CRi’s Sheandar Peterkin Joins the Prince William Human Rights Committee

Spotlight on Advocacy

At CRi, advocacy is the heartbeat of our mission, driving us to champion the rights and well-being of individuals with mental health needs and disabilities. We are thrilled to share that one of CRi’s finest, Sheandar Peterkin, Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance, has recently been appointed to the Prince William Human Rights Committee in Prince William County, Virginia. This exciting development not only highlights Sheandar’s remarkable contributions but also signifies a pivotal moment in our ongoing dedication to protecting human rights.

The Prince William Human Rights Committee is a vital force dedicated to upholding human rights and fostering a place where everyone can live with dignity and respect. The committee's mission encompasses addressing critical issues such as housing and employment discrimination ensuring access to essential services. By serving as guardians of fairness and equality, the committee plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive and just community for all.

For Sheandar, this appointment is both a personal and professional milestone. She views this opportunity as a structured space for advocacy, where she can leverage her passion for human rights to create meaningful change on a broader scale. This new role perfectly aligns with her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations and underscores her promise of advocating for those who need it most.

A Passion Rooted in Personal Experience

Sheandar’s dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health needs has deep roots in her personal experiences. During her childhood, visits to a family member in a residential facility exposed her to the challenges faced by those who could not communicate verbally. This early exposure instilled in her a profound empathy and a lifelong vow to advocacy, shaping her professional journey and fueling her passion for supporting vulnerable populations.

Her journey with CRi has been marked by significant growth and transformation. Initially focusing on investigations and regulatory compliance, Sheandar’s role has evolved to encompass project management for clinical projects. Reflecting on this evolution, Sheandar notes, “My department is growing, which demonstrates the organization’s commitment to growth and innovation.” This progression highlights her adaptability and leadership, preparing her well for her new role on the Human Rights Committee.

Sheandar’s appointment is a natural extension of her work at CRi. As Director of Quality Improvement and Compliance, she ensures that CRi’s services meet the highest standards while advocating for those in need. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by the individuals we support, combined with her experience and expertise in quality improvement, positions her uniquely to drive impactful change.

Enhancing Advocacy Through Collaboration

As Sheandar embarks on this new role, she is both excited and mindful of the road ahead. She looks forward to networking with like-minded professionals and community partners, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance her advocacy efforts. At the same time, she anticipates challenges, particularly in addressing systemic issues within the citation process. She plans to advocate for a more thorough review of substantiated allegations to ensure accountability and improve the quality of care.

Her role on the committee will complement her work at CRi, broadening her advocacy network and enhancing her impact. “By enhancing my advocacy reach through networking,” Sheandar explains, “I can drive meaningful change and support those who need it most.” This synergy between her roles exemplifies how collaboration can amplify our efforts and support our mission.

Frankly, we think this is awesome.

Among Sheandar’s proudest achievements at CRi is her proactive approach to challenging external reviewers and auditors to ensure accurate evaluations of our work. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her impact further by joining the Virginia State Human Rights Committee and is excited about the opening of Mental Health Group Homes in Richmond, aligning with her dedication to reducing recidivism and fostering independence.

Balancing her professional and personal life is important to Sheandar, who manages her time effectively and enjoys swimming and hot yoga to recharge. Quality time with family and friends also helps her maintain equilibrium between work and personal life.

Sheandar’s message to CRi’s staff and partners is a powerful reminder that advocacy extends beyond specific roles. “If you witness something that makes you uncomfortable, speak out,” she urges. “Be the change and speak up for those who otherwise are unable or may have challenges doing so.” This call to action emphasizes our collective responsibility to advocate for human rights and support individuals with disabilities and mental health needs.

As we celebrate Sheandar’s appointment to the Prince William Human Rights Committee, we look forward to the future with excitement. Her vibrant energy, compassionate spirit, and firm dedication promise to drive significant positive change in our community. We are tremendously proud to have Sheandar represent CRi in a larger scale and we look forward to what all her new efforts will bring.

To learn more about CRi’s advocacy efforts in the Greater Washington DC and Richmond, Virginia communities, visit mycri.org/advocacy. Together, we are building a more inclusive, compassionate, and just community for all.