Today we’d like to introduce you to Audra Kujaczynski.
Hi Audra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was working in a completely different industry when my life changed in an instant. My daughter and I were involved in a very serious ATV accident and were both life-flighted to the hospital. I wasn’t wearing a helmet, and as a result, I sustained a traumatic brain injury along with Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES).
After the accident, I was no longer able to continue in my previous career. While I was figuring out my next steps, I began working with individuals with disabilities on what I thought would be a temporary basis. What I didn’t expect was how deeply I would fall in love with the work. I loved everything about it it never felt like “just a job.” It felt meaningful, purposeful, and truly fulfilling.
Over time, I worked my way up within a couple of different companies, gaining valuable experience and confidence. Eventually, my husband encouraged me to take a leap of faith and start my own company. With his constant love and support, I found the courage to build something of my own and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a very bumpy road to get where I am today. Caregiver burnout is real, and our field experiences a high turnover rate because of it. The individuals we support deserve consistency, yet staffing changes and occasional shortages can make that difficult and, at times, add even more pressure to the team. Maintaining balance isn’t always easy.
Through it all, I’ve learned more than I ever imagined. I am truly not the same person I was when I first started Devenir. I’ve grown as a leader, as a professional, and as a person. What hasn’t changed is my commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve every single day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Devenir’s mission is- We believe that every person has the right to live a life of their choosing, and we are committed to supporting our clients to achieve their goals and aspirations. We work hard every day to help inspire growth and unlock unknown potential from those individuals we serve. Devenir Supports understands that each individual is unique in personality and lifestyle. Therefore, we design support around their personal needs. We pride ourselves on creating and building relationships. Our staff is trained in nurturing through a positive and open approach while supporting independence.
Over the years, we’ve grown into a multifaceted program designed to meet individuals where they are and support them in meaningful, personalized ways. We currently offer day programs in Murray and Provo, supported living services, host home placements, and engaging summer programs that provide both structure and enrichment.
While we provide a variety of services, we truly specialize in supported living and one-on-one programs. Our strength lies in individualized care taking the time to understand each person’s goals, preferences, abilities, and challenges. We believe support should never be one-size-fits-all. Instead, we focus on the whole person, building plans around their unique needs and empowering them to live as independently and confidently as possible.
What I am most proud of, however, is not just the programs themselves, it’s the relationships we’ve built along the way. Our connections within the community have been instrumental in creating opportunities and meaningful experiences for the individuals we serve. I’m especially proud of our partnership with Utah Parent Center, which has strengthened our ability to support families with education, advocacy, and resources. Together, we are building a network of support that extends far beyond our walls.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In my personal life, I truly can say I am blessed to be here. The day of our accident, when my daughter and I were being life-flighted, my husband was told we might not make it. That’s something you never forget. Every day since then has felt like a gift, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.
When it comes to the business, though, I’m not sure “luck” is the right word. Devenir wasn’t built by chance, it was built through hard work, long hours, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. I have poured my heart into growing and shaping what Devenir has become.
If there’s one place I do feel lucky, it’s in the team we have today. They are compassionate, dedicated, and full of heart. They show up each day ready to make a difference, and they bring genuine joy and meaningful connection into the lives of the individuals we support. For that, I am incredibly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devenirsupports.com
