Yoshiko Kardell

Yoshi co-directs the Systems Redesign Collective that focuses on transforming home- and community-based service (HCBS) systems. Her work is driven by a passion for supporting people with disabilities and their families to have access to the services and supports they need to be connected with community. Yoshi is dedicated to working with community members and public agency staff to create systems of support that align with a set of core values and promote best-practice models in service delivery. She is also highly skilled in developing effective means to communicate around systems change. In addition to supporting clients in systems transformation efforts, Yoshi also has experience working alongside people with disabilities and supporting statewide self-advocacy organizations.

Before joining HSRI, Yoshi was the Planning and Communications Coordinator with the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, supporting their mission to improve the lives of Oregonians with disabilities. Prior to that, she worked in the disability field providing direct services to people with disabilities in their homes and communities.

When not at work, Yoshi enjoys spending time with a close-knit group of friends and family and keeping up with her very energetic son.

Education

• Master of Social Work from Portland State University
• Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Nebraska – Omaha