5 questions with…Cheryl Wolf-Miller

Today we are excited to give you a glimpse of HR Director Cheryl Wolf-Miller and the person she is! Her first job in this field of work was recruiting for an Education Service District in Oregon that specialized in providing services for both medically fragile children as well as self-contained schools for high behavior needs. Since then, Cheryl has been with our Dungarvin Washington Supported Living team since 2015. Get to know Cheryl and why this work matters to her through 5 questions with…Cheryl Wolf-Miller:

1. Why do you have a passion for this work – how so – please briefly explain.

I am passionate about underserved populations. The heart that goes into the work being done at Dungarvin is inspiring, and as I am a “support” role to the employees doing this great work, I am consistently humbled by the amazing people we employ to support these individuals, both in their homes as well as through supported employment and housing initiatives!

2. What is your most treasured possession?

My farm! We live in the middle of a large city (Tacoma), but are lucky enough to keep goats, chickens, and ducks, and they keep me sane even on the craziest of days! After a long day, I am able to de-stress and hang out with animals – one of my passions!

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

Recognition for the work that has been done, and where we need to go. Our field often goes without recognition, and I hope that changes for our employees. They play an integral part in helping the vulnerable populations in Washington.

4. Who are your heroes in life and why?

My heroes are the people who have dedicated their lives to bettering others – our employees. Working in HR, I am fortunate to have a full perspective of what it is like to work in this field. I am consistently humbled by the perseverance and dedication the majority of our employees display. We have employees that will literally put their personal lives on the sidelines to support our persons served every day. Our employees band together to solve problems and celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. Even to be a small part of the large Dungarvin puzzle is inspiring and I would say our employees continue to surprise me – since the day I started working with these individuals –with their dedication to the mission of transforming lives. They are my biggest heroes.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I consider my greatest achievement to be a part of a relay (3.8 miles) during the Portland Bridge Swim in July 2023 (11 miles total). As a swimmer, I recently got back into the sport and joined a Master’s team in September 2022. I signed up for an open water swim in January without really understanding the nuances between swimming in a pool and swimming in “open water” – after beginning training in April 2023 (frigid lake water! 60 degrees!), I was shocked at the difference. I continued training and tried to figure out ways to get out of the relay, but I ended up “sucking it up” and swam the first leg. The current changed that morning and it was the most difficult ~3 hours of my life! Nevertheless, I finished, and I am so proud of that.

In terms of my greatest achievement at work, I would definitely say overcoming the perception of HR prior to arriving in the Tacoma location. It was perceived that HR was not supportive or collaborative, and I have worked very hard since 2019 to change that. I feel confident in the steps I have taken to ensure all employees know that HR is a safe space where they can share things and we can support them. My team, and myself, embody this in our day-to-day interactions with employees and leaders alike.