Category Archives for "Portfolio"

May 13

Mary Janick-Smith, M.A.

By Stand Up, Inc. | Employment Specialist

Picture of staff

Mary Janick-Smith, M.A.


Employment Specialist

I have previously worked in a variety of roles providing mental health services to individuals and families through a Community Services Board, in family homes and in a hospital setting. I supported people who have neurological and sensory processing disorders, medical, physical and intellectual challenges as a Psychologist at Central Virginia Training Center and, for nearly two decades, I operated a community-based Day Support program.

As a DS Coordinator I established and maintained community partnerships that enabled Day Support participants to regularly engage in challenging and meaningful activities. Ongoing activities included adaptive skiing with Wintergreen Adaptive Sports, gardening with Hill City Master Gardeners, creating and exhibiting artwork in community locations, acting as big brothers and big sisters for elementary school students, walking and brushing horses at a local farm, etc. Unlike typical Day Support programs, I welcomed and successfully provided therapeutic services to people with challenging behaviors including people on the ASD spectrum.

My passion for supporting people with challenges to achieve maximum independence has led me to Stand Up! When done well, Day Support provides people with meaningful activity that increases personal satisfaction and allows people to positively contribute to the world around them. However, the ability to experience oneself as fully adult is compromised while one is completely dependent on others.

It is important for those who have the skills and desire to work to have opportunities to have paid employment. Customized employment provides an opportunity to use one’s natural gifts, develop new skills and relationships, and earn income all of which empower choice and independence.

I am delighted to be creating customized employment at Stand Up, Inc. It is a pleasure to be doing so with management and co-workers who share with me a gentle, patient, optimistic, determined spirit and the skills to accomplish this outcome for as many people as possible.

Hobbies:

Walking with our dog, hiking, backpacking and traveling to new places. I enjoy art in all forms especially paintings and creative healthy foods.


Nov 19

Janie Blankenship

By Stand Up, Inc. | Employment Specialist

Janie Blankenship


Employment Specialist

Janie is and organized and disciplined professional with extensive background in Human Services and Psychology. She received her dual Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Psychology with Cum Laude status from Old Dominion University in 2016.

Janie seeks to utilize her education and work experience in a position to support individuals, families, and the community.

Favorite Quote:

“Nothing can keep you from reaching your goals. Do It!”


Nov 14

Paige Boardwine

By Stand Up, Inc. | Portfolio

Paige Boardwine


Regional Supervisor/SW VA

Hello! I graduated from Concord University with my Bachelors in Psychology in 2015. I am originally from McDowell County, West Virginia but moved to Tazewell Virgina soon after I graduated college to find better employment. I am now a Regional Supervisor for the Southwest Area.

I chose this field because I have always had a passion for helping others. Since working for Stand Up, I have grown to be a better person because of what this job has shown me. My customers have taught me so many things and shown me, as well as others, that the "impossible" is possible. I absolutely love watching them succeed and watching them gain confidence in themselves. I honestly cannot think of one aspect of my job that I do not enjoy.

My previous job experience was a waitress. One of my favorite things was being around people and helping them with the things that they needed. I love to see people smile, and one way to do that is to make your customers happy!

My hobbies include being outdoors. I love to hunt, fish, kayak, etc. I also enjoy playing tennis and hiking.

My favorite quote is:
You are you, that is truer than true, there is no one alive who is youer than you - Dr. Seuss



Email: [email protected]


>