Talent Tribute: James Singleton
Our Talent Tribute Monthly Feature is designed to celebrate the phenomenal staff that serve our Members.
With more than two decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, James brought a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service when he joined VALLEYLIFE in March 2026. Before coming to VALLEYLIFE, he served as a Director at another agency, where he helped support more than 50 Members.
James originally applied for a different position, but everything changed when he learned about the VALLEYLIFE’s Autism focused ASPIRE program. He immediately recognized it as the right opportunity and became excited about contributing to the program’s continued growth. Now serving as Senior Supervisor for DTAs 7 and 8, James works to foster an encouraging, engaging environment where Members and staff feel supported. For him, the most rewarding part of his work is inspiring individuals to pursue their goals and live their best lives.
Originally from Michigan, James attended college in New York and has lived in every state. Nearly 20 years ago, he traded snowy winters for the Arizona sunshine and has called the state home ever since.
Family is an important part of James’s life. He is the proud father of six daughters and two sons. He enjoys coaching girls’ basketball and his grandson’s football team. When he is not coaching, James can often be found fishing, spending time with his lab, or cheering for the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Cubs. He also has a special appreciation for pasta and chocolate chip cookies.
We sat down and asked James about his VALLEYLIFE experience as a whole, and this is what he had to say.
1. How would you describe your ideal day at VALLEYLIFE?
My ideal day at VALLEYLIFE would be one where all my staff will show up on time, all the Members are having their best day, and all my meetings go as scheduled.
2. What has your time at VALLEYLIFE taught you over the past year?
I say it has taught me that working together, we can accomplish great things. It also has taught me that working here is like a family, and we all work together for the common goal of doing what is best for the Members.
3. Can you tell us what you enjoy most about interacting with Members?
What I enjoy most about interacting with Members has been just learning about them and their history. I also enjoy helping them reach their goals.
One of my Members has a goal of working at Dutch Brothers. I have learned by working with her how strong her dedication to that goal is and how hard she is willing to work to make that goal come true. Ever since she started focusing on that goal, she has made flashcards of all the Dutch Brothers' drinks so that she can start learning the drink orders. Here at VALLEY, we can help encourage her to reach for that goal.
4. What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in your position?
Some skills and qualities a person would need to be successful in my role would be being able to relate to the staff and the Members, and also having the ability to think outside the box. That has really helped me in my position.
5. Lastly, what do you hope to accomplish or learn in your future at VALLEYLIFE?
So, the basic thing I want to accomplish moving forward at VALLEYLIFE is just building the ASPIRE program to be able to reach more Members. From there, I want to continue to assist them with their goals, whatever those goals may be.
