May 2023

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

I studied electrical engineering, but I did not work in my professional field for a long time. I then found out that the Villa was looking for a maintenance person, and I soon fell in love with my work.

How long have you been at the Villa?

I have been at the Villa for nine years. I work as a maintenance mechanic. My responsibilities include painting, wall repair, plumbing, and electrical work. I enjoy my work here at the Villa.

What is your favorite part of your job?

There is always something to do: power washing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or hanging banners or shades. These seemingly simple tasks are my favorite part, as they are more complicated than others may assume, and challenge me.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I wish that I could take a month to drive across the country.

April 2023

How long have you been at St. Joseph’s Villa?

I’ve been with the Villa for almost 2 years.

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

I moved to Richmond from New York in June 2021, and when I began my job search, St. Joseph’s Villa was one of the first employers that popped up. I had worked in homelessness, substance use, and mental health as a case manager for other agencies. Within 3 weeks of arriving in Richmond, I was called for an interview and started working in July 2021. Since joining the Villa, I have learned there are a lot of differences here from what my experience was in New York. It took a minute to get acclimated, but it worked out just fine! I am happy to be a part of the Villa and enjoy what I do to assist participants in securing permanent housing. Homelessness is homelessness, everywhere and anywhere!

How would you describe the Villa culture?

I describe the Villa culture as friendly and knowledgeable. During my hiring process, we were still working remotely due to COVID. Most of my trainings in the beginning were remote and the instructors/facilitators were great at teaching. My colleagues and managers were all very helpful in training me and showing me the lay of the land, so to speak. Now we work together and teach each other, no matter how long someone has worked at the Villa. I am glad to be a part of the Villa and the Flagler program.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of being a case manager is seeing the happiness and joy on a participant’s face when they are housed. I have had participants thank me just for giving them a listening ear. One participant said to me that I was the first one who actually listened to what they had to say, and they were thankful for that. They felt that, for as long as they were homeless, they were just pushed through the system and finally got someone who heard them.

March 2023

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

I was drawn to the Villa in the fall of 2020, as I was looking for a career change that would allow me to respond to the needs of others during the COVID experience. I enjoy being helpful, and while it is not possible for me to directly help our clients, I am able to help indirectly through my position in the finance office.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is providing support and assistance to team members and clients.

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy showing my dogs in agility competitions, which keeps my mind and physical self in shape.

How long have you been at the Villa?

I will have been working at the Villa for 8 years this April.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of my job is fulfilling multiple roles in my program while enjoying laughs, smiles, and everlasting moments of encouragement from staff and students. Being a part of an amazing program with a very blended number of students has made each day interesting and different.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

Relating to my job, my boss (Diana Morris) has been my biggest mentor over the past 8 years. Mrs. Morris has been by far the best boss and mentor I could ever ask for. I’ve grown and really strengthened my skills in all areas working in this field. I’m thankful for the patience she’s had teaching me over the years and I will always give her credit for putting her staff needs before her own.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Apply myself harder in school. I would also encourage myself to learn how to network and practice public speaking.

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

The wide range of services and programs to support those who need them.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Learning  my clients’ stories and working with them to conquer their struggles.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?

It’s more than just a job – I am getting to know clients and their families in their own environments and allowing them to be vulnerable.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

My dog!

February 2023

How long have you been at St. Joseph’s Villa?

I have been at the Villa since August 2016. I originally taught at Elk Hill Varina, and began at the Villa as an English teacher in the Dooley Center for Alternative Education. I loved working with that team and population of students, and did so for two years before transferring to Dooley School as their Education Coordinator. I enjoyed learning and developing a new role on campus, and the Villa offered valuable experience for me to grow as an educator and leader.

I have a passion for education, supporting teachers, students and families, and continuing to learn best practices and new ways to improve our students’ outlook on school.

What is one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is how I came to be drawn to alternative education. I have an Equine Science minor and worked with race horses up north. During that time, I worked with a trainer who cared for horses with physical and behavioral issues. One day, a very large horse was brought to me after he had bitten another groom. Each day after that, I would move the horse to the aisle, brush him, and put his equipment on him. He was still as could be for me, but anyone else that walked by would get pinned ears and sometimes an attempted nip. I would stand between him and other people and horses every time he was out of his stall. I grew to love the horses that seemed to need special attention and more personal care.

