Rodney, our Director of Social Services, engaging with a participant.

Meet our Social Workers!

We are grateful to have many fabulous social workers here at Insight who contribute to the organization in a variety of ways. Whether it is connecting with participants, coordinating resources for families, engaging the community, or just being a listening ear, our social workers do extraordinary work to further our mission. As we celebrate Social Work Month, meet our social workers!

Rodney Thim

Director of Social Services

What are your favorite ways to care for yourself or activities you like to do?
Watching movies – horror movies are my favorite. If I can, I love going to the movie theater to see new movies, it is a great way to get away and disconnect for a bit.

What is your favorite part about caring for our participants?
I enjoy being able to engage with any one participant on a person-centered topic and having one on one conversations about things they love or are interested in.

Do you have any advice for families caring for a loved one at home?
I recommend the importance of creating support systems that families can to turn for support and assistance on weekends or days when their loved one is not at Insight. I also encourage families and care partners to take advantage of Insight’s support groups and education offerings.

Fun Fact: Rodney is a huge fan of the Colorado Avalanche NHL hockey team. A great fan moment was the Avalanche winning the 2022 Stanley Cup!

Miranda Hart

Social Services Coordinator

What are your favorite ways to care for yourself or activities you like to do?
I enjoy watching documentaries and reading. I also love treating myself to at home spa days.

What is your favorite part about caring for our participants?
I really love engaging with participants and every day is different and new. I enjoy the hands-on aspect of caring for our participants.

Do you have any advice for families caring for a loved one at home?
Do not forget about the importance of taking care of yourself as the caregiver. Everyone needs time to recharge so you can continue take the best care of your loved one.

Fun Fact: Miranda learned sign language in college!

Stephanie Houpt

Program Director

What are your favorite ways to care for yourself or activities you like to do?
Experiencing the joy of my kids! My oldest just turned 3 and my youngest is 5 months old.

What is your favorite part about caring for our participants?
The relationships we build! I just love bringing joy into someone’s day and our participants always reciprocate that joy. There is never a dull moment, and the participants encourage me to live in the moment with them.

Do you have any advice for families caring for a loved one at home?
Get help early and often. Think of a specific thing that you need and ask for help with that specific thing.

Fun Fact: Stephanie's ideal weekend getaway includes trying out wine tastings around the area!

Jennifer Denk

Director of Community Engagement

What are your favorite ways to care for yourself or activities you like to do?
I am a fitness instructor and I teach a variety of cycle classes and strength training classes. I also enjoy musical theater.

What is your favorite part about caring for our participants?
Finding the personal connection with each participant. I enjoy using humor to make connections and build trust. 

Do you have any advice for families caring for a loved one at home?
Meet your loved one where they are. Focus on finding small moments of joy throughout the day. Be patient and blame the disease, not the person, for behaviors. Lastly, be flexible. Every day will be different!  

Fun Fact: Jennifer loves to speak and read French! She has been learning the language for almost 10 years.

Rachel Soroka

Social Work Intern

What are your favorite ways to care for yourself or activities you like to do?
I love indoor cycling, practicing meditation, and taking time to connect with other people. I also enjoy reading, specifically historical fiction or mystery/horror books.

What is your favorite part about caring for our participants?
A lot of things! Seeing and interacting with the participants makes me happy as soon as I come into the building. I learn a lot from them, and they have great stories to tell. Insight is a great environment for participants, families and staff!

Do you have any advice for families caring for a loved one at home?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We all need help at times, and we are here for you. You never know if there is something out there that will help you unless you ask.

Fun Fact: Rachel bakes great brown butter chocolate chip cookies!

Want to know more about what our Social Workers do at Insight? Learn More about Social Work at Insight!