We Are Ready.

Certified in multiple Person Centered Planning modalities since 2008.

Hundreds of Strategic, Person-Centered Plans facilitated in the Denver Metro Area

Both Lori and Ruth both have sons with special needs, which first introduced them to the process of Person Centered Planning. Lori and Ruth felt an immediate bond with one another and having sons born within 1 day of one another, only cemented their friendship and desire to spend time together.  Very quickly, they knew that one of their dreams was to work together and bring Person-Centered Planning to as many people as possible within their community of the Denver metro area.  

Ruth and Lori have used the PATH process in their own lives, in the lives of their sons, as well as to assist organizations and individuals, of all ages and abilities, with and without labels, plan for a better tomorrow. Ruth and Lori are strong  proponents of Person Centered Planning, having experienced, first-hand,  the unsuccessful use of other philosophies in their sons' lives.  Both have also been witnesss to the benefits of using the supportive and strength-based process of Person-Centered Planning to accomplish more meaning and fulfillment in their other’s lives.  From the very beginning, Lori and Ruth have seen the PATH Planning process encourage and open the doors to new PossAbilities for others, inspiring them to pursue a better tomorrow.  

Ruth Newell, RN, BSN

Ruth is a dynamic and strategic facilitator and graphic, as well as trained in person-centered thinking.  Ruth is passionate about helping young adults who have intellectual or developmentally disabilities develop further their skills, as well as plan for and identify and fulfill their dreams for their future.  Her professional experience includes working as a surgical/laser nurse, Clinical Laser Application Specialist, and Director of a Minimally Invasive Surgery Center before having her son.   Ruth is a certified PATH Plan Facilitator for students & adults with intellectual disabilities.

Through the birth of Rick, her very dynamic and convivial son, Ruth became an active supporter and volunteer of organizations that support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She served for many years on the Board of Directors for Magic Moments non-profit theater group and was a founding member of In! (Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Education) and IHECP (Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program). Ruth and Rick were instrumental in the start of Best Buddies at ThunderRidge Highschool, and Ruth served on the Boy Scouts of America Denver Area Council Special Needs District Commission.  Ruth ensures that Rick continues to benefit from person-centered planning through his continued career as a college student at Metro State University-Denver, study abroad in Europe, involvement in the Men's Choir at MSU and successful employment as an usher at the Temple Buell Theater in downtown Denver. Rick’s dream to work in the hospitality industry is quickly becoming a reality!

Ruth’s background is surgical nursing. She maintains her license as an RN (Registered Nurse) in Colorado. She left her primary field to dedicate herself to her son, pursuing appropriate therapies and engaging numerous therapists, surviving his difficult middle school experience, and continuing to support him through a much better high school experience, as well as his interests in the performing arts and achievements in Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout and Brotherhood/Order of the Arrow). Ruth now actively supports Rick as the first student with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to attend Metro State University as he pursues two accredited certificates through the Hospitality Department.

Formal Education:  Bachelor of Science Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Colorado State Licensure: RN

Personal / Hobbies: In addition to her best job ever as “Rick Newell’s Mom,” Ruth enjoys family, friends, theatre productions, live music, travel, gardening, cooking/baking, swimming, hot springs, avoiding house keeping, reading, and enjoying our beautiful state of Colorado!

Over 40 years Combined Experience helping Individuals and Organizations Navigate Educational, Health Care and Community Systems  

Lori A Parker, LCSW, MSSW, BA Psychology and Social Work

Lori is a caring and compassionate facilitator and graphic recorder, trained in person-centered thinking.  Lori is passionate about supporting families and their children and youth, of all abilities, so that they might fulfill their potential despite difficult circumstances.  Her professional experience lies in the provision of mental health treatment services and special education advocacy for families with children with emotional, behavior, intellectual or developmental difficulties.   

Lori is also the proud mother of three charming young men, Andersen, Graysen and Harrisen.  Through the birth of her first son, Andersen, with severe and profound disabilities, Lori become connected to the disability community, serving on the Parent Advisory Board of Parent to Parent (since 2008) and actively involving herself in community advocacy.  Lori received the UCP Advocate of the Year Award in 2014. Though Andersen passed in 2016, Lori appreciates, every day, the life lessons learned from his beautiful, loving spirit (A-man; 1996-2016) and holds him and her remaining family members close to her heart. 

Lori’s background is in social work, providing direct services to families, as well as training in the fields of child welfare, juvenile justice and child and family therapy.  She has trained extensively in the areas of family dynamics, child development, risk and safety assessment, separation, adoption, grief and loss, special education, and community resources for families with children with special needs.  Lori trained worsk with the University of Denver, which allowed her to be at home to manage the extensive care and case management requirements of her beloved, developmentally and medically involved son, Andersen (A-Man), as well as raise her two other amazing sons. Lori maintains her license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado and provides psychotherapy services.  

Formal Education: BA in Social Work and Psychology, University of Wyoming, 1988; Masters in Social Work, University of Texas, 1992; Co Licensed Social Worker, 1995

Personal / Hobbies:  “Mom of 3, A-man with CP”.  Lori enjoys time with family and friends, supporting her boys' activities, enjoying live music, the beach, cooking for loved ones, Zumba, playing guitar, visiting Vail and farmer's markets with hubbie and hiking and biking on the beautiful Colorado trails.