5 questions with Sylvia Vandroff, Kentucky Area Director

1. How long have you worked at Dungarvin; in the IDD industry?

I started my first job in this field on May 1, 2000, with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, serving the Marion/Dillon area. I remember the interview like it was yesterday. The Executive Director told me, “You don’t have any experience in this field.” I replied, “You’re right—I don’t. But I want to work in this field, I’m eager to learn, and if you give me a chance, you’ll never regret it.” That was the start of my journey.

My first role was as a CTH II Coordinator, where I supervised five group homes and two House Managers. About two and a half years later, I stepped in as an Interim Residential Administrator. After relocating to Charlotte, I transferred to Chester-Lancaster Disabilities and Special Needs, where I worked as a Service Coordinator (similar to a Case Manager).

In March 2022, I joined Dungarvin as the Area Manager for Louisville. At that time, we served 21 participants. Three years later, I was promoted to Area Director for both the Louisville and Bowling Green regions.

2. Why do you have a passion for this work?

I’ve spent my whole life helping people in some capacity. With this field in particular, I didn’t know at first how much I would grow to love it. When I started, I had no prior experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities, so I had to learn everything: how to communicate with those who were nonverbal, how to de-escalate when participants became aggressive, and most importantly, how to truly understand their needs.

This field has captured my heart, and I’ve never looked back. Thinking about the people we serve makes me smile—it’s more than a job, it’s a calling.

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

Authenticity and teamwork. I love working with genuine people who bring their whole selves to the table and are committed to a shared purpose. When we can collaborate with heart and honesty, great things happen. I thrive around real people—#synergy

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

I often ask people who work in this field: Would you want your loved one to live here? That’s where we have to start.

I want the individuals we support to thrive, not just survive. I want to see them travel, explore, and experience life beyond what many think is possible. They should be going to Vegas, taking cruises, getting passports—doing things that others might assume are out of reach.

We go to work, go on vacations, chase dreams—those we support want to live life to the fullest too. We must open our hearts and minds to what’s possible and help create those opportunities.

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

I love Dungarvin and the incredible team I work with. They are genuinely good people. I can’t think of a better place to be!

Everyone on my team does this work not just with their minds—but with their hearts. It’s more than a job to them, and you can feel it in how they show up for our participants.

That level of commitment, care, and integrity is priceless. I’m proud to be a part of a team that truly gets it—and lives it. #TeamUS