Tara Shade started at Woodhaven in August 2021 as the Director of Community Employment. Her role includes overseeing the EnCircle Technologies classroom and programming, as well as expanding community employment services.
What Brings Tara to Woodhaven?
Tara is no stranger to the work of Direct Support Professionals (DSP). She actually worked as a DSP while at the University of Missouri, where she received her degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She went on to become a Program Manager at an agency in St. Louis, was a caseworker for Pitkin County Social Services in Colorado, then continued her advocacy for neurodiversity in the workplace when moving back to Missouri in 2007, serving as a Behavior Consultant, Program Manager and Assistant Director of Community and Family Services.
Tara identifies as neurodiverse and is also a mom to four sons, her oldest Rye, is on the Autism Spectrum. Tara’s lived experience gives her first-hand experience and a great deal of empathy for parents who also advocate for inclusion, equity, and progress. This makes Tara’s dedication to the Woodhaven mission personal.
Community Employment Services: Building On the History, Looking Towards The Future
A big part of the Community Employment Services program is about empowering the next generation. One of the biggest worries any parent of a neurodiverse child has is – “What will happen to them when I’m gone?”
Her goal in directing the classes and youth programming at Woodhaven is to provide each student with the skills they need to thrive in the workplace, but also in their own social interactions – whether in the workplace or not.
“The most important part of the work we do is to listen to the people we’re supporting! Each person is different in how they want to define their disability (if at all) as a part of their identity.”
Positive impacts in the lives of neurodiverse individuals are tangible, proud, and hopeful moments. “Even with my son’s part-time job, it’s bringing him value. It motivates him!” The value add is two ways – employers also see a benefit in their neurodiverse employees, as we described in our blog last month.
Tara “In Real Life”
Tara gives us a look into her life when she ISN’T working.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
Tara enjoys spending time with friends – no matter what she is doing! Her top activities are seeing a film at Ragtag with friends or participating in sports with her family. She and her family enjoy skiing together as well as watching sports. Tara and her husband have enjoyed coaching through the Special Olympics Unified Sports program – which includes both athletes and community partners!
Three things you’d bring if you were stranded on a deserted island.
- Bring her dad – he’s resourceful and can build everything!
- Bring Crystal Light Tea – Tara can’t really survive without it!
- Something to write with – a journal.
Work with Tara Shade!
Woodhaven is elated to have Tara Shade on our team. If you are an employer interested in getting connected with our students, please reach out to Tara to become a part of our Community Employment Services program or as a student or parent to learn more about her weekly office hours. If you are someone interested in working at Woodhaven and with our students, please reach out to our HR team at job@woodhaventeam.org.