Foothill Partners is an Olympia-based consulting business that helps organizations work together, develop leaders and turn ideas into action. Its services include facilitation, planning, coaching, training, team development and organizational change.
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) recently selected Foothill Partners to provide support for the Developmental Disabilities Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC). The CAC supports and brings together individuals and organizations across Washington to focus on disability issues.
Their work is guided by three principles: clarity, alignment and action. They focus on helping people understand what matters, identify shared goals and take concrete steps forward.
Sue and Todd founded Foothill Partners to bring together nearly 40 years of combined experience supporting government and partner organizations. Their backgrounds include public health, organizational change, leadership and community partnerships. They use their complementary skills to help groups work through questions, build shared understanding and develop practical plans.
Sue has worked as an independent consultant for eight years, supporting local governments, state agencies, advocacy groups and statewide councils. Her experience includes public health, organizational change, training and facilitation. She holds a master's degree in organizational leadership and a graduate certificate in positive organization development. She is an ICF Certified Coach, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and ATD Master Trainer.
Todd's background includes state and local public health leadership, program coordination, policy development and project management. His work has involved statewide initiatives, community partnerships and helping organizations turn complex needs into practical plans. He is a certified Project Management Professional.
Both have served in leadership roles with a local Down syndrome organization. Todd also serves as a county coordinator for Special Olympics, where he leads a group of athlete leaders and supports people with intellectual disabilities in developing leadership skills and sharing their perspectives.
Sue and Todd's connection to the disability community deepened when their youngest child was born with Down syndrome. One experience that continues to shape their perspective was watching their son participate on a Special Olympics team for the first time. For their family, it was about much more than sports. It was about being welcomed, building friendships and experiencing a sense of belonging.
“Some of my greatest moments in this community have been watching someone realize they belong, that they are part of a team, that everyone is welcome, that people are cheering for them, and that their presence matters,” Todd said.
Their family and community experiences have reinforced the importance of listening rather than making assumptions about what others need. They recognize that every person and family brings different experiences, strengths and priorities, and that there is no single way people experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Foothill Partners starts by listening, recognizing what is already working and building on the knowledge and strengths people bring. Its approach draws on coaching, adult learning and Appreciative Inquiry, which uses questions to explore strengths, possibilities and a shared direction.
“The best ideas in a room often come from the people who've shared the least. Part of our job is making sure everyone gets included,” Sue said.
This approach emphasizes productive conversations, accessible participation and clear follow-through. Sue and Todd believe people should have a meaningful role in decisions that affect them. Their goal is to help people with different experiences and perspectives develop a shared understanding and move forward together.
Through its new DDC grant, Foothill Partners will provide coordination, facilitation and support for the CAC. This includes preparing and facilitating meetings, supporting coalition co-chairs, helping with communication and operations, and supporting leadership development. The organization will also help members develop a community-driven policy agenda and coordinate advocacy activities.
Foothill Partners plans to build on the coalition's existing work and relationships. Sue and Todd will work with the Council and coalition members to gather input, organize information and identify clear next steps. Their support is intended to help members understand how decisions are made, see how their contributions connect to action and take part in the coalition's work.
An important part of this effort will be strengthening participation among people with IDD, families, self-advocates and organizations across Washington. Foothill Partners will work with coalition members to understand whose perspectives are represented and where additional connections may be needed. This includes considering barriers related to geography, language, disability, technology and available time.
“We hope members experience a coalition where their contributions matter, participation is accessible and shared priorities lead to coordinated action,” Sue said.
As they begin this work, Sue and Todd look forward to learning from coalition members, supporting leadership opportunities and helping the group move its shared priorities forward. They hope their support will help the CAC strengthen its voice in decisions that improve the lives of people with IDD and their families throughout Washington.
Visit Foothill Partners or contact Sue Mountin at sue@foothill.partners or Todd Mountin at todd@foothill.partners. You can also view the LinkedIn pages for Sue and Todd.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 48314
Olympia, WA 98504-8314
