Sharon Milberger, Sc.D.

Tell us about your role and how long you've worked at MI-DDI.

I have been the director of MI-DDI for 4 years. I was also the Associate Director for Research for 4 years from 2001-2005.

Is there anything or anyone who led you to work in this field? Tell us about it.

I have always wanted to work in a field that promotes quality of life. Over the years, I could see that individuals with disabilities were being overlooked for programs and efforts aimed at promoting health and well-being. As a family member, I am committed to promoting inclusion and quality of life for ALL people. Working with the previous director, Barbara LeRoy, further solidified my passion for MI-DDI's mission and values.

Tell us about your education and professional affiliations.

My undergraduate degree is in nursing from the University of Michigan and I have my masters degree (physiology) and doctorate (epidemiology) from the Harvard School of Public Health. I started my career as a psych nurse and then went on to work in wellness/health promotion.

What project(s), program(s), and/or research are you currently focused on?

Currently, my main focus is on our MI-OCEAN project a 2-year grant we received from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. MI-OCEAN pairs older caregivers with family support navigators (i.e., older caregivers who have successfully navigated service systems on behalf of themselves and their adult family member with an intellectual/developmental disability). This project helps fill a gap for this group of caregivers with unique and unmet needs.

What experiences have you learned an important lesson from?

I learned from leading the team on our MI-LEND grant that when working with multiple stakeholders from multiple organizations it is critical to keep our shared mission at the forefront.

What is your favorite part about working at MI-DDI?

Hands down - our wonderful team!

What's your superpower?

Positivity! It's like a magnet - when you stay positive, you attract good things and good people.

What do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

I love to travel, walk outdoors, read, and spend time with my family.

Tell us about your most rewarding experience in the past year.

My most rewarding experience continues to be implementation of our MI-LEND program. It is an honor to work with such committed and knowledgeable colleagues, family members, and trainees from across Michigan.

Do you have a hidden talent, skill, or hobby? What is it?

Turns out I am freakishly good at Tetris!