Elizabeth Janks, LMSW

 

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

I am the Associate Director of Training & Education at MI-DDI. I started out as a Social Work Student intern in 1992 and was formally hired in 1994, which means I have been at the Institute for 28 years!

 

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

My son Robert has developmental disabilities; he is a great source of inspiration for me in my life. Working at MI-DDI made me realize his possibilities are endless and are only limited by our own lack of creativity and vision.  I have been very fortunate that my work has given me an opportunity to meet so many self-advocates who dream big and live inclusive lives.

 

Tell us about your education and professional affiliations.

I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University with a double major in Sociology and Journalism. I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

 

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

I am the Project Manager for the MI-OCEAN project, and this project will help 100 caregivers of people with developmental disabilities statewide. Our recruitment phase of this project will conclude at the end of this year. I really want to make sure we serve at least 100 caregivers because these are people who may have health concerns, experience high stress levels and basically put off self-care activities because they are so busy. I am also working on a MDDHS health promotion project that will improve the accessibility of the Diabetes Prevention Project for people with disabilities. This work is important because people with intellectual and developmental disabilities often experience poorer health than people without disabilities.      

 

What experiences have you learned an important lesson from?

There are times when funding dictates working on a project that may not be in your area of expertise or that you are not passionate about. Those projects can turn out to be very rewarding experiences that you learn from and develop into a new area of interest you want to pursue.

 

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

I really like and enjoy my colleagues - we are a great team! I really miss seeing them all since the pandemic!

 

What is your superpower?

I am an optimist. I practice yoga and that helps me harness and refuel my energy.

 

What do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

I like to cook, garden, and spend time with my children, granddaughter, and friends.

 

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

Watching Robert enjoy living in a home of his own. It was always my dream for him. It has been so challenging with the direct support professional staffing shortage, but so far we have had enough staff for him to remain in his home during this pandemic. They are heroes!

 

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

I am a pretty good photographer.