Board of Directors:

Mandy’s Special Farm is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of no less than three and no more than seven members. They are responsible for employment of the Executive Director and oversight of the budget and financial affairs while adhering to the mission statement. The Board meets quarterly and is not involved in the day-to-day operations of MSF. The 2009-2010 Board of Directors are:

Ruthie Horn Robbins, JD, President
David Robbins, MD, Vice President, Urologist, VA Hospital
Ellen J. King, Director, Bradbury Stamm Construction
Karen Heerschap, Secretary Treasurer, CPA, Director REDW, The Rogoff Firm 
John Guttman, MD, Director, Family Practitioner, Presbyterian

Mike Sheyka, Director, Insurance Agent, Daniels Insurance Agency

Administration:

Griselda Valenzuela, Executive Director

Primary Duties Include: Oversight of all operations and reports directly to the board of directors. Duties include but are not limited to directly managing Program Director, Facilities Director, Volunteers, day-to-day operations, fundraising, networking, state funding and regulations, accounting and payroll, quality/program improvement.

Zina Payne, Program Director, Service Coordinator, Healthcare Coordinator

Primary Duties Include: hiring and direct supervision and training of Direct Support Staff, resident scheduling, including therapies, day programs, jobs, and outings, oversight of resident paperwork and programming, completion of quarterly progress reports, quarterly Healthcare Coordinator reports, and teaching support strategies, coordinates medical visits and medication, quality assurance, reports to the case manager.

Direct Support Staff

The purpose of Direct Support Staff (DSS) is to support each individual living at MSF at the level they require. One goal of MSF is to continually help each individual increase their independence. DSS help this by strongly encouraging and aiding the residents to participate in every aspect of their home/farm life. This includes, but is not limited to, activities of daily living, cooking, cleaning, gardening, and feeding and caring for animals.

DSS also improve each resident’s quality of life by helping them reach their vision as outlined in their Individual Service Plan (ISP) by working on outcomes and action steps. They also ensure that they participate in “meaningful day” activities (activities they value most) as often as possible. They integrate strategies recommended by therapists, transport to and from appointments, outings, day programs, employment, etc. DSS complete paperwork regarding the individual’s ISP, complete daily narratives, assist with medication, assist with activities of daily living, advocate and help residents become self-advocates, support each individual with challenging behaviors ensure their safety, ensure they are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and ensure they are not being restricted of any rights.

Other Staff

Mandy's Special Farm also employs part-time volunteer/garden coordinator, maintenance, administrative assistant, and an equestrian supervisor, who works directly with the horses and, in conjunction with DSS, teaches residents how to care for and ride horses.

Interested in employment? Contact us today!