‘Golden’ Opportunities for Minnesota: 5 Questions with Heather Golden, Director of Acute Behavioral Services

1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so?

When I started working in the group home in St. Cloud, I worked with four children and quickly found that helping them become more independent and grow up even in a setting like a group home was very rewarding. I was only 20 at the time and had to take on a role of staff, parent and friend. It was quickly evident to me that these kids needed people who would show up for them every day and who would create strong relationships with them that they didn’t get in a traditional way. If it wasn’t for us staff who genuinely cared about them who knows what their childhood would have been like. I have had the opportunity in my career to work in so many different service models and see how they all play a part in helping our people served grow, gain self esteem and feel like they matter. That’s what keeps me coming back every day, how we can make their lives better.

2. What do you most value in a friend or a co-worker?

In a friend, I value someone who is honest. I want to be real and myself and always want my friends to be the same. In a co-worker, I value determination. I want a co-worker who sees a problem and wants to find a solution, someone who steps up and puts themselves out there for the greater good of the individuals we support.

3. What would you most like to see happen in your state to better serve people with disabilities?

More mental health resources. This includes therapists, crisis intervention options, trauma informed care resources, psychiatrists, housing assistance for individuals who struggle due to their mental health, etc.

4. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My boys. I have two sons, Brady (12) and Blake (10). I work really hard to make sure they have amazing experiences in their lives but that they still understand how very lucky they are. I have had a variety of moments when it has been evident that they have grasped what I have tried to teach. One example was Brady as a 5th grader had volunteered to help the special education classes at his school during gym. Brady created a strong relationship with one of the kiddos in that gym class and was really proud to be able to pull him in his wagon through the 5th grade graduation line on the last day of school. Blake was volunteering one day with me at the local food pantry and as we were leaving, he turned to me and said, “Mom, you are really good at talking to everyone and making them feel special.” That he walked away with that impression versus complaining about having to spend his evening volunteering made me feel like I was making him see some of the important things.

5. What do you most value about the Dungarvin team with whom you work?

The dedication. Everyone who works at Dungarvin shows up every day determined to help the people we support. This starts with our direct care staff and goes all the up to directors and Positive Support team I supervise. In Acute services we work with people who might be at their lowest and struggle every day. The dedication to trying to find solutions and to pivot on a dime to address new challenges is mind boggling. I have seen groups pull together to rack their brains to figure out how to help someone who is struggling and seen some amazing success stories from those brainstorming sessions. This is a very hard job for everyone, and it takes away from other parts of your life, you don’t get to punch a clock and go home at night. The teams that I work with care so much and impress me every day with their dedication!