ProAct is excited to announce the return of Anna Shields! Between 2001 and 2023, Anna served ProAct’s participants in a variety of roles. Starting off the new year, Anna makes her return as Program Director, where she will supervise the Employment and Individualized Home Supports programs.
Program Director
“At a very young age, I found my passion for identifying how best to support individuals with varying levels of ability and need.” Anna said when discussing her new position. “I love working with and getting to know participants and being a part of their journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with ProAct and following my passion.”
Anna made her start with ProAct in 2001 as a Direct Support Professional. With her experience both professionally and personally supporting people with varying levels of need, she demonstrated her passion and dedication everyday. Soon after, Anna transitioned into ProAct’s assembly work floor where she supervised a group of about 10 participants through their training and work experiences. In 2013, Anna then moved onto community employment where she supported individuals preparing to work, finding and maintaining employment, and providing participants with the opportunity to gain and maintain greater levels of independence. From 2015 onward, Anna continued to lead with compassion, and she took on more supervisory and managerial responsibilities through her departure in 2023.
ProAct is thrilled to welcome Anna back in her new role. As a Program Director, Anna will oversee the Employment and Individualized Home Supports programs, taking her vast knowledge and experience of our organization to identify areas for growth and improvement. Her goal is to expand these programs and enhance programming so ProAct can continue our mission of maximizing individual potential for greater self-sufficiency.
When talking about this new role, Anna said she was first drawn to her career while growing up with family members who had all levels of abilities. Her familial background drove her to getting involved with programming in high school and eventually to finding her professional home at ProAct.
“Anna is the exact kind of person and professional we need,” said Judie Foster-Lupkin, ProAct’s President and CEO. “Her abilities as a leader, her compassion, and her wealth of experience will undoubtedly bring immense benefit to our participants and the entire ProAct organization.”
“I love getting to know and connecting with others at this level,” Anna added. “Everyday is different and special, and you know you’re truly making a difference in their lives.”