Todd Clarkson has been serving the Far Northern Regional Center for the past 22 years. Over the course of his service he has worked as a Service Coordinator, Supervisor and the Associate Director of Community Services.
Todd joined Far Northern Regional Center fresh out of college. “I was pretty young.” Todd said, “I had the benefit of working with incredible staff. One of the hallmarks here at the Far Northern Regional Center is leaning upon the experience and knowledge base of your fellow co-workers and supervisors.” Todd shared 4 individuals he considered mentors who showed him a better way to serve and support the individuals under his care: Todd’s first supervisor, Ronnie Moss; Wayne Doerning, current Associate Director of Client Services; Dave Burrell and Diana Anderson.
Throughout Todd’s different assignments at Far Northern Regional Center he has had the opportunity to do many different things. At one point Todd was traveling up and down the entire state of CA. Todd shared, “I enjoyed being able to be out representing the Regional Center. I also enjoyed helping individuals who couldn’t live in our area for a particular reason, but were hoping to move back to our area, transition back to the Far Northern Regional Center.”
One of the most notable things Todd did in his career was helping people move out of institutions. “I had great experiences helping our individuals transition out of the institutional settings and I’m proud of that.” Todd continued, “It was challenging work at times, but very rewarding as well. You got to see individuals move to new places that they probably didn’t ever imagine they would.” Todd concluded, “It was nice to see them be able to be back in one of our communities. As soon as they got to experience their own home or a caring place they began to feel more accepted and more valued.” Looking back at his work Todd observed, “I truly got to be a part of a number of individuals’ successes and able to see lives changed for the better.” Todd continued, “I have enjoyed being able to make a difference with the individuals who I worked with directly or indirectly.”
Todd is embarking on a new chapter in his life and will be working for one of our partner agencies in the Redding community. Speaking of the next place he will be working for Todd shared, “I’m helping to support their operations and their staff and looking forward to doing something different and new.” Todd’s patient, compassionate, honest and humble nature will serve him well in his new position, as they did at the Regional Center.
Todd’s parting counsel to the next director of Community Services is, “rely upon your employees and approach things with teamwork. Make decisions, stand by your decisions and don’t be afraid to make changes.” Todd concluded, “Be humble and gracious. It’s ok to be honest about what we don’t know. It’s ok to not have every answer and it’s ok to let people know and be sincere about your intentions to help solve problems.”
To all the amazing employees Todd has worked with over the years, “we have wonderful people at the Regional Center and I will miss all the interactions I have with our employees in all of our offices. From Chico all the way up past Yreka and over into Lassen County and all the places that we touch within our nine counties.”
Thank you for your service, Todd; you will be missed.