Russell Bonanno joined LIFEDesigns in October 2017. He comes to us from his most recent roles: Director of the Autism Program of Illinois and non-profit consultant. He moved to Bloomington from Springfield, IL. Much of his background includes experience with policy and advocacy. He also has a strong background in marketing and program evaluation. He has been a member of the Illinois Autism Task Force, the Governor’s Health Care Reform Implementation Workgroup on Workforce Development, The Arc of Illinois, and the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics conference committees. He has experience in securing two federal grants to improve libraries accessibility to and services for individuals with autism and their families.

Lori began employment with LIFEDesigns in 2004 when the company was previously called “Options for Better Living”. Her first position was an Accounts Payable Staff Accountant and we are very lucky to have her assume her new role of Chief Financial Officer! Lori is an accomplished and very helpful employee. Her Associates Degree in Accounting from Ivy Tech and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan help her accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. All around, Lori is an individual whom we all love and we are very lucky to have her a part of our team!

Amy has been with LIFEDesigns for a little over 22 years. From 1998 to 2003, Amy has worked as a Medical Coordinator, Team Manager and QMRP at the Winslow and Dunn group homes. Recently, she has been promoted as Director of Human Resources! Amy has always felt that her team was made up of likeminded individuals, who share passion to support those around them, whether it be a client or team member. She has met and worked with many amazing individuals over the years and has had the opportunity to watch the agency and clients grow with achieving milestones along the way. Additionally, Amy’s hopes and wishes for the agency is for it to continue being a leader in the non-profit field by providing excellent care and services to our beloved clients.

Kristen has been with LIFEDesigns since the beginning of 2018. As the Director of Community Relations, Kristen manages the Development, Communications, and Marketing Departments. Kristen also recruits interns and volunteers for the agency and her team facilitates all employee and client events. Kristen is a Bloomington Chamber Ambassador and Faculty Advisor for Kiwanis Aktion Club of LIFEDesigns. She is a member of SCI Kiwanis and The Local Council of Women. Kristen earned her Bachelors Degree at Indiana University with a concentration on Public Health, Sociology, and counseling psychology. Kristen makes it her mission to know the clients personally and often works extra DSP shifts to help cover other employees.

Cindy started working with LIFEDesigns in 1999. She has an MA in Telecommunications and an MS in Counseling Psychology. As Director of Facilities she is responsible for the management and oversight of all LIFEDesigns facilities and is a member of the housing development team. She oversees the physical maintenance and operations of buildings facilities, and building systems. She assists with planning and execution of all facilities construction, renovation and preventative maintenance. Cindy manages leases and budgets related to building and facilities. Cindy has earned the CAPS Designation (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) to assist persons with aging in their homes and the SCS Certification (Site Compliance Specialist). Cindy has completed the Permanent Supportive Housing Institute and received additional training in fair housing, low income housing tax credits, managing RHTC compliance, and creative aging.

Brandi Hamilton is the Director of Community Services and has been with LIFEDesigns since November 2006. She has a B.S in Recreation and Sports Management with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy from Indiana State University. She has over 20 years of experience in the disability field that started at Bradford Woods doing summer and outdoor education and eventually landed her here at LIFEDesigns! Brandi coaches her son’s soccer team and loves to watch her kids play sports. She loves to be around all people and enjoys helping other people find their passion and meet their goals. She has been fortunate to have several mentors in her life and career who pushed her to learn and grow. She also credits her sports coaches who taught her to work hard and not give up.

When humans experience illness in life, it is not uncommon for it to affect many aspects of their lives. It is my passion to provide healing, guidance and coordination of healthcare needs to all whom we serve. The focus on wellness through monitoring, education and guidance to ensure our clients are the “best selves” they can be. I began my nursing career as a new LPN graduate working the midnight shift as a charge nurse in 2001. I returned to school to pursue my RN degree and accomplished this in 2015. Upon graduating and receiving my RN license, I was promoted to the DON of a large ICF/DD facility. I successfully revised and implemented corporate policies, as well as managing medical staff and departmental purchasing and served as the Program Director for the 105 hour Nurse Aide program. In my currently position I hold the title of Health Services Director. Even with the title, I prefer to be patient centered and focus on the Healthcare coordination aspects of the job. Health Care Coordination is an integrated plan which monitors health services that customers receive. HCC services are comprised of a number of strategies, approaches, and methodology. While LifeDesigns’ refers to its program as “Health Care Coordination” the services are designed to meet the needs of the individual.