When I left the racing business, I moved to VA and began substitute teaching. The illiteracy rate concerned me, and I had a deep desire to focus on those who were sort of bypassed, more than the students who were willing and easily teachable. I earned my teaching license and was eventually hired by the Villa. I absolutely love coming to work, being a part of the lives of students and families, and seeing how they transform when we believe in them and offer them the time and patience they deserve.

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

Free time? What’s that? Just kidding, I love being outside. When I’m not working, I’m going for jogs, long walks, or even longer bike rides (cycling – not motorcycles). My longest bike ride was 107 miles in one evening. I love hiking, reading, drawing, and working with horses. Camping – not glamping – is another one of my favorite things to do.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I would love to watch horses cross Chincoteague. I grew up reading Marguerite Henry books and love Misty of Chincoteague and Stormy. Horses are incredible beings and not one day has been a bad day when I have spent time with a horse. Horses provide therapy in so many ways and being able to enjoy them in a natural environment, free, would be something I would relish doing. I would also love to complete the Camino de Santiago walk in Spain.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

I cannot live without my faith. I struggled as a young person with faith and religion, and the purpose of living. I have a nearly 18-year-old son, have moved around 4 states, and lived in more than 10 houses. As I grew older, I knew something in my life was missing, but I really didn’t know what. It was several years before I came to know Jesus and have a strong faith. I have not experienced many of the hardships our clients face, but that doesn’t mean the last 40 years have been easy. I would say, though, that as I grow closer to God, I grow as a parent, an educator, and a friend.

How long have you been at St. Joseph’s Villa?

It will be 8 years this upcoming June.

What aspects of our mission do you identify with?

Assisting others to reach their optimum potential and live fuller, more independent lives.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The fact that Recreation Services has the privilege to work with our clients and staff from all of our Villa programs.

How would you describe the Villa culture?

Diverse, but in the best way. We have clients and staff from all walks of life. I enjoy how all SJV staff are able to come together with a common goal of helping those in need.

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

Boating, fishing on Lake Anna, and spending time with my husband and Scottish Terrier.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?

Our Housing & Homeless Services team is here to help support clients in every way we can, but our goal is to help them take their own steps toward independence and stability. We listen to what changes they want to make for themselves, then provide services and access to resources so that they can get there. That way, when they’re no longer in the program, they’re well prepared to maintain housing and attain the life they envision.

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be that you have the ability to do or be anything you want in life. There is no faith without action. I would tell her that to live life is to be free. I would tell her how to build her credit, to learn a skill set, and how to make her money work for her to become financially free.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

One thing I can’t live without is, “The Law of Attraction,” because it has completely shifted the way I see my life and how I handle things in my life on a daily basis. I believe that we can change our lives based on our emotions. If you are always negative and feel negative, you are going to attract negativity. On the other hand, if you are positive and feel positive emotions, you will start to attract to yourself positive outcomes from all sources, including people, places, and opportunities. I live by this, and have so for the last few years. I’ve been able to manifest a lot of things I want.

January 2023

How long have you been at the Villa?

I have been at the Villa for a year and a half, and have been blessed to meet such a wonderful group of staff and students during my time here.

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

My favorite hobbies are watching thriller and horror movies with my friends. I’m also in a book club and I love to read books focused on self-empowerment and financial literacy. Above all, I enjoy going to family functions and spending time with my loved ones.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

One thing I can’t live without is meditation. Having piece of mind allows me to successfully maintain motivation. I’m able to remain calm and aware in situations, and I’m able to maintain mindfulness.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I want to travel Route 66. Along the way, there are hundreds of cafes and tourist attractions to visit. The historic route stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Traveling through this national highway is said to be the greatest American drive.

How long have you been at the Villa?

I have been at the Villa for five years. I started as a counselor, became an Instructional Assistant, and eventually moved into my current position as a Behavior Interventionist.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?

When people hear my job title is Behavior Interventionist, they often think it’s very intense and demanding. However, it is a very rewarding job, despite the challenges. Being able to witness and participate in these major milestones for our students is a very rewarding thing.

What aspects of our mission do you identify with?

I identify with supporting and providing opportunities for our students and their families. I love how we ensure our students’ success at school not only by involving all staff, but also by including the families and introducing them to interventions and goals. That way, our students can be successful here and within the community.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

One thing I can’t live without is hot sauce. It’s a must for my meals.

