Ted Arrandale serves as a Learning Partner, also known as a Training Specialist, at Cornerstones of Care. One of the best parts of his role? “Every day is different,” he says. Some days, he’s building an e-course; other days, he’s facilitating workshops for foster parents or presenting orientation sessions for new Cornerstones of Care team members. “It keeps me engaged and always learning,” Ted adds.

Ted’s an avid wresting fan

Ted’s journey as a trainer began over two decades ago. In around the year 2000, he was asked if he was interested in training staff. “I was still fairly new to the agency and the field, but I had been a sponge in the trainings I had received,” he recalls. “I was excited and nervous at the opportunity, but I jumped at it.”

Today, Ted teaches courses for foster parents ranging from CPR and First Aid to specialized topics like Trauma Informed Discipline using Neuroscience to enact behavior change. He explains, “I love presenting the idea of looking at behaviors as something our kids in care are literally wired to do, and how to use that brain science knowledge to help create new neuropathways. Basically, it helps rewire the brain into a more functional and healthier one, and as a result, a lot of the big stress response behaviors subside.”

Ted was drawn to this work because of his background in working with children, along with encouragement from friends and his brother who were already working at our Ozanam campus. “I had experience with kids, but not this particular population. It felt like the perfect fit,” he says.

When asked about the most rewarding part of his work, Ted says it depends on the class. “Sometimes it’s when a foster parent has an ‘ah ha!’ moment — you can see a new concept clicking. Sometimes it’s the relief on their faces when they know they’ve met their training requirements. But usually, it’s the brief connections I get to make with them, listening to their stories about their experiences. That’s amazing.”

Outside of work, Ted cherishes time with his two sons and enjoys playing guitar and creating art. His dedication to learning, teaching, and connecting with others shines through in both his professional and personal life.