Wednesday, January 30, 2013
I had the pleasure of working alongside Sandy on many occasions over the last 17 years and developed a deep respect for her along the way. If ever a person was called to a particular vocation, it was Sandy to the field of human services. She had an intuitive understanding of human nature, the ability to teach and motive, and cared deeply about others. She looked past the labels that society often puts on people and saw the person. Sandy was a wonderful advocate and felt strongly that all people have a right to choice and control over their own lives to the greatest extent possible and she facilitated independence in the people she worked with. At times over the years she was called to work in the most difficult and troubling of situations and was able to wear any hat a situation called for with skill and professionalism. I believe Sandy’s greatest gift was her ability to instill in others a sense of self worth and competence and a belief in their own ability to live a meaningful and productive life. Invariably after a while with Sandy working with a person, positive changes would be seen. She approached life with a wonderful combination of compassion and empathy, humor, grit, and common sense practicality and was always someone who could be counted on the just tell it like it is. I will miss her. She taught me a lot over the years. I hope that you all, her family, will find comfort during this difficult time in knowing that she was a person who truly made a difference in the corner of the world she touched.
