Decision Makers: Shirley O’Brien of Camp Baker Services

New position: director of Camp Baker Services

Previous position: executive director of Residential Services for Quest Inc.

Birthplace: Evanston, Ill.

Education: bachelor of arts in psychology, the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.; master's degree and doctorate, the University of Kansas in human development and child psychology

Career: "I have always worked with or taught others to work with individuals with developmental disabilities. I have been a researcher/grant writer, taught university courses in special education and helped to create a community mental-health agency."

Best career move: "Coming to Camp Baker has been the best move for me as a mother and working professional. Its many programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including everything from summer camp to day support for adults, an after-school program for children/teens and a 24-hour respite program, lets me draw on both my clinical and management skills."

Best advice ever received: "I used to be a mountain climber. Once when I was at the Mount Everest base camp, a Sherpa guide said to take one step at a time and keep moving forward. Pretty good advice for any situation."

Family: children Katie, Carol, George and Cristofer

Most memorable book: "My three oldest children were born in China, so I would have to say, 'The Good Earth' by Pearl S. Buck."

Favorite food: "Any type of seafood."

Ideal vacation: "The beach."