11/21/2025
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our colleague and friend, Joyce Dean, who was a respected member of the Wise team. Joyce’s warmth, dedication, and commitment to our mission positively influenced many people and left a meaningful legacy within our community.
With decades of expertise in supported employment and quality systems management, beginning at the University of Oregon’s Specialized Training Program, Joyce co-authored important publications and wrote Quality Improvement in Employment and Other Human Services: Managing for Quality through Change. Her leadership played a vital role during Wise’s collaboration with the State of Oregon on the Lane V. Brown settlement agreement, which led to the closure of sheltered workshops across Oregon. Joyce has always served as a guiding light for Wise, offering insights into data, grant writing, quality assurance, and much more. Most recently, she lent her expertise to our North Carolina project, helping to design evaluation and data tracking systems and making significant contributions as a member of the Wise Development Committee.
Joyce’s intelligence, strength, calm presence, rigor, and affection will continue to inspire us. She provided training and consultation across the United States and internationally, advocating for a shift toward competitive integrated employment. Her passion for innovation and commitment to quality assurance has molded Wise’s work and inspired countless professionals and families.
Please join us in keeping Joyce’s loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. We will share details about any memorial arrangements as they become available.
[Image Description: A photo of Joyce Dean holding a dog in a polaroid style frame. There is a blurred background with a teal overlay in the background. The text reads "In Memory of Joyce Dean."]
