IARP Board of Directors Election (2016-2017)
Eligible voters: Individual Professional members of the association.
Position and Candidate(s):
President Elect: Steve Yuhas
Secretary: Anne Savage Veh, Julie Sawyer-Little
Education Director: Toni McFarland
Candidate Statements:
President Elect: Steve Yuhas
Describe your qualifications for the position:
For over 30 years, I've provided rehabilitation consultation, medical and vocational rehabilitation case management services. Since 1994, as President and Founder of The Directions Group, Inc., I've been able to use my leadership skills and also continue enjoying my work with persons with disabilities in multiple regions including the southeastern U.S. Since May 2008, I've served on the IARP Life Care Planning Section/IALCP Board of Directors, Member at Large for three years, Chair-Elect and Chair. I have served as the IALCP Section Representative on the IARP Board of Directors since 2013. I have also served in the past as NARPPS State Chapter President for South Carolina. I've also enjoyed serving on the IALCP Standards of Practice Review Committee and the IARP Standards Compliance Review Board (SCRB) for Placement. I have trained rehabilitation professionals over the years and I have encouraged professional growth opportunities in my own community.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to enhance the positive direction and efforts of the IARP Board of Directors and the IARP Sections. I would like to instill the importance of high membership standards and quality of services during the rehabilitation process. I would also like to establish stronger relationships between all IARP section members, supporting organizations, and to reach out to others in the field while encompassing IARP's vision and mission.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
My vision is to enhance growth opportunities and to ensure that members receive the full benefit of the services offered by this organization. Integrity, communication, and the ethics of our profession, including protecting the interests of the person with disabilities, are paramount. My desire is to serve our membership and the current IARP Board of Directors to address the professional needs of our members. We must maintain the highest levels of professional standards, leadership, collaborated efforts with educational opportunities and high quality educational programs, research, and publications for our members.
Secretary: Anne Savage Veh
Describe your qualifications for the position:
I began working with the disabled population in the mental health venue, dealing with individuals with severe mental illness diagnoses. I then began completing vocational evaluations for workers’ compensation and social security cases as well as personal injury and domestic/spousal support cases.
I began completing life care plans in 2004 after completing the requirements for this certification through CHCC and complete life care plans as a regular aspect of my job.
I am a Vocational Consultant and Life Care Planner in private practice in Toledo, Ohio. I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the Division of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Cincinnati. I am a Licensed Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, independently licensed in the State of Ohio. I am also certified as a Life Care Planner through Intelicus/University of Florida.
I have been the Secretary to the IARP Board or the last 2 years and am the Past-Chair for the Forensic Section and was responsible for the 2010 Forensic Conference in New Orleans. I serve on the 2016 Conference Planning Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Additionally, I served as the Internal Vice President of the American Rehabilitation Economics Association for 2003-2005.
My specialties lie in the content areas of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and brachial plexus injuries in children as well as the co-morbidity diagnoses of severe mental illness.
I am very organized and believe that information should be concise and detailed so it can be preserved as we move this organization forward.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
I would like to continue to provide support and structure to the board in order to stay involved with the strategic planning, future work on our presence in the legislative arena and consideration of the by-laws of our group.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
It seems that with the constant changes in our fields and the administrative changes coming with Carl Wangman’s pending retirement, we need some stability on the board. I have had two years to learn the organizations mission and structure and can only hope that we will continue forward and look ahead to stay a strong, formidable organization.
Secretary:
Julie Sawyer-Little
Describe your qualifications for the position:
I have served in various positions since my graduation from college. I originally served as Secretary to the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Association. I am currently volunteering as Clerk to Woodhaven Baptist Church taking minutes for Church Council and ensuring the information is accurate and available prior to the call of each meeting. I am detailed oriented and feel that my organization skills would provide a positive addition to the current board members.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
If elected to serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors, my goal would be to ensure that minutes of meetings are taken in an accurate and efficient manner. As Secretary, I would serve as an adjunct to other committees (as needed) and provide insights and ideas to grow the overall organization. Finally, I would ensure that minutes and agendas are provided in a timely manner to maximize each meeting.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
I am excited about the many opportunities and changes that the organization is currently providing. My hope is to continue to support these ideas and provide input and ideas on additional programs which could positively impact our current membership and encourage other professionals to join the association. Over the past few years, I have seen our organization change and grow in a positive direction with many creative and innovative opportunities for the membership at large. I hope to be able to serve the next 2 years to see what "new" opportunities will be developed and revealed.
Education Director:
Toni McFarland
Describe your qualifications for the position:
I provided training to State of Michigan employees for 10years. I traveled around the State to provide training in employee work locations. I worked with Department Representatives and stakeholders on providing specific training to employees, Third Party Administrators and other stakeholders.
I have worked with various IARP members on conference presentations and other training materials. Most recently the SSVE Advanced training.
I am familiar with the various Sections within IARP and have a good working relationship with their Board Representatives.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
I hope to work with the various Sections on providing to their Sections trainings that will further their careers and give them needed knowledge that will assist them with excelling in their professions.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
My vision for IARP is for IARP to become a premier provider of educational trainings for not just the membership but for all professionals working in this field.
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