24/7 Care with heart and community

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George founded High Plains Health Providers’ group home business in 1991, as a private, for-profit agency serving adults with developmental disabilities, with the goal of staying “small” and providing a quality of care second to none in the industry. He opened Miramar and Cumberland Court that first year, followed by Somerset Hills and Hamlin House in 1992. He opened High Plains’ Day Program in 1997 to serve only High Plains’ residents. George graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. While on a business trip to Texas in 1991, George visited a group home in Midland and was invited back for dinner that evening by the residents. He returned to Denver and shared the experience with his wife and 3 months later, George relocated his family to Wichita Falls,  Texas, to open a group home business. Wichita Falls was chosen first of all because no one else there was offering the level of care he envisioned and the acting director of the local MHMR, Henrilu Smith, who is now our Psychology Associate, opened her arms to his vision and helped make it a reality. The location also happened to be close to grandmothers in Electra, Bowie and Dallas, Texas, not to mention parents and in-laws in West Texas and Southeast Texas. He is actively involved in the day-to-day activities of High Plains and has been since day one. He works primarily with the QIDP and House Parent Supervisors to ensure the quality of care of its residents. George has worked in the homes as direct care staff, at the Day Program as a Direct Care Trainer, has worn the maintenance hat many times in the past as well as serving as a job coach for residents. He participates in all staffings and knows each resident personally. He also oversees the business end of things here at High Plains. He is active in the ARC of Wichita County as well as the statewide Private Providers Association of Texas (PPAT).  PPAT advocates for the rights of residents and providers at the legislative level, which is where funding comes from to provide for the excellent ICF/IDD program Texas has. 

Karen serves as the QIDP for High Plains. Karen has lived in Wichita Falls since 1991, but grew up in Vernon, Texas.   She attended Midwestern State University and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1993 and a Master of Arts in Human Resources in 1996.  Karen began working in this field in 1992 when she got her first job working as an overnight direct care worker caring for severely disabled children.  Since that time, Karen has worked for two other service organizations where she has served as a House Parent Supervisor, Job Coach, Case Manager, QIDP, HCS Program Manager, as well as created and launched a day program for another local provider.  Karen came to High Plains in 2000 where she assumed the role of QIDP.  Karen oversees the 4 group homes, day program, as well as manages a team of approximately 45 staff members.   As the QIDP, Karen is responsible for creating individualized active treatment programs for each resident served by High Plains.  She ensures that programs are written to meet the resident’s needs and are implemented appropriately by trained facility staff.   

Estefania joined the High Plains team in 2023, joining the team as the Administrative Assistant to the QIDP.  Estefania's position is vital in ensuring that all medical appointments are met, training goals are being mastered and on track, program progress is documented for each individual to ensure their program plan is meeting their needs.  She also oversees the day program, ensuring that daily activities are coordinated and organized to ensure our residents are integrated into the community, learning to serve our community through volunteer work, as well as learn daily life skills to promote independence.  Estefania came to High Plains from the Arc of Wichita County where she served in many roles, including day hab supervisor, child care supervisor, and office manager.