Wendell Foster, a local agency serving people with disabilities, has announced that Sarah Poole will become its new Vice President for Intermediate Care Facility services, effective November 1. Poole will be responsible for the management of Wendell Foster’s long-term care facility that provides residential and active treatment services to sixty-three individuals who have severe developmental disabilities. Poole replaces Bob Tarrants who has held the position since 2002 and who is leaving Wendell Foster at the end of October for another position elsewhere.
Poole has held several prior positions at Wendell Foster since she went to work there in 2006 doing direct support work with clients. From that experience, she progressed to positions as an Assistant Program Director, Education and Training Supervisor, Interim Program Director, Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, Director of Scheduling and Employee Development Specialist. During that time, Poole has also worked as a Middle and High School Soccer Coach. A graduate of Owensboro High School, Poole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Special Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership, both from Brescia University.
According to Wendell Foster’s Chief Program Officer Kelly Turnham, “We are proud to have someone from within the Wendell Foster family prepared to move into this key position. Ms. Poole brings a great educational background and years of experience in many aspects of our operations to her new position.” According to Turnham, Poole will be spending the next few weeks transitioning out of her current position and working with Tarrants to assure a smooth transition into her new job.
Wendell Foster’s Interim CEO Terry Brownson stated that Poole should fit well into the position, having worked in multiple positions at Wendell Foster. Brownson commented, “Poole is known for the great rapport she has with both service recipients and fellow employees. She knows the Intermediate Care Facility’s operations well, so we expect she will be able to adapt quickly to her new responsibilities.” In regards to Tarrants, Brownson stated, “Bob is a true health care professional who is leaving a legacy of quality services and great program evaluations from state licensure surveyors. We wish him only the best in his future work.”
