When Ilese Anderson joined Cedar Lake in January 2023 as the executive director of Cedar Lake Residences, it was more than just a new position; it was the continuation of a lifetime dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live fulfilling lives. Her career journey began in social work, where she dreamed of working with at-risk youth and families. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, her first job was in therapeutic foster care—a position that, while impactful, quickly took an emotional toll. This led Ilese to explore opportunities in larger IDD-focused facilities, state-level quality assurance roles, and eventually, broader supportive community organizations, developing invaluable skills along the way.
Her path to Cedar Lake was almost serendipitous. Her husband’s work brought her to Louisville, and she stumbled upon the Cedar Lake job listing. The mission to empower people with intellectual disabilities resonated deeply with her, and despite her familiarity with the field, Cedar Lake offered a unique and inspiring environment. “The people here emotionally care for those they support,” she reflects. ” I too feel in love with working with this population.”
Building Experience Across Roles and Responsibilities
Ilese’s wealth of experience spans from risk management in state-run facilities to quality measurement and training programs with Stonebelt, a role similar to Cedar Lake’s mission-driven work. At Stonebelt, she became a key figure in aligning operations with the organization’s principles, a responsibility she feels equally passionate about at Cedar Lake. Her favorite part of the job has always been connecting with individuals who face more challenges and empowering them to be advocates for themselves. She describes the individuals she supports as “capable, and able to do so much more than we know.” She loves that they, like anyone, dream of fulfilling relationships, career opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
Balancing Life and Family
A “recovering softball mom,” Ilese finds balance in her life through family, her passion for sports, and travel. Whether it’s spending a peaceful afternoon by the ocean or watching a baseball game with her husband, Scott, she values these moments to recharge. With three daughters aged 26 to 20, along with bonus children Brayden, 19, and Natalie, 18, she’s navigated years of cheering from the sidelines and supporting her children’s pursuits, just as she champions those of the people she works with at Cedar Lake.
Always Growing, Always Learning
Beyond her extensive experience, what makes Ilese such a positive presence at Cedar Lake is her commitment to doing right by others. Earning her Masters of Business in Healthcare Administration in 2020 gave her the confidence to expand her leadership skills, and she’s now only one class away from completing a Specialty in Human Resources. This dedication to learning and growth reflects her belief in thoughtful, informed support for both her team and the individuals at Cedar Lake. “I want people to understand that my intentions are always rooted in providing the best support possible,” she explains. “Sometimes that means asking questions to make sure we’re looking at every angle and creating the best solutions.”
Looking Ahead
Since joining Cedar Lake, Ilese has focused on stabilizing the Cedar Lake Residential program, hiring staff, and building out the Family Home Provider program. “I find fulfillment in being a part of a team that comes together for a common purpose,” she says.
Looking ahead, Ilese is continually moved by the resilience and joy of the people she supports and is grateful to work in a place where every team member is dedicated to a common goal. “To help people be who they want to be—that’s the most rewarding work I can imagine,” she says.
