Carla Higgins
Assisting Director, Professional Development
“Great programs lay the foundation for change; but really,
faith and encouragement help people grow.”
Carla has 26 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in a wide variety of settings. Carla began her career as a Camp Counselor in a private institution supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities as well as those with traumatic brain injury. Carla has devoted her career to becoming a leader in management practices in this field. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Birmingham-Southern College and completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education at Arcadia University in the SPIN cohort.
Since 1992, Carla has worked for SPIN, serving as an Assisting Director: providing direct supervision to individuals in Community Living and Supportive Living arrangements; participating in the dramatic expansion of services assisting people to develop their life potential after leaving institutions; developing and teaching coursework for Direct Support Professionals, as well as coursework and practical training for the Home Life Coordinator position and mentoring new managers as they create customized supports for individuals in service as well as the employees supporting them. Additionally, Carla has six years of experience providing quality supports and active treatment in an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/MR).
Certified as an Outcomes Based Interviewer, Medications Administration Trainer, American Red Cross Instructor Trainer and Certified Investigator, Carla uses her training and experience to provide direct instruction and point of service training for Direct Support Professionals. Carla has served for 6 years on the Southeast Region Dysphagia Task Force, creating supports and promoting safe mealtimes for individuals served in the 5-county area. Carla believes translating the conceptual to the practical is crucial; incorporating all the little details that make life interesting and fun and being passionate about what you believe is fundamental to being an effective leader.
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