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

Amy Hewitt

Amy Hewitt

Director, Lead Consultant

hewit005@umn.edu

Barb Kleist

Barb Kleist

Program Manager, Lead Consultant

kleis041@umn.edu

Julie Bershadsky

Julie Bershadsky

Research Director, Lead Consultant

bers0017@umn.edu

Kris Foss

Kris Foss

Lead Consultant

foss0395@umn.edu

Jerry Smith

Jerry Smith

Marketing and Communications Manager

smith495@umn.edu

Megan Sanders

Megan Sanders

Workforce Consultant

sand1041@umn.edu

Sarah Hall-Cordle

Sarah Hall

Workforce Consultant

hall1964@umn.edu

Chet Tschetter

Chet Tschetter

Workforce Consultant

tsch0042@umn.edu

Julie Kramme

Julie Kramme

Workforce Consultant

dahl0488@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.