Meet Easterseals Team Member Deanna McGrath

Deanna

In honor of national Easterseals 100th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to check in with some of IMPACT team members to inquire about their love of Easterseals and how they feel they’re making the biggest impact.

Today, we heard from Deanna McGrath. Deanna is a school therapy coordinator/Autism Center for Excellence (ACE) case manager and she’s been with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida for one year. In her role, Deanna is responsible for coordinating and responding to Easterseals therapists’ needs so that, in turn, they can give the best service to Easterseals families. This may include ordering supplies, collecting billing and helping therapists be successful on all fronts. She also assists as an ACE case manager, working one-on-one with families and assessing and addressing individuals’ needs.

Easterseals’ ACE program is growing, and Deanna says she’s excited to be part of its growth.

“I am proud to help our families gain knowledge about not only our autism services but also the autism spectrum in general,” says Deanna. “Supporting families when they first walk in the door and throughout their journey is very fulfilling.”

As a 2019 IMPACT Team member, Deanna is part of a group that’s been empowered to create opportunities to affect the future progress of Easterseals.

Here’s more about Deanna’s role at Easterseals and how she makes a difference every day:

Easterseals: What’s it like working on a team at Easterseals? How does your teamwork positively affect families?

Deanna: We work great as a team! When something needs to be finished or “tightened up,” we all feel comfortable working together to get it done. I love the feeling that it is everyone’s job to see that the Easterseals families are taken care of well. It also projects a sense of calm to our families when they see everyone working together with a smile.

Easterseals: How have you grown personally and/or professionally in your position(s) with Easterseals?

Deanna: I come from a totally different line of work…I never would have dreamed I would be here. But, life is put into perspective when you have a child with special needs (which I do). When I talk to families about our services, I keep in mind that I was once in their shoes. I also have been the parent looking for services and not knowing where to turn. Easterseals has given me the know-how to not only help my family but other families as well.

Easterseals: What’s one thing most people sometimes don’t understand about your position?

Deanna: My job required incredible organizational skills! I work with two dozen therapists. I check their orders for accuracy as I work through Volusia County Schools. I collect orders and follow up if something’s missing. There’s a lot involved. It’s not glamorous, but very challenging.  

Easterseals: What’s one thing that you want to want to be known for in your position?

Deanna: I would like to be known at Easterseals as being a hard worker who communicates well and is a helpful liaison between Volusia County Schools, Dorothy (Lefford, OTR/L, VP-Clinical Services) and the therapists.

Easterseals: When people think about Easterseals, what do you hope comes to mind for them?

Deanna: This is easy! Every time I tell someone out in the community I work at Easterseals, their response is always positive, and they explain how Easterseals has helped their family. I feel it is part of my job to make sure that Easterseals’ impact in our community continues for generations.

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If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

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