Ryan and Kristie Reflect on Their Journey with ISN
As ISN celebrates 25 years, Ryan and his mom, Kristie, help tell the story of what lasting support, community connection, and opportunity can mean over time.
Ryan and his mom, Kristie, have been connected with ISN since around the time ISN first opened as a brokerage. Their story offers a meaningful look at the impact of long-term relationships, thoughtful supports, and the steady growth of opportunities for individuals and families over the past 25 years.
Ryan, a current member of ISN’s Policy Oversight Group (POG), is known for his strong emotional intelligence and amazing ability to recite movie lines word for word. Ryan works one day a week at Garten, where he continues to build skills, stay active, and contribute in a setting that connects him with others.
Kristie has been part of ISN’s story in more ways than one. In addition to being Ryan’s mom, she currently serves on ISN’s Board and is Secretary on the Executive Committee. But her connection to ISN began before the organization officially opened, at a time when she was looking ahead and asking an important question: what would meaningful adulthood look like for her son?
At the time, Ryan was a young adult, and Kristie wanted to learn as much as she could about what supports and possibilities were available. With the Staley lawsuit bringing major changes to Oregon’s developmental disabilities services system, she became involved in groups and committees, including work connected to Lincoln County. Like many families, she was looking for information, advocacy, and a pathway forward.
Kristie has seen significant changes since those early days. New provider agencies and resources have expanded what support can look like, and funding opportunities for activities appear to have grown as well. Most importantly, each year seems to bring more options for Ryan: more chances to participate, connect, and be part of his community.
For families who are just beginning their journey, Kristie’s advice is simple and deeply practical: you do not have to do it all on your own. Learning to accept the support of a provider or Personal Support Worker can make a meaningful difference, not only for the individual receiving services, but for the whole family.
Looking back, what stands out most to Kristie is the quality and authenticity of the people who have been part of ISN.
“Everyone at ISN seems to deeply care about the individuals and families they serve,” Kristie said.
She is especially grateful for the people who have been part of their journey, including Ryan’s longtime Personal Agent, Joan, who supported him for 15 years, and his current Personal Agent, Tamera, who he has been happily connected with for the past four years.
After all these years, Ryan and Kristie’s journey continues to reflect the power of inclusion, trusted relationships, and a community that keeps growing together.