Our professional staff include LPNs, RNs, CNAs, and DSPs, as well as Program Assistants to assist in daily activity programming. All staff who work at Star Care receive specialized training and education in Developmental Disabilities, Behavior Management and Active Treatment. This allows our staff to help each individual reach their highest potential. We also have in house Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists to help achieve any possible rehabilitation or habilitation goals.
Each individual need is assessed and planned for through an Individual Program Plan, which is completed by experienced professionals with specialized training in the service of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Starla LaFollette, QIDP/LNHA, Director of Residential Services
My interest in working with individuals with developmental disabilities began when I volunteered as an assistant for a program called HART (Horses Are Recreational Therapy) in Farmington, IL. This program provided horseback riding therapy to individuals with multiple disabilities, and volunteering there was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. When I started college, I decided to further my experience and education in this area and earned a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Western Illinois University.
I began my career at Renaissance Care Center in August of 2002, eventually moving into the Director position. I have loved working with the staff and residents of Star Care all these years and can’t imagine not being a part of this fantastic team. I am so proud of the work we do and the care we provide to these amazing individuals. They have taught me so much, and I look forward to continuing to serve them in the years to come.
Kate Smith, RN/QIDP, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professiona
My name is Kate Smith, RN, QIDP I have worked at Renaissance Care Center for almost 7 years in September 2020. I graduated from Graham Hospital School of Nursing in the Spring of 2014 and quickly realized that pediatric nursing was my specialty in nursing.
What is a QIDP? Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional.
Why do I love my job? “I really do enjoy my job because everyday is different, which helps bring excitement to each day. I love helping others, along with interacting with all the residents and the staff. I love meeting new people. In the evenings when I return home after work, I know I may not have changed the world today, but it gives me great pleasure knowing that I may have made someone’s day a little brighter.”
Steve Widger, RN/DON, Director of Nursing
Steve has been a valued member of our team for over eight years. Steve became a nurse because he had a very close family member that had a terminal illness. Steve shares his inspirational story, “I accompanied her to medical appointments, treatments, etc. During one of these appointments, it occurred to me that the front-line staff and nurses could literally make or break the patients spiritual/emotional wellbeing during treatment. Positive uplifting staff made her treatment time tolerable and kept her spirits up. It was at that point I decided I wanted to be that person, someone who had the ability to help the sick with a strong sense of compassion.” Steve selected Carl Sandburg College School of Nursing in Galesburg, Il. because they had an evening program that allowed Steve to work during the day as a Certified Nurses Aid at Star Care and take classes in the evening.
“Steve is a very compassionate nurse and his priority is always patient care. Patient care extends to families as well, ensuring they are comfortable leaving their child with us, knowing they are being taken care of by loving, competent staff. We are very blessed to have Steve lead our Clinical Team at Star Care,” shared Starla LaFollette, Director of Residential Services.
