Meet Dorinda Peterson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dorinda Peterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dorinda, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose when my son was born. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but that moment marked the beginning of my true journey. After years of working various jobs, attending events, and trying to find my voice, I eventually found myself in the non-profit sector.

Through my volunteer work, I discovered a community of parents raising individuals with disabilities—a community of people who simply wanted to be seen, heard, and included like everyone else. It was then that I realized I wanted to help and be part of meaningful change. I found my voice and my purpose.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My business partner and I started a life skills Training center that focuses on developing daily life skills for adults living with a cognitive disability. My mission is to encourage personal growth and empower individuals to live their fullest lives. I work closely with people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism, offering support through life coaching, social connections, and advocacy workshops.

DnA Skills 4 Life, LLC, provide a range of services designed to meet people where they are, whether it’s helping with practical life skills like transportation, house cleaning, or safety, or building confidence through advocacy, computer training, job readiness, and financial literacy. I’m also here to be an advocate when you need one most, standing beside you every step of the way.

The Elite Squad INC was born out of our journey with DnA Skills 4 Life, LLC. What began as a focus on life skills and coaching quickly grew into something bigger movement for connection, inclusion, and advocacy. Elite Squad INC is now a dedicated social connection and advocacy group, created to give individuals not just tools, but a true sense of community.

Every year DnA Skills 4 Life, LLC host a annual fundraiser on December 13, 2025 to provide services to The Elite Squad members who may not have access to state funding. For more information visit our website www.elitesquadinc.org or www.dnaskills4life.com. If you wish to make a donation please visit our website www.elitesquadinc.org.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were patience, empathy, and a willingness to keep learning.

Patience was essential not just with others, but with myself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and when you’re working in a space that’s so personal and meaningful, you have to give yourself grace through the process. For those starting out, I’d say: be kind to yourself. Trust that progress is happening, even when you can’t see it right away. NEVER GIVE UP!!

Empathy helped me build real, lasting connections. When you can truly listen and see people for who they are not who the world expects them to be, it opens the door to deeper relationships and real change. If you’re new to this work, practice being present. Listen more than you speak. You’ll learn more from others than you ever could from a textbook. I truly believe that the only limitation are the ones we put on ourselves and others.

And finally, having a willingness to keep learning has kept me growing. Whether it was attending workshops, asking questions, or learning directly from the individuals I work with, staying open and curious has been a game changer. My advice? Stay a student. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. That humility will take you far.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge we face is funding. Elite Squad INC relies on the generosity of individuals, families, and community partners who believe in the power of inclusion, empowerment, and connection. As our programs grow, so do the needs, and unfortunately, our funding sources are becoming more limited.

Your support helps us continue offering essential services like life skills coaching, advocacy workshops, job training, and social connection opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every dollar makes a difference, it helps someone gain confidence, build independence, and find community.

We can’t do this alone. With continued support, we can expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and be there for individuals and families who need us most. If you believe in what we’re doing, we invite you to be part of the change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elitesquadinc.org and www.dnaskillz4life.com
• Instagram: @elitesquadinc @dna_skills4life
• Facebook: Elite Squad INC, DnA Skills 4 Life, LLC
• Other: @elite.squad23 (tiktok)

  @elitesquadinc.bsky.social (Bluesky)

  @theelitesquadinc (fanbase)

Image Credits

Photo’s by Melas Media