Anthesis is thrilled to announce that Shawn Prokopec has stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer! From all of us here at Anthesis, we look forward to Shawn leading Anthesis in our mission to support independent and inclusive lives for adults with disabilities through employment and community integration.
Without further ado, learn more about Shawn in her Q&A below!
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in Minnesota… eldest of five. I moved to California to attend college and escape the cold winters of Minnesota. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at California Lutheran University and then completed my Master of Arts in Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles.
Carlos and I have two children, Anna, aged 15 and Lilia, aged 13. They keep us very busy with soccer, volleyball, track, theater, and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus. We never have a quiet weekend in our home. I also have a beautiful tuxedo cat named Ozzie, who is spoiled rotten, and we love like our third child.
Q: What are you looking forward to here at Anthesis?
A: I began working with the adult with disabilities/special needs community while at the Institute for the Redesign of Learning and fell in love with this community. Their joy for each and every day and their desire to be contributing members of society has fueled my desire to focus on the work at Anthesis.
There is an earnest desire within the community to provide opportunities for self-sufficiency and independence for our participants. I am eager to work alongside our amazing staff to create innovative programs, increase our employment opportunities, and our opportunities for community integration and social and recreational opportunities for our participants. I am truly inspired by the work that our staff are doing every day.
Q: What skills/expertise do you bring to Anthesis?
A: I have spent 32 years providing services to children, adults, and families. I am a social worker at heart with a passion for ensuring that individuals have access to education, mental health and supportive services, recreational activities, and resources to meet their basic needs. Every individual deserves an opportunity to reach their goals and to fulfill their dreams.
I have led numerous collaborative partnerships with governmental agencies, school districts, community and faith-based agencies, and law enforcement in the hopes of enacting change and building partnerships that will support the needs of the individuals and families.
Q: How do you prefer to spend your free time?
A: I love to travel. Whether it is Minnesota, another city in the U.S. or to Europe… I am most happy traveling, visiting family and friends, and learning about new cultures.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself?
A: I learned Spanish at 28 years of age in a language immersion program in Seville, Spain.
Q: Favorite accomplishment?
A: I am proud of my professional growth and accomplishments throughout my career. However, my favorite accomplishment is watching my girls grow and become young ladies. My heart is full watching them achieve their goals in school and in all their activities.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share with the Anthesis community?
A: My door is always open, so hoping to connect with the community and the businesses in which we serve. This will be a year of change and growth for Anthesis and looking forward to working alongside the staff, our Board of Directors, and the local community as we strive to continue providing the best opportunities for our participants to achieve their goals.