Ivy Foster

 

Discipline: Self Advocate

About: Ivy’s (she/they) formal education earned her a Dietary Technician Associates from SMCC in 2013. She then volunteered as a Program Coordinator for End 68 Hours of Hunger, a nonprofit delivering food to children regardless of their family’s income. She is currently pursuing her BA in Behavioral and Health Sciences at the University of Southern Maine. In 2003, they moved to Maine from their native New York to work as store manager at The Little Bull in York Beach and as a Direct Support Professional for a young adult. During this time, she also developed a broad range of personal and group leadership skills while studying martial arts. Karate instilled in her the concept that we are each other’s teachers and students.  Ivy taught children’s spiritual classes over the past decade at Green Acre, Baha’i Center of Learning. She and her children continue to attend spiritual and multicultural programs there. The faith is rooted in the goal of the unity of all humanity, virtues such as truthfulness, and service to others. As a friend of the Faith, these ideals have become essential to her everyday life. In 2022, they were diagnosed autistic and with ADHD. Through deep reflection and her growth mindset, Ivy has gained confidence and scope of knowledge that has sparked a newfound zest for life. Participating in NH-ME LEND is a natural extension of her interest in understanding the philosophy of leadership and developing community. She is eager to learn and work alongside the other members of the LEND community.