This school year marks the first time Forest Rose’s Senior Room has been able to explore the community every day. Senior Room instructor, Donna Goehring, says the visits have been great for the students to get out and create community connections.

Donna also expressed how important it has been for the community to see that the students are just like everyone else.

The senior room has visited a range of businesses and departments in the community. Some of the students' favorites have been exploring the Lancaster Police Department, enjoying a tour of The Wagnalls Memorial Library, and learning how maple syrup is made at Warner's Maple Syrup.

When asked what the student’s favorite part of the visits was, Donna said it was the hands-on experiences.

“The engagement is a huge part, and it has made them more outgoing. One student’s social skills have seen leaps and bounds,” Donna said. “They have accomplished their academic goals, so this is a chance for them to gain more independence and not stay at their desk all day. The more they go out, the more they will be prepared for after they graduate to be in the community.”

Each day, Donna will explore businesses in the community, looking for people who will be engaging and provide the opportunity for the students to get involved. During a trip to the Lancaster Police Department, students were introduced to all the departments, given the chance to sit in the back seat of a police cruiser with the lights on, and even had the opportunity to speak with the Chief of Police.

Other staff members at Forest Rose have seen the positive impact the trips have had on the students. Assistant Director of Children’s Programs Jenna Trager and Student Services Supervisor Jennifer Arbuckle both described seeing students who had several behavioral issues now smiling more and being more independent at school. They believe the students have become more adaptable to different places and schedules. In some instances, they have even noticed students are better able to communicate their problems or express what is causing them discomfort.

Donna also highlighted how important it is to have good staff who are adaptable and more than happy to attend the trips. She says the staff does a fantastic job of modeling for the community. 

Meet Todd McCullough, Fairfield DD’s Director of Operations!

Todd describes his job as making sure the systems behind the scenes work so staff can focus on supporting people.

That behind-the-scenes work includes Fairfield DD buildings, technology, safety, fleet, assistive technology, and the many improvement projects happening across the agency. Todd says a huge part of the role is solving problems, reducing barriers, and putting good processes in place so things run the way they should.

“Operations may be behind the scenes, but it directly supports our mission. Safe spaces, reliable technology, accessible tools, and strong infrastructure all help staff deliver services and help the people we serve live with greater independence,” Todd noted when asked how operations connects to Fairfield DD’s mission. “When we do our job well, it makes it easier for everyone else to do theirs.”

One of his favorite parts of his job is working through complex challenges and turning them into practical solutions that improve things in the long term.

“I also value helping teams grow, strengthening how departments work together, and building systems that make daily work more consistent and less frustrating for staff.” He shared.

Todd believes success in the operations department is usually invisible to most people. He expressed that if staff can walk into a building, log into their systems, do their work safely, and go home without having to think about operational problems, then that's a good day. Smooth, reliable, and responsible is what they aim for.

When asked if there was anything he’d like people to know about the operations department, Todd had this to add,

“Operations isn’t just about fixing things when they break. It’s about planning ahead, managing resources responsibly, and continuously improving how we work. Most of the effort is focused on preventing problems before they happen and building systems that support people for the long run,” he said. “At the end of the day, my goal is simple: remove obstacles, support our teams, and help build an organization where staff can do their best work serving our community.”

When it comes to navigating benefits and fostering independence, Tyler Cordle is here to help.  

Tyler serves as an Individual Benefits Coordinator at Fairfield DD. His mission? Helping people obtain, maintain, and maximize their benefits while empowering them to take charge of the process.  

Rather than doing everything for the individual, Tyler provides guidance and resources so they can apply for benefits on their own. This approach reflects Fairfield DD’s commitment to promoting independence.  

Every situation is unique, and Tyler understands that life changes often bring questions. Parents may wonder what happens when their child turns 18. Others ask how marriage might affect their benefits. Tyler is there to provide clarity and support through these transitions.  

He also encourages individuals to work—even if they receive benefits. Employment not only adds extra income but also creates opportunities for personal growth and community connections.  

Tyler’s favorite part of his job? Helping people live better, more independent lives. Advocacy and support are at the heart of what he does every day.  

He credits his success to the incredible support from his supervisor, Michelle, and mentor, Darenda Geer. Tyler says the entire Fairfield DD team—from leadership to coworkers—shares the same mission: helping individuals live their best lives.  

Thanks to Tyler and his team, independence isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality for many in our community.