How did you first get involved with SCAN?
I began with SCAN as a Therapeutic Aide in the Circle Preschool Program’s older classroom during the summer of 2021. After many of our children graduated from the program that summer, I was offered the Lead Teacher position of the older classroom, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. I excitedly accepted the position and looked forward to the new, as well as the returning friends as well as a fun school year!
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN? What is your current role?
I attended VCU and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree in 2016. My mission, and passion, in life has always been to be able to help others in any way that I could, whether it be big or small. After graduating, I worked in the mental health field for 4.5 years through day supports, residential homes, and sponsored homes before my desire to work with children led me to a pre-kindergarten teacher role at Primrose Schools. One day, I stumbled upon a job opening at CPP and upon reading the job description, realized that it combined both of my passions into one role! I started as a Therapeutic Aide in one of the classrooms and am now currently the Lead Teacher in CPP’s Pond Room.
What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?
I truly and wholeheartedly love what I do and the impact that it makes on the children we serve. Some of our children come into our program feeling they are not accepted or that something is wrong with them due to the trauma they have gone through. Getting to see them come in every day, their smiles a little bigger than before and confidence shining brighter and brighter each day, truly is what keeps me going. They have gone through so much at their young age and life has been so unfair to them, but seeing them finally feeling accepted and knowing that they are truly cared about is the best feeling in the world!
Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
I wish that everyone could know about the impact that the organization has had and how they have changed lives! Working firsthand with some of the children we serve every day, I can truly see and feel what a difference SCAN has made!
What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
The best, but also one of the hardest, experiences with SCAN so far was when our children from the 2021-2022 school year graduated. Being that it was the first class I had the honor of being the Lead Teacher with, I watched them grow and bloom as the year went on. I witnessed them grow not only physically, but also grow in their kindness, care, and confidence in one another and within their own selves. We wrapped up the year with a graduation performance of, “On My Way,” by Phil Collins. Every word of the song felt more emotional that day!
What are any challenges you have faced in your work with SCAN?
One of the most challenging parts about the work we do is just hearing and witnessing some of the effects that trauma has had on our kids. It’s so hard to hear kids of any age, let alone 3-5 year olds, speaking negatively of themselves because of decisions others have made.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN?
I hope that all the programs continue to grow and continue to touch the lives of our young ones and their caregivers!
Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?
Outside of work, I am focusing a lot of time on my family as we have unfortunately suffered the loss of many family members over that past couple of years. During my free time, I am making sure to spend lots of quality time with them, just enjoying being in one another’s presence.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
Something surprising about me is that when I was younger, I used to be scared of dogs, big or small! I now have a Pitbull/Australian Cattle Dog mix who I cannot imagine life without!