Jill Svinicki
After nearly 25 years of service to Western Michigan University Center for Disability Services, Jill Svinicki, Coordinator of Community Connections skill building program, will retire effective October 30.
Svinicki joined WMU in May of 1996, bringing 18 years of experience in the disability field. She was hired by Carol Sundberg and served as coordinator for CDS and had an integral role in developing CDS programs and services over the past 20+ years.
Jill has contributed many years to the nurturing and care of persons served at the Center for Disability Services. CDS has benefited so much from her leadership and positive energy over these last two decades.
“I'm sure you will agree that words cannot express the appreciation we all feel for her dedication to service,” said CDS Director Carol Sundberg. “We will certainly miss her quick wit, her ability to manage during chaotic times, and her "can do" attitude that saw our organization through so many challenges. Jill's passion for the people we serve at CDS always was visible and set the benchmark for others. Jill was known to describe herself as the "boots on the ground", and I can tell you that these boots are really, large boots to fill.”
Svinicki’s career began in 1978 while in college at WMU. She took a volunteer job leading two middle school Girl Scout troops, one with girls with intellectual disabilities and one with severe emotional disabilities. Prior to coming to WMU, she worked with MRC and Community Advocates.
“The best part of my career was working with great people who happen to have disabilities,” says Svinicki. “I think we [CDS] changed along with progression of services for people with disabilities. But the biggest change was strengthening the connection with WMU and CHHS. The wealth of resources at WMU made so many activities and events possible for our consumers, students and staff.”