Support Broker Interest Questionnaire
Name:Katie Yantorni
Date: 1/06/10
What do you feel you could offer people as a Support Broker?
I feel that I am able to offer people a dedicated, qualified, caring and attentive support broker. For 3 years prior to starting with PCS I had experience providing direct care services to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Throughout my time in residential work I gained skills in medication management, personal care plan development, goal monitoring, community integration, job development, provision of support and the ability to work well on a team. I have significant experience working on numerous teams throughout both my residential and educational careers. I recently graduated with my Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Throughout my studies I had numerous opportunities to intern at a variety of sites throughout Madison including broker services, hospitals and DVR. I feel that my wide range of experiences has provided me with the skills and knowledge to be an effective and supportive broker to my clients. During my education and residential experiences I have worked with a wide variety of clients including individuals with abusive, violent or self injurious behaviors, mental illness, and a wide variety of health issues. I aim to be flexible and conscious of my client’s busy schedules and therefore offer a wide range of availability to best accommodate the needs of my clients and their supports. I feel that my educational, internship and residential experiences have prepared me to be a competent, qualified and caring support broker.
Do you have specific talents, skills, or expertise that might help in considering which people may be referred to you? (Examples: proficient in sign language, foreign language, experience with residential or vocational service coordination, person-centered planning, etc.)
I recently completed a full time internship at the Veteran’s Hospital in Madison. While at that site I worked in mental health and closely with the substance abuse program. I am very familiar and comfortable with a variety of mental illnesses and have had significant experience both through internships and with several of my residential clients in working with individuals with mental illness. I feel that my rigorous educational studies and work experiences have prepared me to develop exceptional time management and problem solving skills. I have a deep passion and desire to advocate and provide effective services to individuals who are in need of assistance and intend to use my experience and passion to be a helpful and available support broker.
Do you have experience helping people around certain issues e.g., medical, psychological or physical challenges? Are you familiar with housing programs like Section 8 or Movin' Out?
I have a wide variety of experiences working with a wide variety of clients. I have experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse and a broad range of developmental disabilities. In addition I have worked with individuals who are nonverbal, have severe physical limitations, Alzheimer’s or dementia, and individuals who are experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. Throughout my work experiences and time spent in the residential setting I have developed a large network of resources that I am comfortable and confident in using to find the proper support and answers that are needed for a particular client. I feel that although my formal education is complete I continue to learn new things everyday from those individuals who I work with; I enjoy learning and gaining skills in new areas and look forward to broadening my knowledge base to help my clients in the best way possible.
Have you worked with people from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds? Older people, younger people?
I have worked with individuals from a variety of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds both in my work experiences and throughout my education. Although I have had a wide variety of experiences I look forward to meeting new people and continuing to broaden my knowledge and familiarity with different ethnic or cultural groups. I have worked with individuals varying in age from 10-85 and have had great experiences with all age groups. Most of my work has been with adults with developmental disabilities or mental illness, although I have had some experience working with children.
Are there any recent accomplishments, personal or professional, that you are proud of and willing to share?
My recent graduation from the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Rehabilitation Psychology Masters Program is an accomplishment that I take great pride in. My education was a challenging and rewarding investment that I feel has helped take my passion for helping individuals with disabilities and shaped me into a competent and qualified professional. Additionally I recently became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, an accomplishment that I value as it has recognized me as a qualified counselor. I feel that my counseling skills are a great asset and prove to be an effective and helpful tool as I provide services and support in the broker program.
Is there any additional information you care to include? Is there anything about yourself (experiences, education, personal interests) that you feel distinguishes you from other Support Brokers?
I am an energetic and passionate young woman who is striving to provide effective and caring support for individuals with disabilities. I have a strong desire to empower individuals who I work with and look forward to learning along the way!
