Scott Stewart’s journey to Cedar Lake’s Park Place and Sycamore Run is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for supporting individuals and fostering meaningful relationships. Growing up in Northeastern Ohio, Scott’s path took several twists and turns before he found his place as the Administrator of Park Place and Sycamore Run, two of Cedar Lake’s intermediate care facilities. His dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has led him to a career that leaves him feeling fulfilled every day.
After studying theology at Kentucky Christian University, Scott spent 16 years in ministry as a pastor in the Christian church. His transition into behavioral health began when he took on a supervisory role at a youth facility in Columbus, Indiana. There, he supported staff and helped with crisis management. Over five years, Scott developed a passion for ensuring the well-being of individuals and reducing restraints through training and curriculum development.
A friend’s suggestion led Scott to explore opportunities in long-term care, and he decided to pursue a career as a licensed nursing home administrator. He returned to school, earning an MBA in healthcare management, and after completing an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program, he passed his licensure exam in 2018. Scott served as an administrator in Louisville and New Albany before joining Cedar Lake in December 2022.
A Fulfilling Role at Park Place and Sycamore Run
Scott’s move to Cedar Lake was inspired by his desire to move away from long-term care and into a more relationship-focused environment. When he walked through Park Place during his interview process, he immediately felt a connection to the individuals and the mission of Cedar Lake. “It felt like this was where I wanted to be,” Scott recalls. The relationships with the individuals supported and the organization’s commitment to enhancing their quality of life made the decision an easy one.
Scott has developed a special bond with the guys at Park Place. Many of them visit his office just to hang out, drawn to his approachable nature and his dedication to giving them what they need to thrive. “They gravitate toward me because they know I will do all I can for them,” Scott says. Whether he’s at Park Place or visiting Sycamore Run, where he spends 1-2 days a week, Scott is committed to making sure both facilities have everything they need to provide the best care possible.
The Cedar Lake Difference
One of the things that struck Scott about Cedar Lake is its family-oriented culture. “It’s more than healthcare,” he says. “It’s a strongly bonded organization.” Scott appreciates how involved families are in the lives of the individuals supported, and he sees firsthand how Cedar Lake’s environment allows personalities to blossom. “Families frequently say that their loved one started blossoming when they moved to Cedar Lake. They get a sense of independence, and it’s their home,” he adds.
Scott’s role also includes administrative responsibilities, such as managing budgets and overseeing the workforce. But what he enjoys most is the opportunity to build relationships. When new employees go through orientation, Scott tells them that they will know quickly if Cedar Lake is the right place for them. “You’ll either fall in love with the individuals or feel uncomfortable with the duties,” he says. He encourages new hires to come in with an open mind and see the importance of providing abundant life opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One of Scott’s favorite memories from 2023 is attending the Shine Prom with individuals from Sycamore Run and Park Place. He recalls how a nurse who wasn’t part of their group spent the evening hanging out with them, drawn by how the Cedar Lake team cared for the individuals. “People notice how we care for our individuals,” Scott says, “and that makes me proud to be part of Cedar Lake.”
Looking Ahead
As Scott Stewart looks to the future at Cedar Lake, he envisions a continued focus on enhancing the lives of the individuals supported by embracing innovative tools and building stronger community relationships. One of his primary goals is to increase the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology. For individuals who cannot fully express themselves verbally, AAC offers new ways to communicate and engage with the world around them.
“Communication is such a vital part of living a fulfilling life,” Scott explains. “We want to make sure that every individual has the tools they need to express their wants, needs, and emotions. AAC technology can be transformative for those who haven’t yet had the ability to communicate in the way they want.” Scott is committed to bringing more of this technology to Cedar Lake and training staff to use it effectively, opening up new possibilities for the individuals they support.
Beyond technology, Scott is passionate about expanding the opportunities for community integration at Park Place and Sycamore Run. One of his key focuses is to continue strengthening Cedar Lake’s volunteer program. Volunteers play a significant role in enriching the lives of the individuals supported, whether through one-on-one interactions, group activities, or simply being there to share a smile or a conversation. “Volunteers bring a fresh energy, and the individuals really light up when they have new people to interact with,” Scott says.
He hopes to see more local businesses, churches, and civic groups get involved with Cedar Lake by offering their time and talents. “It’s not just about coming in for a visit—it’s about forming relationships,” Scott emphasizes. He believes that building strong connections between the broader community and Cedar Lake will not only benefit the individuals but also create a sense of belonging for the volunteers themselves. “When people see the impact theycan have on someone’s day just by showing up, they realize how important this work is,” he says.
Scott also dreams of expanding recreational and social activities for the individuals supported at Cedar Lake. Whether it’s taking part in sports, attending community events, or engaging in hobbies like music, art, and gardening, Scott wants to ensure that each person has the opportunity to pursue what they love. “We’re always looking for new ways to support people in living full, abundant lives. That means giving them access to the activities and experiences they’re passionate about,” he explains.
Additionally, Scott hopes to see Cedar Lake further develop partnerships with local organizations like WAGS Pet Therapy and the Henry County Humane Society, which have brought therapy dogs to visit Park Place. “We’ve seen such joy when individuals interact with the dogs,” Scott shares. “For some, these visits are the highlight of their week. It’s a small but incredibly meaningful experience that brightens their day.”
In the future, Scott would love to see Cedar Lake continue to innovate and grow, particularly by enhancing staff development and support. “The most challenging part of my role is getting the right people in the right roles,” he says. “We want people who are not only capable but also excited and passionate about this work—people who will go the extra mile because they genuinely care.” Scott is committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow in their roles. He knows that when staff members thrive, so do the individuals they care for.
Building Relationships
At its core, Scott’s vision for Cedar Lake is all about relationships—strengthening the bonds between staff, individuals, families, and the broader community. “We make sure each person has real community support,” he says, whether that’s attending a local church, participating in sports, or simply going out to do activities they’re passionate about. For Scott, providing abundant life opportunities is what Cedar Lake is all about, and he’s excited to continue building on that legacy for years to come.
Scott’s drive to bring more communication options, volunteer involvement, and activity opportunities to Cedar Lake is rooted in his deep belief that every individual deserves a life full of possibilities. With Scott’s leadership and passion for growth, the future at Cedar Lake is bright and full of promise.
A Personal Connection
Scott’s personal life is closely tied to Cedar Lake as well. His 10-year-old daughter has met many of the individuals at Park Place, and she’s particularly drawn to one individual named Mike. She asks about him all the time, and Mike asks about her in return. “At Cedar Lake, it’s all about relationships,” Scott says, and this bond between his daughter and Mike is a perfect example of the connections that make Cedar Lake special.
In his free time, Scott is a Girl Scout troop leader and teaches part-time at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, where he instructs a business class once a quarter. But his heart remains with Cedar Lake, where he knows he’s making a difference. “Unless someone comes and sees what Cedar Lake is like, they won’t know how amazing it is,” Scott says. “We have the greatest equipment, top-notch facilities, and it’s clean. Cedar Lake is a true home.”
For Scott Stewart, Cedar Lake isn’t just a place to work—it’s a community where relationships matter, independence is nurtured, and lives are changed.
