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- RCIL PROFILE: Michele Brewer
- RCIL News
RCIL PROFILE: Michele Brewer
Michele Brewer is a Mohawk Valley native and proud to call this community her lifelong home. She attended school in Mohawk, NY, and her and her husband have raised their two children here as well. The deep roots she has in this area have given her a strong sense of connection and commitment to the people who live here.
Michele began working at RCIL on November 9, 2021, drawn to the agency’s strong presence not just in her home community, but also across Oneida, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. RCIL’s broad range of services, dedication to empowering individuals, and the supportive work environment made it a natural fit for her personal and professional values. I was especially impressed by the agency’s benefit package that supports staff both at work and in their personal lives.
As the Director of Independent Living Services at LIFE at RCIL Herkimer and NY Connects Project Manager for Oneida County, Michele’s favorite part of the job is meeting new people and learning about their life experiences. Each day brings the opportunity to connect individuals with services that empower them to live more independently and successfully.
One of the accomplishments she is most proud of is the work she has done supporting parents with disabilities — helping them keep their families together and be the best parents they can be.
Like many in the field, Michele faces ongoing challenges with access to affordable housing and transportation, especially in rural areas. These barriers continue to impact the individuals she serves, but her team is dedicated to advocating for long-term solutions.
RCIL’s mission—that everyone has the right to live independently—resonates deeply with Michele. ‘It’s about advocacy, inclusion, and the fundamental belief that people should have the freedom to make their own choices and live life on their own terms’ she says.
The work environment at RCIL is both professional and warm, with a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Collaboration across departments is a key part of our success, and it’s something she truly values.
Outside of work, Michele enjoys reading, being outdoors—whether sledding, going for walks, or simply sitting peacefully on the deck—and spending time with family and friends. She has also recently taken up loom knitting as a new hobby. On Sundays’ during football season, she can be found cheering for the Buffalo Bills. And she strives to maintain a healthy work-life balance by creating routines and taking full advantage of RCIL’s supportive benefits.
