Consultant Name: Ronni Huschka
Company Name: Progressive Community Services, Inc.
Phone Number: 608-250-9042
Email: ronni@pcsdane.org
Work History
Job Title: IRIS Consultant
Care Responsibilities: For nearly 20 years I have worked with older adults and people with physical disabilities. Throughout my career I have provided information and referral services, case management and supervised direct care staff who provided personal care and chore services. I have assisted people with exploring housing options, employment, setting up Special Needs Trusts, Burial Trusts, Medicaid, FoodShare renewals and recruiting and training direct care staff.
Educational Background
Name of Institution: Montana State University – Bozeman
Major/Degree: Sociology with a Criminal Justice Emphasis
Credentials
Name of Certification/Accreditation: Certified Nursing Assistant
Certifying Agency:
Date Certification was Obtained: March 2016
Specialties
For 15 years I co-managed the Dane County Physical Disability waiting list. Within that timeframe I spent 8 years providing case management services. In 2016 I transitioned into the role of supervisor of direct care staff. As a supervisor I trained direct care staff to provide hands on personal cares and chores to older adults and people with disabilities ages of 18 to 98.
As a Case Manager and CNA, my medical knowledge and hands on experience has allowed me to assist people with developing and coordinating individualized supports and services. I have experience working with Older Adults, people with Physical Disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Dementia and Intellectual disabilities.
County/Region I’m familiar with
Dane
Languages or Communication Skills
English
I’m comfortable with pets in the home
Yes
More about me
In 2000 begun my lifelong career advocating and supporting older adults and people with disabilities. As an Intake Coordinator, Case Manager and Supervisor I have assessed and assisted an estimated 3000 individuals in Dane County.
Whoever said that the world is small, well the disability community is even smaller! I find great joy when I cross paths with people and families I have talked to or assisted over the last 20 years.
I believe those who know me best would describe me as a strong advocate for people with disabilities. I am always up for a challenge and I look forward to working creatively with people to achieve their goals and live independent lives.
Over the last 4 years, as a supervisor of direct care staff, I witnessed firsthand the daily struggles of finding reliable, dependable supports. I saw the importance of finding the right care provider and what it takes to retain quality support staff. I hope to merge my supervisory experience with my years of case management and knowledge of community resources to assist people in maximizing services and supports while managing within their current budget.
At the end of the day when it is time to wind down, I enjoy shopping for flowers/plants, antiques and checking out all the art and craft fairs. Last but not least I love hanging out with my husband and our one child (oops…dog) who is the love of our lives!