Influential Woman · Human Services
Robyn Rodgers
Case Manager, The Management Group (TMG)
Milwaukee, WI
Her Story
About Robyn
I've devoted the past 15 years to case management, and I'm approaching my 10-year anniversary in my current role this May. Throughout my career, I've worked with adults who have physical, developmental, or mental health needs, ensuring they have the correct services in their homes so they can remain as independent as possible. When I first went to college, I went into social work, but I thought there was no money in it. I even considered becoming a physical education teacher, but then I started doing a lot of volunteering and helping people. My dad, who's deceased, that's all he used to do - he would help people. That became my niche, just helping people and ensuring they have what they need. I currently carry a caseload of 56 people. I see about 20 to 25 a month in person, and the others I make monthly calls to check in - asking how they're doing, have they been in the hospital, any falls, anything they need from me. A typical home visit involves going to see how they're doing, how the home is doing, how they're doing with their caregiver who comes in to ensure meals are made, they're getting to the doctor, taking medications. We sit and chat, sometimes for 30 minutes, sometimes an hour to an hour and a half. I conduct annual paperwork where we update their service plan that includes all their providers - doctors, dentists, therapists - and releases of information. During the pandemic, when we weren't seeing people in person, I had to call once a week instead of once a month, and clients would notice if I didn't call on that Tuesday. Beyond my primary role, I'm a guardian with the state of Wisconsin, making medical decisions for people deemed incompetent who live in group homes or nursing homes when their families don't want to or can't take on that role. I pop up at group homes to see how my person is doing, making sure they're healthy, safe, and being taken care of. I also work for Child Protective Services, picking up children in foster care and transporting them to visit with their mom or dad in a small room for 2 hours. I document what happens during those visits for the court. I talk to the parents and say I'm not here to judge them - I don't care what happened - let's talk about how we can get your kids back. I know the judges and what they look for. Some kids are reunified, and it's amazing. I also mentor young girls - in fact, I'm taking two girls to the movies tonight - and I work with girls in crisis who are in group homes. My greatest accomplishment is knowing that I make a difference for people in their lives and that their families are happy. The fact that my clients are self-sufficient, living in their own homes, and feel comfortable means everything to me. When I call to check in, they say 'thank you for calling,' and when some have transitioned, families have asked if I could come to the funeral. This thing is real - I love it.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Robyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, first and foremost. I don't do anything without seeking Him. I thank Him, I appreciate Him, I ask for direction - put me on someone's mind. But at the end of the day, it's all to Him. Nobody else.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is what someone told me today: go in there and just love on the people, and you will see a difference. Continue to be you, just love people like you do. And I do - I love people.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is simple: try it. If you've never done something, just go to a nursing home and see the people. Just go in and say hi, just walk around. When I go into these nursing homes and group homes now, I say hi - that's all they want. Just say hello. And in these days and times, to really answer that question, it's just to be kind to someone. It doesn't cost much to be kind. Just be kind. We're losing that every day, and I don't know where it's going, but just be kind. Also, with being kind, it's how you carry yourself, because people pick up on it. All I want to do is be out here doing the work of the Lord and touching someone that I don't even know. You don't know who's looking at you or recognizing you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is navigating the deeply personal nature of the work, especially when professional expertise intersects with family dynamics. I experienced this firsthand when I had to help place my aunt, who kind of raised me, into a memory care facility last year. It was about saying to my cousin, hey, this is the service that she needs, but not putting my professional into the family. I had to step back and just be a niece, not push too hard, even though I understood what was needed. Another major challenge is that dementia and Alzheimer's are happening quickly with people - it's almost like it's overnight. It's really happening fast, and I tell people, if you see something that your loved one is doing that's not normal, get them tested right away. Also, keep checking that they don't have a UTI, a urinary tract infection, because sometimes that makes them loopy, they can have falls, or just can have them off at that age.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are just doing the best I can - that's all I can do. I put 199% into everything. I give a lot, I give the best I can, the most I can. I don't have a lot, but to show and give my service, that value means a lot to me. I get it from my dad. My dad was the one that - we didn't have a lot, but he gave what he could. If you were in the hospital resting or sleeping, my dad would come in and visit you. He wouldn't wake you, but you know he would have been there because he would leave a newspaper. I don't do things for fame or show. I enjoy serving, helping, and sometimes just sitting and listening. It's also about how you carry yourself - people pick up on it. I'm not a big jean wearer, and if I wear some jeans or a sweatshirt, my clients ask what's wrong with me. I love to dress. Even when we work from home, I get up every day, shower, and get clothes on. I don't stay in pajamas.
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