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

I originally started at St. Joseph’s Villa as an intern while completing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I enjoyed working directly with the students as a counselor, and when the door was open to have a permanent position, I applied to CATS. I wanted to work with all of the programs on campus.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is helping people, whether it’s students or staff. I enjoy working in the food pantry and the Villa Shoppe giving back to others. Working each day with different clients is very rewarding, and knowing that it’s making a difference in someone else’s life – that’s the best part of this job.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to go for your dreams early in life. If you have a dream, for for it, and Michelle Obama says it the best: “Failure is an important part of your growth and developing resilience. Don’t be afraid to fail.”

What is one thing on your bucket list?

One thing on my bucket list is to go to Bali.

December 2022

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

When I began at the Villa in 1991, I had just moved from the Boston area and was hoping to continue working with kids in need. I started in Cottage One, where I had a great supervisor and a cohesive team that focused on accountability, communication, and more importantly, connection with those we served. But the main themes that kept me coming back were servant leadership, community, connection, and compassion for people who are at their most vulnerable.

What is your definition of success?

Since starting out in this field nearly 40 years ago, I’ve always held to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition of success: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…this is to have succeeded.”

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?

Robin Williams in his portrayal of “Patch” Adams – against odds, bureaucracy, and herd mentality, he fought for individual connection to the human spirit with persistence, compassion, empathy, and humor.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I’d like to ride a dog sled to a glass igloo in Finland and watch the Northern Lights dance…my wife wants me to tell her all about it when I get back.

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

The Villa provides the opportunity to work with a diverse group of children, families, and professional staff; I wanted to be a part of that team.

How would you describe the Villa culture?

Forward thinking and ever changing. There are always new ideas, initiatives, and people with great ideas to promote change.

What aspects of our mission do you identify with?

The Villa mission is to provide children with special needs and their families the opportunity to succeed through innovative and effective programs. Children, especially children with special needs, deserve the same opportunities, incentives, and quality of life as anyone. The Villa works to promote and provide those opportunities.

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

I spend time with my family and serve my community.

November 2022

How long have you been at the Villa?

I have been with the Villa for almost 5 years now. I came onboard as an intern while in grad school at South University.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is interacting with the children and their families. I absolutely LOVE working with children, even the most challenging ones. I enjoy trying to figure out how to meet them where they are, how to master a skill, educating them on mental health and trauma, and exploring coping skills. The part I enjoy the most is being able to watch their brains begin to grasp concepts. Knowing I was able to make an impression in their life bring me so much joy.

What one is fun fact about you?

I love, love elephants and flowers. There’s a game I play with the clients at CSU: Guess how many elephants are in my office?

What is one thing on your bucket list?

One thing on my bucket list is wanting to visit China.

How long have you been at the Villa?

This coming March, I will have been at the Villa for 9 years.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is creating safe spaces of engagement for our clients.

Who or what motivates you?

What motivates me is my faith, and my mission to use relationships to help young people reach their best selves.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

I’m not ashamed to say my streaming services.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of my job is seeing  how our loving, patient, caring, and amazing staff work with clients each day. They truly are making such a difference in the lives of people, families, and community we serve, and it’s inspiring. A lot of selfless, hard work goes on every day.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t stress about the small stuff. Focus on what you can do, and do it the best you can. Take time to enjoy where you are in life, and don’t keep wishing for the future, thinking, “I can’t wait until…”

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

I absolutely love going to the movies. It’s my favorite thing to do in the world. We quote movies all the time in my family. My husband and I are becoming empty nesters, and it’s been fun to do more adventurous things with our grown children, such as ATV riding, ax throwing, and escape rooms. I also love thrifting and DIY projects.

What one is fun fact about you?

I had a DIY TV show come to my home and completely gut and renovate our 1980’s family room in one day.

What drew you to St. Joseph’s Villa?

I was draw to the Villa when I realized that the programs are centered around helping children and their families, and use teamwork to meet our clients’ needs.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You need to have passion for your job, and have the patience to address the various challenges of the clients. Don’t take negative behaviors personally. It’s our job to help clients navigate those challenges.

Who or what motivates you?

Frances Jackson, our Housing Stabilization Case Manager, has been an inspiration to me. She worked with my mother in-law and my wife when day care was offered at the Villa years ago. She also taught my son when he attended. Frances mentored me and continues to be my “go to” person at Flagler Housing and Homeless Services.

What are some of your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

My hobbies include outdoor activities such as playing sports, especially basketball, reading, and sometimes fishing.