By Nicole Lemire
Day Habilitation Specialist Alexis has found a passion for helping others and a fulfilling career at BCArc.
A Berkshire native, Alexis moved to Tennessee for a year with her daughter, leaving her career as a hairdresser to become a Personal Care Assistant. Through this work, she discovered a love for assisting people with disabilities. After moving back to Massachusetts to be closer to family, Alexis began working at BCArc six years ago and has never looked back.
“I love making other people feel good,” she said. “It’s great to see them gain independence through physical therapy and occupational therapy.”
She worked in residential for two years, but eventually moved to the Nu-Opps Day Habilitation Program because the hours better suited her schedule as a mother. At Nu-Opps, she is responsible for attending to individuals throughout their daily routines, including occupational therapy in the mornings, helping people achieve their goals, physical therapy, and other day time activities. Additionally, the program takes part in fun activities such as jeopardy, cooking club, and making arts and crafts with Community Access to the Arts (CATA). There are about 30 total individuals who attend the program, although on any given day there are typically about 10-15 individuals in attendance.
“Working with people with brain injuries has taught me to never take life for granted,” Alexis said. “This is a job that makes you want to give back to others.”
One of Alexis’ favorite memories of her time at BCArc was Nu-Opps’ first Friendsgiving, which is now an annual tradition.
“Working with people with brain injuries has taught me to never take life for granted,” Alexis said. “This is a job that makes you want to give back to others.”
“We had a pot luck and everyone brought food,” she said. “It was great to come together and work as a team to make it happen.”
The Nu-Opps crew at their 2nd Annual Friendsgiving last November.
In the future, Alexis hopes to return to school to study social work and eventually become a case manager at BCArc. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed, as she was recently named one of BCArc’s Employees of the Quarter, a recognition that Nu-Opps Program Director Liz Buratto said was well-deserved for Alexis.
“Alexis is reliable and dependable and has been a staple in getting our Nu-Opps folks out into the community. She is a team player and works very well with every staff,” Liz said. “She is a huge asset to our Nu-Opps family!”
Outside of work, Alexis loves to spend time with her 12 year old daughter and work on art projects together.
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