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CONTACT: Melanie Mowry Etters |
From Intern to Employee
By Christine Call
MIAMI, FL—Tiffine Dennard is now an employee of the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development. She began her job in March. Prior to being offered a permanent position, Dennard spent 12 weeks learning various job skills as part of a paid internship sponsored by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) at the Mailman Center. She enjoyed her internship so much, she offered to volunteer when it ended.
Shelly Baer, Associate Director of Training, is one of Dennard’s supervisors. Baer was so impressed with Dennard’s drive, passion, and potential that she went to bat for her, advocating for Dennard to get a part-time administrative assistant job. Baer said, “We just clicked. Tiffine’s willing to do anything and eager to learn. Couple this with her contagious enthusiasm and she is a constant breath of fresh air.”
Dennard’s other supervisor is Carmel Bronzetti, an administrative assistant. Bronzetti said, “Tiffine always says yes and is willing to learn and try new things. Dennard’s a good worker who likes staying busy and helping others.”
Dennard has a developmental disability and is a customer of Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). October is Disability Employment Awareness Month and APD is highlighting working Floridians with disabilities during the month.
Dennard’s duties include administrative support, making copies, putting binders and calendars together, assisting in the mailroom, helping around the building, and organizing files, shelves and books. Dennard said, “I love my job. I am so blessed to work here; everyone is awesome and supportive. The job keeps me motivated and keeps me focused on the progress I’ve made.”
In addition to learning new skills, the job has raised her self-esteem and she’s more comfortable with her abilities. “Everyone acknowledges my work, coworkers brag on me and always thank me for my assistance. How can I not love working with such a great team?” Dennard asked.
Baer added that Dennard is working toward full-time employment and getting computer training to expand her skills. Baer said, “Dennard adds so much to the team because she’s highly responsible and has a great attitude. Everyone loves working with her and she’s always sought after by others for her help.”
When she is not working, Dennard enjoys being with and playing with her three children. They go to the park, play sports, and stay active outside. She also loves to cook.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1 866 APD CARES (1 866 273 2273).