Mike Lightbody, MPH

Executive Director of Creative Living

I want to invite you all to experience the passion and innovation that is Creative Living. As the Executive Director of Creative Living, I bring over 20 years of leadership experience in services and supports for people with disabilities and complex health conditions. Creative Living has a long history of being a trailblazer of services not seen in other states and I am proud to lead us through the next chapter.

My introduction into disability services began in college as a direct support professional providing caregiver services to people with disabilities. That experience fueled my academic and professional paths. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa, I went on to lead teams in home and community based services. Most recently I worked at University of Iowa Healthcare leading teams that advance disability services in the state. For the last 9 years I served on the Special Olympics Iowa Board of Directors. I currently serve on the Inform USA Board of Directors, an organization that helps people with disabilities navigate community resources across the United States and Canada. Along this journey I gained a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Iowa with a focus on Health Management and Policy. I position my education, real life experiences and expertise to support Creative Living in embarking on the next era of innovative approaches that support a life in the community.

Accessing accessible, affordable and safe housing is a Social Determinant of Health which empowers individuals to reach new heights in personal development. Institutionalization is no longer an option. Creative Living has been and always will be a pioneer in providing the safety net of support for Columbus residents with physical disabilities that use mobility devices that require an adapted apartment with on-site 24-hour support. As we embark on our 50th Anniversary, whether supporter, employee or past/current/future resident, please join us in ensuring Creative Living continues to be an integral part of the network of support services for people with physical disabilities that look for support to grow and achieve new heights of independence.