Tiffiany is the new director of Magdala House’s Adult Day Care program—but her journey with Magdala began years earlier as a case manager at Tiny Homes. There, she walked alongside individuals experiencing homelessness and learned the power of meeting people exactly where they are, whether starting over or learning to live independently.
That same person-centered approach now guides her leadership in the Adult Day Care program, where she works with clients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). For Tiffany, this role isn’t just a job—it’s deeply personal.
A few years ago, she returned to St. Louis from Dallas to care for the woman who raised her—her grandmother. During that time, she searched for an adult day program that met her high standards but was unable to find one. That experience shaped her vision for what dignified, individualized care should look like.
“I won’t give them anything I wouldn’t give her,” Tiffany says—words that now guide her every decision as program director.
In this role, Tiffiany leads with both compassion and structure. One of her first actions was to sit down with each client individually to learn their favorite foods, personality traits, health needs, and personal goals. Based on what she learned, she implemented personalized meal cards, mood check-ins, and tailored one-on-one engagement that supports independence and joy.
She shared a moment that reflects the true meaning of this work. One client, who is nonverbal and typically prefers to sit alone and play Connect Four, had never participated in a group activity before. On one particular day, after declining an invitation to participate in a lesson, he quietly stood up, walked over to the table, pulled out a chair, and joined the session, engaged from start to finish.
It was the first time he had ever done so.
Moments like this are becoming more common as clients grow in confidence, connection, and independence—outcomes that reflect the heart of Magdala House’s mission.
Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Tiffiany brings both vision and practicality to her leadership. She’s deeply committed to helping the Adult Day Care program grow into a space where clients can thrive intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Under her guidance, the program has partnered with occupational therapists to help clients develop real-life skills—such as cooking, managing emotions, hygiene, and laundry—and she has introduced academic-style lesson plans that make learning both purposeful and enjoyable.
Clients have built beehives from Play-Doh to understand ecosystems, learned about natural disasters just weeks before a real tornado, and even explored basic money management and nutrition. Every lesson is designed to foster independence and self-confidence.
She also empowers her clients to take part in the program’s rhythm—some lead workouts, others conduct peer mood check-ins, and many are gently reminded of their personal goals each day.
As a leader, Tiffiany is transparent about her own growth. She has learned to manage conflict more effectively, regulate her emotions, and make decisions with both compassion and clarity.
“We have to do this for the clients,” she says, knowing that they can’t simply find another program like staff can find another job.
Tiffiany’s story reminds us what’s possible when programs are led with empathy, purpose, and high standards of care. Her leadership is shaping a future where every client is seen, supported, and given the tools to thrive—and that’s something we can all be proud to champion.
Help Us Keep Moments Like This Going
When you give to Magdala House, you’re not just supporting a program—you’re investing in personalized care, dignity, and transformation. Your gift helps leaders like Tiffiani create spaces where every client is seen, supported, and given the tools to thrive.
