About the Contributor: Bridget Siljander

Bridget Siljander is the coordinator of the DCA's Voices Institute. A graduate of the Voices Institute National Leadership Program’s first class, she provided care and support to elders and people with disabilities for 12 years. She has worked in hospitals, group homes, and nursing homes, but most of her work has been in home care, including nine years as the primary aide for one home care client. In addition, she chairs the Direct Support Professional Association of Minnesota, writes curriculum for the National College of Direct Support, and is a member of the Alliance for Full Participation. She also serves on the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals board of directors’ Advocacy and Legislation Committee. Before becoming coordinator of the Voices Institute, Bridget was one of the DCA’s direct care worker specialists. She holds a degree in psychology with summa cum laude honors and distinction from the University of Minnesota.

Recent Contributions

• A Call to Direct Care Leaders: Let’s bring our best selves to the cause (March 5th, 2010)
• Voices Institute Welcomes Another Remarkable Class (September 10th, 2009)
• Introducing Voices Institute Trainer and DCW Brenda Nachtway (September 8th, 2009)
• Direct Care Worker Leaders Find Home in the 2009 Voices Institute Leadership Program (June 24th, 2009)
• DCW Helps Fight Proposed Cuts to Critical Disability and Aging Services in Minnesota (May 11th, 2009)
• Voices Institute National Leadership Program Extends Deadline (April 30th, 2009)
• Help Us Change the World: Apply to the DCA’s Voices Institute (March 31st, 2009)
• Let Me Show You Even More : My Month as a Rallying, Testifying Direct Care Worker Advocate (March 10th, 2009)
• If I Can Do It, So Can You! (February 13th, 2009)
• Women Coming Together (January 7th, 2009)