Vicki Teetor
Vicki Teetor is a dedicated Direct Support Professional at Options For All, where she supports and trains adults who are disabilied and intellectual disabled for meaningful employment in their communities. With a career spanning small business ownership, corporate management, Vicki brings a wealth of experience and a hands-on, compassionate approach to every role she undertakes. She believes in continuous growth and learning, striving each day to make a positive difference in the lives of those she serves. Prior to her work in social services, Vicki owned and operated Teetor Hauling, a tandem trucking company, and spent over two decades managing marketing operations at RockTenn International Cooperative U.A. Her background in business administration, coupled with her postgraduate studies at Sandford Brown Business College, has provided her with a strong foundation in leadership, program management, and client-focused service. Across every position, Vicki emphasizes respect, understanding, and relationship-building as core values in her professional practice. Vicki’s passion for helping others extends beyond her professional life. She has been deeply involved in her local church community in Illinois and actively participates in initiatives promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Whether mentoring clients to achieve career milestones or providing compassionate care to seniors, Vicki approaches every opportunity with integrity, empathy, and dedication, making a meaningful impact on the individuals and communities she serves.
• Sandford Brown Business College - PGD
• Net Community Church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and mentorship I received from my former supervisor, Diane Huffmeyer, who had a profound impact on my career. Inspired by her example, I have embraced mentoring roles myself to support and guide others in their professional journeys.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Life is too short to be wasted on a career that does not represent you, enjoy what it is, remembering along the way it will come with frustration and heartache, each milestone turns a lead to who you are and where you belong.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Lead with you heart, listen and learn from everyone around you and take all of that with you. Everyone learns from someone next to them, remember everyone is equal, a title is just a word on a page don't let those words take away from the person you can be.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There is never enough resources or opportunities to provide the necessary assistance to some of our clients, it could be in the form of work, schooling, medical, or just emotional support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value understanding and motivating people by recognizing their unique interests and strengths. One example that stands out is when I worked with a 25-year-old employee who was initially disengaged. By listening to him and finding ways to apply his computer skills beyond routine tasks, his performance improved dramatically, and the business owner requested that I remain with the company. This experience reinforced my belief that success comes from connecting with individuals on a personal level, not just assigning tasks.
In my professional philosophy, I treat clients like family, and the most rewarding part of my work is seeing them succeed. This approach guides both my interactions with colleagues and the impact I strive to make in my work.