Meet Mary Clare.  She’s a life- long Wisconsinite, from the south-eastern part of the state.  She has worked as an advocate for individuals with disabilities for most of her career.  She has seen self-determination grow for people in our state over the years and looks for this trend to continue upward.  We’re so fortunate to have her as a member of the Network! 

What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Mary Clare loves telling stories but struggles when asked to talk about herself. She has lived in Wisconsin her whole life. She grew up in rural Kenosha County, moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University and then made Milwaukee her home ever since. She has worked in disability advocacy, person-centered planning and grassroots community building for most of her adult working career. She feels blessed to have had many amazing teachers along the way like John and Connie O’Brien, Beth Mount, Pat Beeman, Herb Lovett, and Cindy Bentley to name just a few. She also loves connecting people, resources and ideas.  She has been doing this work around Wisconsin for a very long time. She loves what she does and still finds that she is learning something new everyday along the way.

In the spirit of self-determination, she is going to share something with you and all the readers that she has not shared widely before, She says. “I am a person who has struggled with mental health for much of my adult life. Self-Determination then is not only something that I feel passionately about in my work, it’s something I need to own personally.” 

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Mary Clare believes that self-determination needs to be at the heart of everything we do in long term care in Wisconsin. She feels that being involved in the Self-Determination Network is a great way to stay ‘heart-centered’. She has been involved with People First Wisconsin since it’s founding in 1999, first as a staff person and now as an ally. In her current position at My Choice Family Care Wisconsin, which is an MCO, she works to connect their members with opportunities and resources to help them explore self-determination. 

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Mary Clare explains that there is lots to be excited about when it comes to self-determination in Wisconsin.  She just mentions three ideas for our readers here:

1. Mary Clare explains, “The recent development of the Self-Determination Channel on YouTube is her first bit of exciting news.”  She loves it and is a big fan!
2. Secondly she loves watching established self-advocacy leaders like Cindy Bentley mentoring and passing the leadership baton to younger leaders like Ashley Mathy.
3. Finally, she sees self-determination moving ever closer to becoming the ‘default setting’ of everything people are trying to do in Wisconsin.   She feels that we are starting to see people with disabilities no only be welcomed to the planning table, but often taking their rightful place at the head of the table.  

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to more self-determined?

Mary Clare shares that, “Everyone has gifts. Everyone has something to contribute and offer. Everyone has things they care about deeply that motivate them to act.” She wants you to discover what your unique gifts are. She indicates that if you are not sure where to start, ask some one you trust to help you with your discovery process. Be bold and put those gifts into action! It will not only help you to live a more self-determined life, it will help build community and encourage others to live a more self-determined life as well. 

What are some of your hobbies?

Mary Clare loves exploring art of all kinds but is especially passionate about her digital photography.  She enjoys walking and hiking. She also loves thrift shopping and up-cycling. She explains that up-cycling is the art of creative reuse where you transform old, discarded and unwanted items into something new, useful, and beautiful.

***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.