Isabelle Harris has been at Quest, Inc. for an incredible 30 years! Throughout her time here, she has had many promotions and different positions.
We have greatly appreciated her hard work and dedication over the years and we are honored to highlight her journey.
Currently, Isabelle is the Sr. Director for Maintenance, Fleet and Compliance. She started as part of the Direct Care staff at Williams Road, one of our Intermediate Care Facilities in Tampa. Then she was promoted to manager of one of our group homes.
From there, she became the Tampa Group Home Director and oversaw five homes. Then, she became Director of Operations working with the Maintenance Department. She was Associate Director supervising group homes, then Sr. Director of the Tampa group homes and in 2019, she was promoted to her current position.
Thirty years is a long time to be at any company, and Isabelle credits the quality of care given to Quest residents as well as the opportunities for advancement for her longevity with Quest.
Her favorite thing to do is work the field with her team because she is able to learn new skills such as how to install baseboards, change outlets, and use a grinding machine and more. “Basically I do whatever is needed to be done,” Isabelle said. “My days are never boring.”
Having worked with people with disabilities for so long, she has learned a lot from them. The two biggest lessons she wants to pass on is that a smile makes a world of difference and that a little patience and kindness can take you far.
Isabelle has been able to see amazing growth in the residents she serves. Sometimes a resident will come to Quest and not be able to eat or use the restroom independently. Then, after many months of working with them, they gain a completely new level of independence and self-sufficiency.
“My best story is when I worked with a young lady who did not like to be touched or be hugged,” Isabelle remembers. “Now, she is the one asking for hugs, and has a great sense of humor and I am now her guardian.”
For Isabelle, many people at Quest have influenced her time here including the residents, direct care staff, supervisors, and many others. “I have learned from everyone, but will always be thankful to the supervisor who believed in me when I applied as a group home manager back in 1994.”
“Isabelle is the epitome of a team player,” says Brooke Eakins, Quest’s Chief Operating Officer. “She is willing to pitch in anywhere and do anything to help the company, staff or clients. From group homes to maintenance and a little bit of everything in between, Isabelle has done it all with an unmatched work ethic. Quest is truly lucky to have her!”
We are so grateful for Isabelle’s commitment and dedication to Quest and we hope she has many more fulfilling years with us!
