Meet staff member Jennifer Howard

Jennifer Howard is a Self-Directed Assistant (SDA) and Transition Outreach Specialist (TOS) at the Center of Hope but serves several roles. In this month’s Q&A, Jennifer shares why assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is more than a career.
Please describe your role at the Center. I wear several hats at COH. I serve as a Self-Directed Assistant (SDA), providing individualized support to adults with intellectual disabilities in their homes. My role focuses on helping individuals achieve their personal goals while building the skills and confidence needed to increase their independence in daily living.
I also serve as a Transition Outreach Specialist (TOS), where I help ensure that students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have access to the community resources and supports they need for a successful transition from school to adulthood. Our team goal as a team of TOSs, is to connect students and families with services that promote independence and long-term success.
In addition, I organize the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)-approved professional development sessions for school staff. These trainings equip educators with strategies to better support students as they transition into adulthood while increasing awareness of local resources available to students and their families.
I also work as part of a team that assists families who choose to represent themselves through the guardianship filing process, providing guidance and support as they navigate the legal requirements.
Why did you choose this field? I have always been someone who enjoys helping others and problem-solving to better support others. Supporting individuals with disabilities is more than a career for me; it is something I genuinely enjoy and find deeply rewarding. Throughout my work in the education field, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals with disabilities as they develop new skills, overcome obstacles, and work toward greater independence. I have been able to continue this type of work for individuals and clients outside of the school setting and within the community.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is witnessing our clients’ growth and celebrating the moments when they achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Whether those accomplishments are large or small, each milestone represents increased confidence, independence, and opportunity. Being able to play a role in that journey is what motivates me and reinforces my commitment to advocating for and empowering the individuals and families I serve.
What has been your biggest surprise since you started working at the Center? One of the biggest surprises in my career has been discovering the countless ways and opportunities there are to help individuals and their families. There is always another area or service that individuals and families can benefit from to better support that client’s needs while utilizing their strengths. I enjoy playing a role in advocating and building new programs and services to better support the people we serve.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in working at the Center? Be excited to make a difference! Whether the action or service you do is big or small, that action can have a positive impact for the clients and their families.
Anything else you’d like to add? Every interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact. Clients rely on us to help ensure their needs, goals, and choices are heard and respected. Through strong advocacy, we can connect them with the resources, supports, and opportunities they need to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. By recognizing their strengths, honoring their preferences, and promoting their independence, we help empower them to experience the same opportunities and quality of life as anyone else.

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