2380/2390/CPS Services Committee

Heidi McKenrick is the Director of IDS Day Services at Barber National Institute (BNI). She has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Penn State and a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst University. Heidi began employment in the ID field in 1994 and worked a variety of positions including Employment Specialist, Employment Specialist Team Leader, Program Specialist Chapter 2380, Program Supervisor Unlicensed CPS, Associate Director CPS, and Director all day services. In addition to the regular responsibilities of those positions, Heidi developed the first unlicensed, community-based day program at BNI, assisted in the development of the first BNI 2380 program in Pittsburgh, led the opening of two of the eight BNI 2380 day programs in Erie, guided the affiliation and assimilation of a Warren 2380/2390 program to BNI, was part of the team that directed major improvement renovations in two large 2380 facilities, led the conversion of 2390 day programs to 2380, was a Super User for launching the CareLogic electronic record keeping system, managed 2380 programs through the COVID pandemic closure, reopening, and rebuilding including the development of remote CPS services during program closure. She also volunteered as Kiwanis Aktion Club advisor for 25 years, coordinated the Erie Arts and Culture “Artist in Residence” pilot program, facilitated practicums for Gannon University physical therapy students, coordinated the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine “Bridging the Gaps” program for doctoral student internships, is ODP Quality Management certified, and is a member of the PAR 2380/2390/CPS and RCPA IDD committees. The current programs under Heidi’s directorship include: 8 licensed CPS (6 dually licensed as Chapter 11 Older Adult Daily Living Centers), 3 unlicensed CPS, 1 In Home and Community Support, 2 Small Group Employment, 2 Supported Employment, and 6 Transportation-Trip.

Laura Silsby is currently the Division Director of Community Participation Supports at SPIN located in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. Laura graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation and Human services and holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Special Education from Arcadia University. Laura began her career at SPIN 14 years ago as an Employment Specialist before moving into management positions in Employment and Community Participation Supports. Laura leads a team to support people with intellectual, developmental and autism spectrum disabilities to increase independence, enhance skills, improve quality of life, explore employment opportunities and become meaningful members of their communities. Laura has presented her expertise numerous times at different conferences, including PAR on topics such as Employment, Community Participation Supports, Implementing virtual services and Health and Sexuality for individuals with disabilities. Laura was also a provider team member in the development and implementation of the ODP Training for Direct Support Professionals for Community Participation Supports.