Changes to DDRS staff

To: Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services participants, providers, families and stakeholders 

From: Kylee Hope, Director, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Date: March 24, 2016 

Re: Staff announcement 

I am very excited to announce Theresa Koleszar as the new director of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS). Theresa started her career with BRS as a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor in the Indianapolis area in 2004 and has most recently served as the associate director of BRS. She has developed expertise across several programmatic and administrative aspects of BRS, and is considered by both internal staff and external stakeholders to be a key resource and a subject matter expert in Vocational Rehabilitation. Theresa has been instrumental in developing and implementing several BRS initiatives and programs over the last several years, including Project SEARCH, the Benefits Information Network and the recent Employment Service revisions, to name a few. Theresa obtained her master’s degree in Rehabilitation from the University of Illinois and has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor since 2002. 

I also have the pleasure to announce Dawn Downer as the new director of First Steps. Dawn brings to her new position enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Dawn has worked directly with First steps for over 18 years. After getting her degree from Purdue University, Dawn spent several years in northern California working with adolescents in residential placements, which she states is where she found her true passion for working with kids and families. Upon returning to Indiana, she worked with a home visiting program that assisted the Department of Child Services in family reunification. Dawn’s keen interest in data, research and relationship based learning will be valuable assets to the division in her new role. 

Lastly, I would like to give a huge thank you to Anne Davis, who provided leadership to both the Bureau of Quality Improvement Services (BQIS) and First Steps during a time of transition. Anne will continue in her role as the Director of BQIS. The BRS and First Steps leadership transition is effective on March 28, 2016.