In-Focus features a staff member each month as a way to learn more about our amazing staff. This month, we highlight CIP Bloomington's Career Coordinator, John Loveland. We asked John a few questions about his role, his CIP experience, and what he does when he’s not at the Center.
What’s your most memorable CIP experience?
Becoming Bloomington's Staff of the Year 2022-23.
What have you most learned in your time at CIP?
To trust my trained and educated instincts when others are insisting on following the “Donkey Rule.” To question and avoid “objectivity” when possible and work more with “Action Research” and the strengths-based Feminist Perspective. To stop medicalizing challenges: too often we change the names but not the interventions, doing only enough to maintain the status quo.
How has CIP helped you grow in your career?
New experiences working with older and higher level autism, where my previous clinical experiences, though intensive and pervasive, did not include many of this group (high level 18-26). I have worked extensively with this group in education, with younger versions clinically, and with older adults.
What’s your favorite part about working at CIP?
Seeing student successes!
CIP’s focus for the program year is ASPIRE. What do you aspire to do or be in the upcoming year?
To make systemic changes in work with Autism and neurodiverse challenges, possibly through a Ph.D. in Social Work, focused on the real-time use of “Action Research,” “Feminist Theory,” “Strengths Perspective,” and “Non-objectivity Theory.”
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I remember our family getting our first TV in about 1954… a little round-screen one. Mickey Mouse, I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, and all that. I have never purchased a TV in my life. I am about to be gifted a monstrous like-new one. Look out!