Focus of Living Empowered & Prepared (LE&P)

Thomas began his journey in the field while studying in the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program and working at Heritage Christian Services (HCS). At HCS, he spent about two years as a Recreational Assistant, supporting individuals with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). During that time, he made the decision to leave the PTA program to focus full-time on working with one individual (pictured above), through a different agency. Fast forward to today—Thomas has been working with him for over 10 years. Along the way, he's noticed key gaps between the needs of individuals with I/DD and the support services available to them. While those services can be incredibly valuable, Thomas has become passionate about helping people navigate them more effectively. His goal is to coach individuals to better understand and utilize the support around them so they can live more fulfilling, confident, and personalized lives. Whether it’s through education, job coaching, or general guidance, Thomas aims to make a meaningful difference. Some of Thomas’ hobbies include biking, nature walks, sports, working out, cooking, and exploring new foods. When shared interests line up, he sometimes participates in these activities with the individual with I/DD outside of work, creating fun and meaningful experiences.