Introducing Heather Richards Skills’ New Senior Manager of Community Supports
Bev and her colleagues participating in a chili cook off
As many in Skills Society know, one of our early pioneers and disability rights leaders, Bev Hills retired in January 2023. Bev was with Skills Society for 38 years and helped to steward and lead many important initiatives at Skills Society in her time. From innovative support models for seniors with disabilities, to new ways of supporting folks with complex service needs in the inner city, Bev has been instrumental in developing more humanized systems of support throughout her career. We are all deeply grateful for her leadership, creativity and dedication to the people we all serve.
Bev at a team building event
From all of us at Skills Society, we want to thank Bev for her tireless advocacy and wish her all the best in her retirement!
We are very excited to introduce Heather Richards as the new Senior Manager of Community Supports and Direct Operations. Heather comes with deep experience in PDD systems from multiple diverse organizational perspectives. She has worked front line, in outreach roles, in community living innovative approaches and as a senior leader in two other organizations over the years. We had a chance to connect with Heather to learn a bit more about her, and what brings her to this work.
Tell us a little about yourself!
Heather with her husband and three children hiking in Palm Springs
It was through my early days at Skills that inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Education focusing on Special Education. I have spent the last 23 years working in PDD-funded organizations, both 24/7 and outreach supports, and day supports. I have been part of different committees such as a social justice working group and have done work with Asset Based Community Development and worked on some amazing projects that have improved service delivery for people we support. I love keeping active (I run, strength train and cycle) and I am always looking at ways to keep healthy and have fun doing so. As a family we also spend time together keeping active (hiking, cycling, playing pickleball, and going for walks). Our family can usually be found at the hockey rinks.
What excites you most about joining Skills Society?
Skills has an amazing culture and to be able to work alongside so many talented people that get excited about the work we do is inspiring. It has been so much fun connecting with people that are still here as well as meeting so many new people.
What are some key learnings you bring with you to your role?
I like to keep things simple. Be kind and be a good human. I believe we all want to be valued, respected, and supported. I feel working collaboratively and drawing on the strengths of each other will support our shared purpose.
Please join us in welcoming Heather (back) to Skills Society!