Text Box: DSPs In The Spotlight: Hallie McKissick Foster, Central State ICF/MR Text Box:     We are very pleased to welcome the Central State ICF/MR located in the Bingham building. In honor of becoming the 11th agency to join SPEAK, we are spotlighting Hallie McKissick Foster.  I hope you will introduce yourself to one another as you meet at the upcoming trainings and conversational lunches. SPEAK is all about recognizing that there is a broader group of people that support people with disabilities outside of your immediate agencies.  Each of you can be a viable support to one another. Take the time and get to know each other.  What is your full name? My name is Hallie McKissick Foster Where did you live when you were born? I was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Where did you attend high school? I went to Shawnee High School How old were you when you got married? I got married when I was 19, which ended, and then again when I was 48 years of age. If you have children, how many children do you have? I have three children: two sons and 1 daughter and 3 granddaughters. What was your first job? My first job was at Park-Duvall Health Center. What are your interests, hobbies and/ or activities that you participate in when you are not working? Dancing, cooking and time with my granddaughters. How long have you worked at the ICF-MR at Central State? I have worked at Central State for 9 1/2 years.   Text Box: Why did you become a DSP? A friend of mine thought I would be good with adults. What do you like about the work that you do? I like to teach skills and when you see the growth of what you do, then you know you did it well.  I also like the clients’ smiles and hugs! What is your philosophy toward the work you do? I feel that I am sunshine to the client and they are sunshine to me and we just shine as one. What motivates you to do your best on the job? The fact that I am helping others and care for them and often we learn together as we go. Plus the smiles from the clients make a difference in my life. What are your greatest strengths? I am calm, caring, and I like people. What is your life message? Always be kind to others and smile. Let’s take money out of the equation and say that you don’t need for anything. What would you focus on doing if you could do whatever you wanted in this world, as it exists now? I would travel with my husband and enjoy life. Treat the kids and grandkids with love and laughter everyday. What do you want to contribute to others? To respect each person and treat him or her as you wish to be treated. How have you handled challenges in your life? Sometimes not so good, but I did the best that I could.