Author: Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

Turning Awareness into Action: Mental Health Cooperative’s Commitment to Compassionate Care

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Two women sit together on a couch. One looks distressed, resting her head on her hand, while the other offers comfort by touching her shoulder. The Mental Health Cooperative logo is visible in the bottom right corner.

When it comes to mental health, awareness is essential, but action is transformational. The Mental Health Cooperative (MHC) of Tennessee is living proof that when we meet people with compassion and provide real solutions, we don’t just raise awareness; we change lives. MHC stands apart as a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral… Read more Turning Awareness into Action: Mental Health Cooperative’s Commitment to Compassionate Care

Spotlight – May 2025

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A magazine cover features a large compass illustration. The title reads SPOTLIGHT, with the subtitle TDMHSAS Leading the Charge in Community Mental Health & Recovery. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services logo is displayed.

Spotlight on TDMHSAS: Leading the Charge in Community Mental Health and Recovery Across the state, more people are speaking up about their mental health and substance use needs, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is helping meet that need with strong leadership, creative solutions, and a people-first approach. TDMHSAS works through… Read more Spotlight – May 2025

Community Support: A New Name, Same Great Team

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A promotional graphic from Tennessee Disability Pathfinder announcing a team name update. Two women, Andrea Castillo and Jennifer Padron, are pictured with text that reads, "Same Team. New Name. We Updated Our Name! Community Support." Each woman is identified as a Community Support Coordinator.

We’ve made a small change at Pathfinder. Our team that provides language access and community connection is now called Community Support. While the name is new, our mission is unchanged: to help individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds and languages navigate disability resources. Our team continues to offer case management assistance and educational training… Read more Community Support: A New Name, Same Great Team

Neurodivergence in Focus: Discover Resources that Empower Unique Strengths

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A colorful digital illustration featuring a person with medium skin tone and curly hair sitting at a desk, using a laptop. The Pathfinder branded graphic appears on the cover of the laptop. The background includes vibrant, swirling patterns that symbolize energy, focus, and the uniqueness of neurodivergent experiences. The headline of the article is on the top of the image in all caps, "Neurodivergence in Focus: Discover Resources That Empower Unique Strengths."

Every person processes the world in their own way, thinking, learning, communicating, and interacting through a lens that is uniquely theirs. When we take time to understand and embrace these differences in how brains work, we can begin to unlock the strengths that might otherwise go unrecognized. At Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we believe every individual… Read more Neurodivergence in Focus: Discover Resources that Empower Unique Strengths

Spotlight – April 2025: TRIAD

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Spotlight image with the webpage from TRIAD on the right of the image with a mulitculor blue and white ribbon in the center of the image.

TRIAD: Building Stronger Communities Through Autism Support As a valued partner, TRIAD (Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders) at Vanderbilt University plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. With an extensive array of programs, TRIAD supports the community through its specialized Resource… Read more Spotlight – April 2025: TRIAD

In the Know – April 2025: Social Security Changes

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
gradient green background image with text "In the Know Ground breaking information that affects the disability community. TNPathfinder.org. Social Security change: Agency begins talking back 100% of overpayments. First of it's Kind Specialty Hospital Opens for Children with Disabilities. Images of Social Security Administration and a child with adults.

Social Security change : Agency begins taking back 100% of overpayments Social Security is reinstating its controversial plan to withhold 100% of people’s benefits if the agency has overpaid them. Last year, it began withholding 10% of funds it accidentally overpaid. A new Social Security rule goes into effect this week. No, not the change… Read more In the Know – April 2025: Social Security Changes

We’re Here All Year: Revolutionary Live Support Now Available

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
digital graphic for Tennessee Disability Pathfinder. The image features a professional office setting where a young Black man in a gray suit is seated at a desk, working on a computer. His screen displays the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder website, which includes a banner image of two children in bicycle helmets, a "Start Your Journey" button, and a row of profile pictures. A magnified circular callout highlights the website's chat feature with an orange speech bubble icon. The background of the graphic is deep green with geometric patterns. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo, featuring a gold compass, is positioned in the top left corner. The phrase "We’re Here All Year!" appears in white text in the top right corner. At the bottom right, a white rounded box displays the website URL: "TNPathfinder.org."

At Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, our commitment to serving our community never takes a break —because we understand that support is needed every day of the year.  In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March, we’re excited to share some groundbreaking news: our trusted helpline now has a new, innovative live chat feature on TNPathfinder.org!… Read more We’re Here All Year: Revolutionary Live Support Now Available

Spotlight March 2025: A New Year, A New Look – Same Access to Resources for Developmental Disabilities

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
A green, geometric background with a stylized golden compass in the center. A subtle spotlight effect highlights the center area, The design is clean and modern, evoking a sense of guidance and focus. Text on the image, SPOTLIGHT A NEW YEAR A NEW LOOK SAME ACCESS TO RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES." The TN Department of Disability and Aging's logo is at the bottom of the image.

As we navigate through the early months of the new year, the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging unveils a refreshed look while maintaining its steadfast commitment to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and aging needs. With a newly designed website and enhanced accessibility features, the department continues to be a vital resource for Tennesseans… Read more Spotlight March 2025: A New Year, A New Look – Same Access to Resources for Developmental Disabilities

A Message from our Communications Manager – For the Love of Advocacy_February 2025

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
Gradient green background image with a pink curvy shape on the bottom left of the image and a dark green curvy shape on the top right of the image. On the left of the image is a photo of a female with long graying locks, wearing a yellow blazer in front of a light background. Below the photo is cursive text "Sheena Adams-Avery" and a title "COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER." On the right of the image is text that says, "A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER." On the top right of the image is Patfhinder's branded graphic.

Dear Compass Readers, Welcome to this edition of The Compass! As we embark on a new season, we are excited to embrace our theme: For the Love of Advocacy. Advocacy is more than just a word—it is the heart of everything we do at Tennessee Disability Pathfinder (Pathfinder). It is a commitment to ensuring that… Read more A Message from our Communications Manager – For the Love of Advocacy_February 2025

Empowering You: Your Guides to Disability Resources

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP

At Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, we’re more than just a resource hub – we’re a dedicated team working together to help you find the right support and information. Whether you’re living with a disability, caring for someone who is, or working in the disability field, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our… Read more Empowering You: Your Guides to Disability Resources