Andy came to ARC/CSS in July of 1994 after teaching special education classes at the elementary and high school level. Andy, raised in Altamont, graduated from Altamont Community High School. He attended Lake Land Community College and Eastern Illinois University where he received a Bachelors degree in Special Education.
Andy currently serves as Director of Community Employment Services. Hired as ARC's Community Employment Coordinator, Andy oversees advancements in Supported Employment as well as the integrating trends of Community Employment. Kistler serves as Vocational Placement Specialist for persons with disabilities who have been referred for competitive placement in the community. Kistler works cooperatively with the Illinois Department of Human Services - Office of Rehabilitation Services in achieving individual placement success.
Kistler also oversees contractual obligations with the Illinois Department of Transportation's Interstate Rest Area Project. For over ten (10) years, ARC-CSS has maintained buildings and grounds at the National Trail Rest Areas along I-70 and the Green Creek Rest Areas along I-57. In addition to monitoring the agency's contracts with IDOT, Kistler also oversees ARC-CSS's mobile janitorial crew.
Kistler believes Community Employment has endless opportunities,
"Everyone served through ARC Community Support Systems has a place in Community Employment. Working in the community offers numerous benefits to the individual seeking services as well as their co-workers and the business community. Hiring individuals with disabilities is more than kindness...It's simply good business."
Kistler resides in Watson with his wife, Cheri and their two daughters, Taylor and Brooke.
