Allycia Wolff

Allycia Wolff is the Program Coordinator at the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota, in the School of Public Health. She provides support to ensure the smooth operation of CHAI's activities and initiatives. From coordinating events to managing administration tasks, Allycia's goal is to contribute to CHAI's mission of promoting health aging and fostering innovation in the field. 

Allycia received her bachelor's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with a minor in psychiatric rehabilitation from UW-Stout. Her previous work in disability advocacy and justice. 

Outside of work, she enjoys tending to her vegetable garden and wildflower spaces, exploring the vibrant Minneapolis community, and spending time with loved ones. 

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI

Bachelors of Science: Vocational Rehabilitation, Minor: Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Graduated December 2012, Cum Laude

Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN - Project Support Coordinator
August 2023 - Present

Coordinate meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and documenting minutes. Manage logistics for events, workshops, and conferences, including venue booking, attendee registration, and coordinating materials.

Provide administrative support for research projects, including data management, literature reviews, and correspondence. Assist with grant management tasks, such as budget tracking, reporting, and compliance. Serve as a point of contact for internal and external inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Collaborate with team members to ensure effective communication and coordination of activities. Maintain organized files and records, both digital and physical, related to CHAI's operations. 

Volunteers of America, MN-WI, CESDM, Minneapolis, MN - Supported Decision Making/Guardianship Specialist 

April 2021 - August 2023

Independently manage statewide Guardianship Information Line, serving professionals, families, caregivers and self-advocates. Providing in depth consultation on decision making options specifically helpful to the callers situation. Connecting with over 2,000 people since 2021. Ongoing collaboration with teams to support older adults and persons with disabilities throughout Minnesota. Skilled in communication, delivering education, providing direction to navigate complex systems. Involvement in interdisciplinary committees, serving as Secretary and Newsletter creator for WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders). 

Lutheran Social Service, Saint Paul, MN - Supported Decision Making Manager

November 2020 - April 2021

Served as Program Manager creating long and short term strategic planning and growth of new Supported Decision Making department. Developed process for referrals and intake. Created Policy and Procedures documents and organization system. Cultivated relationships with leadership and guardians to implement supported decision making methods and ideology. Acted as supportive and surrogate decision maker for  30+ people in community settings and assisted living/long term care facilities.    

The Arc Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN - Advocate and Planning Specialist

October 2013 - October 2020

Advocacy
Supported self-advocates and families in understanding complex disability government services including; long-term care systems, Medical Assistance waiver programs, social security, guardianship and alternatives, housing options, community supports and more. Offered education, self-advocacy building skills, guidance to thousands across Minnesota. Developed and continually updated written resources to aid in navigating disability services. Trained and supported new staff and interns. 

Podcast
Independently created The Arc Minnesota’s ‘Focus on the Future’ podcast. Acted as content creator, producer and host. Podcast features 14 episodes, covering information on Person Centered Planning, future planning, self-advocacy, disability systems and supports, and more. 

Facilitation
Skilled in facilitating groups of all sizes to efficiently communicate. Acted as lead staff for The Arc Minnesota’s Person Centered Planning contract work. Directly supported self advocates across the state in  building plans that reflected their desired personal growth and goals. Wrote Person Centered Plans describing the person from their point of view with their strengths centered, including action plans and supports needed by the individual. Trained and developed the skills of 5 new planning staff. 

Trainings/Presentations
Lead educational and training activities for internal staff and external professionals. Topics included; Person Centered Thinking, Person Centered Planning, Ableism,  Future Planning, Legal and Financial Planning, Guardianship and Alternatives, the ABLE Accounts, Transitional Services, Social Security. Housing options and resources, the value of community connections, Self-Advocacy and more. Handled scheduling, communications, design, delivery and evaluation of trainin and presentations. Fostered and maintained strategic relationship with external partner Dakota County Social Services leadership  to provide training for county staff lasting two years, adding $20,000 in additional revenue. 

Ventures Travel, Plymouth, MN - Travel Staff

May 2012 - August 2014

Direct support professional supporting people with various disabilities on their vacation. Supported autonomy, choice and fun while managing medication, nutrition and care needs. 

Lifetrack, Saint Paul, MN - Employment Specialist

May 2012 - October 2013

Managed caseload of 20-25 people needing vocational support. Built upon individuals skills and confidence, leading to positive job outcomes and satisfaction. Collaborated on interdisciplinary teams, developed strong  professional relationships with state, county and provider teams to maintain caseload and referrals.

• Clifton Strengths Finders:
  - Positivity
  - Woo
  - Empathy
  - Activator
  - Communication

• Great knowledge of state and federal disability services and supports 

• Expertise in decision making options;  guardianship, conservatorship, POA, HCD and supported-decision making

• Skilled trainer, content developer, mediator, communicator and facilitator

• Project Management

• Community Volunteering