09/06/2026
Staff Feature - Meet Tulea Gonnigan, Director of Residential Services
Describe your job in a few words.
I oversee residential programs and work closely with our leadership team, program managers, QIDPs, direct support professionals, families, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure individuals receive quality, person-centered services and supports that promote independence, choice, safety, and meaningful community involvement.
What do you love about working at Shore?
What I love most about working at Shore is having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals we support. I enjoy seeing residents reach personal goals, develop greater independence, participate in their communities, and have opportunities to make choices about their own lives. I also value working alongside team members who are committed to supporting the individuals we serve.
How do your personal values align with the work you do at Shore?
My personal values strongly center around advocacy, dignity, respect, accountability, inclusion, and treating every person as an individual. These values directly align with the work I do at Shore. I believe individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities should have every opportunity to live meaningful lives, make informed choices, build relationships, participate in their communities, and receive services that reflect their individual needs, preferences, strengths, and goals.
What is your most memorable moment working at Shore?
Some of my most memorable moments at Shore have been seeing residents accomplish goals that are personally meaningful to them and watching their confidence and independence grow. Those moments are a reminder that even accomplishments that may appear small to others can represent major milestones for the individuals we support. Being able to witness and contribute to that growth is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
