Having a deep-rooted passion for their careers is something that Woodhaven Learning Center CEO Dr. Joy Sweeney, Director of Clinical Behavioral Support Services Andrea Anderson and Assistant Director of Clinical Behavioral Support Services Teresa Schmitter all share. “Helping others and serving my community has been a lifelong passion of mine,” Sweeney says. “I’ve always been drawn to helping others,” Anderson adds. Schmitter always knew what her ideal job would be. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher,” she says.
Now, all three women get to live out their dreams, helping to teach, care for and bring a sense of belonging to community members of all abilities. “The importance of opening doors, fostering independence and honoring every individual’s unique strength is the value that I bring to leadership and my role in Woodhaven and our community,” Sweeney says.
Being a “Woman to Watch” is not only an honor for these women, but a reminder of all the positive impacts they have made in the community. “It means I have the opportunity to represent what’s possible, especially in a field where compassion, innovation and resilience are essential,” Anderson says. “It inspires me to keep pushing forward, not only for myself, but for others coming up behind me.”
Sweeney echoes that sentiment, adding, “It means that the work we do is not only seen but valued. More importantly, it means that the voices of those we serve are gaining visibility ,too. Building on that idea of visibility and impact, Schmitter says, “Being a ‘Woman to Watch’ means uplifting others, celebrating every success, and showing that compassionate, creative, team-based support can empower individuals and transform communities.”
They say the future is bright for other women looking to follow in their footsteps to better the community. “I see more women stepping into leadership roles, shaping inclusive policies and driving meaningful change,” Sweeney says. “I believe we’ll continue to see women leading innovation in service delivery, advocacy and policy,” Anderson emphasizes.
The Woodhaven team goes above and beyond everyday to not only serve the community but make sure every single person, regardless of ability, feels seen, valued and connected. “Through partnerships, advocacy and everyday interactions, we are helping to build a more inclusive society where everyone has a place and a purpose,” Sweeney says. “It’s deeply rewarding to support individuals as they learn to communicate a choice for the first time, complete at ask independently with a big smile on their face, make a new friend or use a coping strategy,” Schmitter says. Woodhaven believes everyone deserves to live with dignity and independence in a home anyone would be proud to call their own, and thanks to women like Sweeney, Anderson and Schmitter, this has become a reality for so many in the Columbia community.
Woodhaven Learning Center
1405 Hathman Place
573-875-6181
woodhaventeam.org
