To say Lindsay Dermer has a busy schedule would be a disservice. Between her profession as an occupational therapist, her new role as a business owner and her involvement in the Jewish community and beyond, this nominee and winner for IMPACT’s People’s Choice Award is always looking for ways to grow as a professional and as a member of the Baltimore Jewish community.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I grew up in Reisterstown and currently live in Pikesville. Last year, I became a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and started a business, Dermer Health Services, LLC. to help give people the opportunity to remain in their homes as long as possible.

What does your involvement with the community look like today? 

After college, I knew I wanted to stay connected with the Jewish community. I wasn’t afraid to go to events by myself , which allowed me to meet new friends and colleagues I otherwise would not have met. It wasn’t long until I found myself attending IMPACT events and others hosted by various agencies in The Associated system and beyond. I’m also an active participant in a fellowship that helps families in need. Recently I applied to IMPACT’s Young Leadership Council (YLC) program.

Volunteering is important to you. 

I’ve loved volunteering ever since my Bat Mitzvah project, where I put together care packages of toiletries for the Hackerman-Patz House at Sinai Hospital. Those Jewish values have been instilled in me from that point forward. No matter how big or small the volunteer project is, it still provides a rewarding feeling to help someone.

I remember helping an otherwise home-bound woman with everyday days including, assisting her with her bills, housework, managing her finances, and taking her to see a speaker she really liked through an organization she was previously involved with. She really enjoyed being able to go out and socialize with others she hasn’t seen in a long time, especially since when she typically goes out, it is for doctor appointments. These simple acts of kindness were truly appreciated.

Can you describe your involvement with IMPACT? 

I was recently on the Young Adult Task Force which works towards providing recommendations and funding for young adult programming. Those sessions recently concluded. At the end of last year, I attended the Channukah BrewHaha. I recently attended the Summer Soiree. I’m also involved with Repair the World: Baltimore, Charm City Tribe, and Moishe House. Becoming involved in different programs provides the opportunity to gain many different types of experiences.

What are you looking forward to in the future? 

I’m looking forward to gaining more leadership skills, as I mentioned with my recent application to YLC. I hope to use those skills in my professional life, my personal life, with my new business and of course within the Jewish community. Whether it means I will serve on a board or something similar, I aim to be more involved than the average member.

What’s a good piece of advice you would like to share? 

My advice would be to just go out there and try as many different programs as you can. There are so many programs and agencies within The Associated that you’re bound to find something that connects with you whether it is socially, volunteer-focused, or professionally.

Would you like to share any thoughts on being receiving the People’s Choice award? 

I was, of course, extremely honored to be nominated. I’ve been involved in the Jewish community for a long time and within my close circle of friends, everyone has always said ‘you’re so involved, you do so much’ but to have someone from outside my circle give me a nomination, it truly resonated with me that I am where I’m supposed to be.