Carrie | New Directions, Inc.

Building and Maintaining Relationships

New Directions, Inc. recognizes that unpaid relationships are fundamental in a fulfilling life and have positive impacts to the physical and mental health of a person. As such, we assist and encourage people to build and maintain personal relationships. When people we serve are connected to a community, they are recognized for their strengths and can make positive contributions.

We talk about people's strengths and where those strengths would be appreciated. We talk about about people's interests and how they can connect with others over those interests. We talk about how we can bring community into the lives of the people we serve. As a guide, we use Dr. Angela Amado's Workbook, "Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members" published by the University of Minnesota's Research and Training Center on Community Living.

We have helped people connect through various different groups and organizations. Here are just some examples:

various churches and church groups
pickle ball groups
puzzle meet ups
drum circles
sports teams
music cafés
VFW socials
anime groups
walking and hiking groups
Boy Scouts
Community Education classes

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Carrie Tjaden

Recruiting and Training Coordinator

What is it about your work that energizes and inspires you?

I have an infinite passion for helping people make connections. I am fortunate enough to work for a company that allows me to use this passion everyday by serving as a navigator to help new employees find a position that is a good fit. This way, they too can flourish in developing meaningful relationships, interactions, and connections.

What’s your favorite tradition?

My favorite tradition is playing the dice game at Christmas with my entire extended family.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

My perfect weekend is filled with laughter while spending time with family and friends.

Ross Kigner

CEO

Deb Sherman

Program Director

Jana Guggisberg

Program Director

Julie Hoyez

Clinical Program Director

In-Home Support, Access Housing, ILS and SILS

Karen Holt

Director of Corporate Compliance Residential Openings

Kim Rhein

Director of Human Resources and Finance

Laurie Kigner

Leadership Team Member-at-Large

Simone LaBonté

Director of Person Centered Strategies

Carrie Tjaden

Recruiting and Training Coordinator