In 2004 our CEO was blessed with a son. Daniel was born with developmental disabilities and diagnosed with autism by his parents well before the physicians were able to provide a label. Today, Daniel is a young adult, learning in a unique environment where he helps to care for animals and is focused on life skills, self-care and relationships with others as opposed to academics. To a large extent, our firms’ mission has been motivated by Daniel and the lessons he has taught us.

The paramount difference between Merraine Group and most search firms is that this is personal to us. Our mission to help those who have different challenges is guided by our personal and family connection to individuals with different abilities. In addition, we have many other industries, both for-profit and non-profit, under the Shepherd Search Group umbrella, which complement our non-profit search. We have found that cross-pollination between our different brands helps set us apart from other nonprofit search models. As a search firm that is not strictly focused on non-profit, we have also benefited from our need to treat each search with a fresh pair of eyes, never relying on a potentially outdated database.

If your plan is to enhance your agency, improve services, and grow efficiently, then you want a firm that has gained a reputation for not only a passion for individuals with developmental disabilities but also one who understands the business aspects. One of our key markers as a recruitment firm is the ability to refer fresh talent, who have a keen business understanding as well. This ensures that you have both the advocacy need it as well as the acumen to guarantee longevity.