Guiding Families Through Life-Changing Systems
At Magnify of Central Florida, no two days are ever the same, especially for Trina Blackburn, Assistant Director of Home and Community-Based Services. Trina plays a vital role in helping individuals and their families access the support they need.
“A big part of my role involves guiding individuals, guardians, and staff through systems like Medicaid and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ iBudget waiver,” Trina explains. “I provide strategic support across programs, troubleshoot compliance and billing concerns, and coach managers to ensure we meet both individual needs and maintain high standards of quality and compliance.”
That behind-the-scenes work has a direct impact on the lives of those we serve. “Seeing our residents thrive in the least restrictive, most inclusive settings is what drives me,” she says. “Knowing that the systems I help manage translate into real outcomes is what makes this work meaningful to me.”
But navigating those systems isn’t always easy.
“One of the biggest challenges is catching things early,” Trina shares. “I’ve learned to overcome that by staying involved, doing regular check-ins, and cross-training our teams to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.”
A common misconception, she adds, is that services begin immediately after applying for the iBudget waiver. “In reality, the process can take years. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding causes some families to delay applying until much later in their loved one’s life.”
Trina’s role has undergone significant evolution over time. “I started at Magnify as the Lead Villa Manager, directly supervising team members. Today, I’m shaping internal compliance and billing systems and guiding our team on policies to ensure we’re always aligned with quality standards.”
When asked about a recent proud moment, she doesn’t hesitate. “Anytime I help a participant secure Medicaid eligibility or approval, especially when it prevents service disruptions, I’m proud. It’s rewarding to know I played a part in keeping someone’s services consistent.”
She recalls one story in particular. “A participant lost his guardian, and his family was overwhelmed. I guided them through the appeal process, helped them gather the necessary documents, and stayed in touch throughout. It was a reminder of how much families rely on us, especially during tough transitions.”
With over 20 years in the field, Trina has advice for others. “This is one of the most rewarding careers out there. You need patience and resilience, but if you’re willing to learn and advocate, you’ll change lives.”
What keeps her going? “This work is personal to me. My connection runs deep, and that keeps me grounded in purpose, especially on the hard days.”
