Tam Cordes is the course coordinator and training program developer at IMPART Alliance. She plays a critical role in training and credentialing Michigan’s direct-care workforce. In her previous role at Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, she was the elder abuse prevention training coordinator and a member of Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force. Cordes is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) with a Master of Arts in Family Studies from Spring Arbor University.
At IMPART Alliance, Cordes creates the direct-care worker class schedules and has daily interactions with IMPART Alliance trainers and students. She is a master trainer and enjoys teaching classes.
“Training is my passion,” Cordes said. “Especially meaningful, quality training that impacts others in a positive way. Through our classes, we can give our students the tools they need to provide quality, person-centered care for the individuals they are supporting.”
Cordes has worked as an unpaid family care worker previously and asserts that, as a result, she has a profound respect for direct-care workers.
“I understand many of the frustrations, barriers, joys and rewards of direct-care work,” Cordes said. “Yes, there are many challenges, but I love being a part of the solution. Dr. Clare Luz has started this movement in which we are working toward eliminating those challenges. It’s gratifying to play a role in educating others and raising awareness of those challenges.”
Cordes shared some of the feedback she’s received from students taking some of the classes.
“We have had a lot of students who have said they really, really appreciate this opportunity,” Cordes said. “Some have never had any formal training for this work. Direct-care workers are expected to care for and support older adults and people with disabilities with very little or no training. We provide training in numerous topics like person-centered relationships, professional boundaries, home skills and more. We arm them with the tools they need to be able to do their job.”
Cordes is looking forward to a time when direct-care workers receive the respect, compensation and recognition they deserve.