We’re pleased to introduce you to our Northwest Team Leader, Doug Tryon. The Northwest Team is one of our four community-based teams for Career and Leisure Services (CLS), which provides part-time and full-time support to adults with developmental disabilities in their communities.
When did you start at the DDRC?
I did a “government grant” position in 1986, and in 1987 I was offered a permanent position.
What made you want to work here?
I enjoyed working with the people at DDRC when I did the government grant position. I wanted to return so I could assist people to learn skills, and help them be the best they could be.
What’s the best thing about being a Team Leader?
I feel being able to share my skills and knowledge with others has been one of the best parts of being a Team Leader, but I must say also that learning new things from clients, families, and CRWs has been a growth experience for me.
Can you share a recent success story from the Northwest Team?
A client was having difficulty taking the initiative to work on his goals. Over time, with support and encouragement, one day he took the initiative to approach an employer for work. He was offered a part-time position doing recycling, which is an area he was interested in working in.
Tell us about a hidden talent that you have.
As I have gotten older, I am discovering talents I did not know I had. We’re renovating our house, and I have been enjoying drawing up the plans for it. I am actually doing the woodwork and using power tools, which I used to be terrified of.