: What is your job title here?

Answer: I am the Director at both programs.

Question: How long have you been employed with your current job?

Answer: I have been here almost 6 years.

Question: How long have you been employed in this industry?

Answer: I have been in the DD field since 2001.

Question: What were your previous jobs in the industry?

Answer: Fresh out of college, I worked as a guardian representative for APSI (Advocacy and Protective Services), then I was a QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) for Rescare, I then moved on to an agency in Cleveland, Jewish Family Services, where I was the Quality Improvement and Training Manager.

Question: What other professional associations are you a member of? (Board of Director, Volunteer organizations, etc)

Answer: I am currently the President of the Jackson Township Rotary. Previously I was a member of ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives) and completed a yearlong mentorship with a previous VP of University Hospitals. I also sit on several committees within Echoing Hills as a Chair or Co-chair.

Question: What do your day-to-day job r esponsibilities include?

Answer: I oversee the daily operations of both programs making sure staff are where they need to be, clients are taken care of and engaged in activities/learning/community involvement. I do a lot of planning and behind-the-scenes tasks also, as well as reaching out to partners within the community and building those relationships.

Question: What advice would you give to someone who is new to your field?

Answer: Be ready to roll with the changes! This is an everchanging field whether it’s federal and state regulations, staffing, clients, what you’re doing for the day-it will change. You are dealing with people’s lives and all the intricacies that go with it, you want to make sure they, and their families get your absolute best.

Question: Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job and why?

Answer: I do. I am a constant in these folk’s lives and that’s incredibly important to them in a field where turnover is extremely high. I also have an open door policy. During the day, while clients are at the program, if they want to come talk or just hang out in my office, I am 100% ok with that.

Question: What advice would you give to parents in your field to help navigate?

Answer: Get involved in anything and everything you possibly can for your child/loved one. Find the support groups, get to know your county board and SSA inside and out, know your provider and how the process of different places work including how the money flows. Knowledge is power and your person with DD deserves nothing but the best.