Director of Disability and Volunteer Programming
Goodwill of Southern Nevada
Q: If you were talking to yourself on the first day you started your career, what would be the piece of advice you would give yourself on that first day?
A: When one door closes or something doesn’t work out, don’t give up….keep going. It could be behind the next door you knock on!
Q: What is a quote or saying you live by, and why?
A: "Life is not the number of breaths we take but the number of moments that take our breath away/" I’ve learned along the way to appreciate the small gifts that come our way – my children, my pets over the years, my career choices – all have enlightened my heart, photography, and my two beautiful twin grandsons. To tuck them in at night and they will ask, ‘when will you be back Nana’. I’m pretty lucky!
Q: How do you “shine” in your career/field in a unique market like Las Vegas?
A: Serving individuals with a disability is one of the most rewarding careers I have been privileged to do. You have to love what you do, and you have to give that back to the people you serve. I know that the disability population I work with have so many SPECIAL ABILITIES. I have surrounded myself with a great team that cares for them just as much and does not give up on them. Goodwill offers assessments to see if they are job ready through VR Nevada. We go into the CCSD to teach self-advocacy, work readiness, job exploration, post-secondary, and work-based learning. We run a 5-week Summer Education Experience (SEE) to provide job ready education as well as field trips and a 3-week paid PT job at a Goodwill Store coached by our vetted trainers. Since 1997 we offer all CCSD High School SPED classes the opportunity to come to the closest Goodwill Store and learn how to work – doing real work – so they can feel the pride of being seen and appreciated.