Posted on June 9, 2022
Each month, we’re highlighting a “behind-the-scenes” team member whose work supports our mission, but whose face you might not often see on our social media pages.
We’re excited to help you get to know our innovative team and the complex work we do.
So, tune in for our #TeamMemberSpotlight, where our team members share in their own words a bit about themselves!
What is your official title?
MD Day Program Floater
How long have you been with Penn-Mar?
It’ll be 5 years on July 24th. I started working here two months after graduating college.
What brought you to Penn-Mar?
Helping people in need is something that comes natural to me. I plan to go back to school to finish my nursing degree, and working here at Penn-Mar has been a great stepping stone between college and pursuing that.
Why is Penn-Mar’s mission important to you?
Penn-Mar’s mission is important to me because I think it is very important for people to succeed in life, and our mission statement epitomizes that.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It varies from day to day. Since the pandemic started, we have experienced a lot of changes here in the day program. As a floater, I do anything from being a group staff, giving someone 1:1 support, and there are times when I need to support someone residentially. There really is not a typical day, but each day is very fulfilling.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing the smiles on the people we support! It’s a great feeling when you know you’re helping make someone’s life better.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I would say that the most challenging part would be getting people to realize that the people we support here at Penn-Mar are people too, and they deserve to be treated no differently than you or myself.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
This job can be challenging at times, but it is definitely more rewarding than anything! Yes, this is our job but this is their lives we are dealing with. Every day, whether we know it or not, we are making a huge difference in their lives.
What advice do you have for someone looking to enter this field?
Do it! You have to do it for the right reasons though. You have to be very compassionate to work in this field. You have to be able to put your problems aside to give them your all. When I first started working here, I had little to no experience in this field, but I’ve grown so much thanks to the ones I support.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Reading and traveling. A lot of people don’t know that I like to read, but I love it! As for traveling, that’s something I’ve been doing all of my life! I’ve been all over the Caribbean, and now I want to travel to some European countries.