Who we are

Based at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, Direct Support Workforce Solutions is a national consulting group comprising top experts in disabilities and workforce development. We have conducted extensive research, training, outreach, and evaluation in the field of disabilities and community supports for over 30 years. Collectively, we have authored and edited hundreds of publications, including textbooks, reports, peer-reviewed articles, magazines, briefs, films, and newsletters that support the full inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities of choice. In 2001, we launched the College of Direct Support, an online training curriculum for direct support professionals. This has expanded into DirectCourse, which has trained millions of direct support professionals, improving the stability of services for people with disabilities. We have provided training and technical assistance to dozens of organizations and can help you to strengthen and grow your direct support workforce.

Staff

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Amy Hewitt, Ph.D.

Director, Institute on Community Integration

hewit005@umn.edu

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Kris Foss, MSEd

Director

foss0395@umn.edu

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Barb Kleist, JD

Strategic Partnerships

kleis041@umn.edu

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Julie Bershadsky, Ph.D.

Applied Research

bers0017@umn.edu

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Jerry Smith, MBA

Marketing and Media Solutions

smith495@umn.edu

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Kristin Dean , MS

Technology Solutions

deanx032@umn.edu

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Sandra L Pettingell, Ph.D.

Data Solutions

erick100@umn.edu

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Megan Sanders , MSW, MPP

National Workforce Consultant

sand1041@umn.edu

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Heather Barcikowski, MA, OTR/L

National Workforce Consultant

barcik01@umn.edu

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Chet Tschetter, BEd

National Workforce Consultant

tsch0042@umn.edu

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Kelly Chirhart, MSSW

National Workforce Consultant

chir0026@umn.edu

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Julie Kramme, Ph.D.

National Workforce Consultant

dahl0488@umn.edu

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Claire Benway , MS

National Training Consultant

cebenway@umn.edu

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Mark Olson, BEd

National Training Consultant

olso4541@umn.edu

About the Institute on Community Integration

The Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, a designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, has engaged in research, training, and outreach to enhance community living and participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1988. We work to improve policies and practices to ensure that all children, youth, and adults with disabilities, and those receiving educational supports, are valued by and contribute to their communities of choice.