Sheandar Peterkin

CRi’s vision—that all people have choice, respect, and the resources to live fulfilling lives with dignity and purpose—deeply resonates with Sheandar. She has witnessed what it means to live in a world that doesn’t always make space for everyone and their differences. 

From volunteering in grade school and visiting local nursing facilities to seeing a loved one in a residential home, Sheandar’s early experiences revealed both the beauty and challenges of lives that differ from our own. She realized that not everyone has equal access to resources, connections, or opportunities—an awareness that continues to shape her commitment to quality, person-centered care.

Driven by the belief that quality care should be simple, human, and compassionate, Sheandar has served vulnerable populations in many roles: as a volunteer, direct support professional, and later in utilization of review and management. These experiences gave her a comprehensive understanding of residential and community care standards, enabling her to identify quality care in action and strengthen compliance practices that uphold dignity and respect. 

Eliminating barriers and fostering understanding through data-driven approaches remain central to her work. As Chairperson of the Local Human Rights Committee and a member of the DBHDS Quality Council, she champions compassionate, person-centered care. For Sheandar, Human Services is more than a career—it’s a calling grounded in the belief that understanding sparks change, and that a change in thought inspires change in action.