Lu Ann Desotelle brings 30 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities to her role as a Connections IRIS consultant team manager. She earned a bachelor science degree in education/therapeutic recreation and completed post-graduate work in educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Before joining Connections, Lu Ann served as a support and service coordinator for Door County Human Services. In that role, she provided comprehensive case management to adults with developmental disabilities. She also completed assessments, functional screens, and person-centered and outcome-based planning. In addition, Lu Ann completed individual service plans, authorizations, financial eligibility, crisis and behavioral plans, restrictive measures plan, and ongoing monitoring and support for individuals.
Through her work as a service coordinator, Lu Ann learned that each of us has our own dreams of the most meaningful and successful lives. She also learned that when people are granted choice and control over their lives they are able to realize their dreams. These could be small dreams such as owning a garden plot in the community garden, attending church with a friend or finding a caregiver who really understands. Or, they could be big dreams like owning a Habitat house, getting married or reconnecting with family. Fulfilling dreams could also mean finding a good job, joining a committee, service club, church group or community organization.
Lu Ann also finds that community projects, special events and activities are more interesting and enjoyable when all members of the community are included. She feels that all of these things are possible when people make connections, meet new people and work side by side with friends. Lu Ann is very excited to be a part of supporting people in realizing their dreams through Connections.