Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhonda Parker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rhonda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My “Why” for Founding Parker Autism Center. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021, 19.1 persons with a disability are employed compared to 63.7 percent without a disability. One of my memorable experiences in supporting individuals with diverse abilities was being employed as an Employment Consultant. I trained a client name Rosita for her first job at the age of 50.
Unfortunately, she had not been given the opportunity in the past and she wanted to work. Rosita ended up being employed at two different companies, volunteered in the community, and became an active participate in her community. I can still remember the look on her face with pride when she performed her job duties. She always showed appreciation and would say “thank you” to me for helping her daily.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Rhonda Parker. I am the Founder of Parker Autism Center, Parker Transition Academy, and Baking To ImPACt. I have a B.S. in Rehabilitation Studies, M.Ed. in Special Education, and completing my Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership expected completion in 2023. I am a certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Special Education Teacher, Director, and Employment Trainer. I have been a volunteer, educator, mentor teacher, trainer, and community advocate 35 plus year. The Mission is to provide innovative and effective programs supporting the underserve in their community through education, engagement, empowerment, and employment. Our goal is to communicate and collaborate by building long-term relationships with the clients utilizing the community, educational systems, and organizations.
Our belief is when you walk through our days we are here to help support and advocate for the client and family. We develop meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the client which results in independence, personal and professional development in their daily lives.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
This is a current experience for me due to COVID. I had plans to open a full-scale vocational program. However, I was unable to open the building due to COVID and injury. This experience has taught me about the importance of preparation, planning, and timing. Life Happens and you have to realize somethings are unexpected or unavoidable.
As a leader it is important to examine your mindset and assess the situation. This requires determining the next step and communicating with others. I had to assess and develop with my support system a new strategic plan. I am taking my time and working on me. We want the programs to be meaningful, sustainable, and reflect short and long-term development.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey of resilience has been one of personal and professional development. Several years ago, I had to leave the classroom due to a major surgery. I was advised by many doctors due to the nature of my surgery that working in the classroom could hinder my overall health. I have been fortunate to be able to do what I truly enjoy and that is supporting people with disabilities. I have taught general education and special education and to be able to see the development and milestones in their lives is amazing. I loved teaching and mentoring educators and students. However, being told you have to give up something you love was a major decision in my life. I have my family to provide for and to go from being employed to no income within a short amount of time was very difficult. In addition, I had completed my doctoral work and was writing my dissertation which resulted in my postponing my studies.
Since then I have returned to school and working on completing my Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, working in the educational setting, providing programming in my non-profit and for-profit in multi-states. I realize that my path is based on my ability to say “I will” regardless of the time frame. If it is for me it will happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parkerautismcenter.org/
- Instagram: parkerautismcenter
- Facebook: parkerautismcenter
- Linkedin: rhondaparker
- Other: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]
Image Credits
Education 2.0, Freddy Diaz