Stephany started working at BCArc so that she could enjoy a flexible work schedule that allowed her to care for her mother. Today, four years later, she now manages a program in Lanesboro, overseeing numerous staff, programs, and budgets.
“The time I’ve spent working with individuals with developmental disabilities has taught me patience and understanding,” she said. “The individuals in my program have shown me how to live life to the fullest.”
“During something as simple as an ice cream trip, I realized the great joy it brought them on a hot day. These moments come often, when you least expect it.”
Stephany notes that she has created a strong bond with the individuals who live at the home. Small and simple activities turn into lasting memories, like when the entire house went on an outing to get ice cream.
“During something as simple as an ice cream trip, I realized the great joy it brought them on a hot day. These moments come often, when you least expect it.”
While the pandemic put a hold on outings, Stephany says the staff at the house did a great job to “make sure individuals were comfortable and engaged during these tough times.”
Typically, Stephany arrives at the house in the morning, makes sure the individuals who live in the home are ready for their day program activities before sending them off to the program. Two individuals in Stephany’s house do not attend any programs outside the house, so she provides a series of activities for them to reach their set goals. One of the individuals loves to color, so the house activities often have some artistic element to them. Stephany juggles these activities with managerial duties, such as ensuring shifts are covered, responding to emails, interacting with BCArc nurses and families, and more.
