By Nicole Lemire
“Helping others is my dream and my passion.”
Danielle Walker first started at BCArc 12 years ago working the night shift in a brain injury residence, but quickly switched to first shift so that she would be able to spend more time with the individuals. She felt that the night shift wasn’t as fulfilling to her because of the lack of one-on-one time with individuals.
Currently, she is working as a relief worker in a program serving people with brain injuries in Westfield, and has specifically been helping out often at one of BCArc’s newest programs. Making the change from full time to relief — where she works to sub in where needed — was challenging for her because she always wants to be able to do more for the individuals.
One of Danielle’s greatest priorities at BCArc is being able to advocate for individuals. She recalled one memory of an individual being discriminated against in a grocery store for wearing a helmet, and she stood up for him against those that were mistreating him, and helped him to understand that disrespect and discrimination is never okay.
“I take care of people the way that I would want to be taken care of,” said Danielle. “I like to show people what they’re capable of, break boundaries, and empower them.”
Recently, as a result of her hard work and dedication to the individuals, Danielle was named as one of BCArc’s employees of the quarter, something that came as a shock to her. She did not expect to receive this award, but said that she was honored to be chosen.
“I take care of people the way that I would want to be taken care of,” said Danielle. “I like to show people what they’re capable of, break boundaries, and empower them.”
Outside of work, Danielle is active in her church and is a self proclaimed movie fanatic. She loves many movies, but when asked to narrow it down to one, she said that Beauty and the Beast is her all-time favorite.
Danielle describes herself as being a kid at heart, which also translates into her work, as she loves to have fun with the individuals. Her favorite memory at BCArc occurred at a holiday party at Dug Road, where she was able to watch the individuals let loose and dance the night away. She loved being able to see them all get together and be themselves.
