What is your favorite food? ​Nachos

What is your favorite musician/band? ​All things country; Randy Houser, Keith Urban & Jason Aldean are some of my favorites!

What is a project you’re working on now? We just bought a house! So I am now a part-time interior-designer for that! I’m also on day 143 of working out in a row (since the start of quarantine).

What is your favorite thing about working at BBBSEM? The people; both who I work with and who I meet day to day in Enrollment. I’ve learned so much from talking with so many different people these past 3 years and I think that has really expanded my perspective of the world. It’s so cool to have the opportunity to learn about someone’s life, culture, family, hobbies, etc. and I feel lucky to have met everyone that I have.

What has been a challenge you’ve overcome while working here and what did you learn from it? Coming from a social work background (in my previous positions I did therapy and counseling with children and adults), towing the line between therapist and Enrollment Coordinator was a challenge at first. I’ve learned how to gather the information that’s important to our process in a trauma-informed way, which combines the Enrollment role with social work. I’ve really enjoyed being part of such an empowering and strengths-based process to help kids get mentors.

What’s something you’re hoping to learn in your new position? I think the future of mentoring is moving more and more towards virtual connections, so I’m hoping to learn more about creating and developing engaging spaces for Bigs and Littles to make those connections, in ways that still feel authentic and exciting.

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is mint chocolate chip ice cream!

What is your favorite musician/band? My favorite musician is Jimmy Buffett. I grew up in a BIG Jimmy Buffett household and his music was pretty much the only music my siblings and I listened to as children. Now, it’s a family tradition to all meet up once a year for one of his concerts!

What is a project you’re working on now? Right now, I am working to help transition Big Sisters, Little Sisters, and their families into our Boston College program for the start of the Fall. Personally, I am trying to garden for the first time and somewhat successfully growing basil!

What is your favorite thing about working at BBBSEM? I love how inclusive and welcoming of new ideas and creativity BBBSEM is. I am also constantly inspired by everyone’s passion for helping youth reach their fullest potential and lucky to be surrounded by driven, intelligent, and passionate coworkers every day.

What has been a challenge you’ve overcome while working here and what did you learn from it? Transitioning to entirely virtual matching in the spring was particularly challenging at first. We had to create new ways to continue to serve the youth in our program during a time when mentoring and connection became especially important. It was great to come together as a team to continue to positively impact children’s lives and know that our agency can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

What’s something you’re hoping to learn in your new position? I am excited to take on more peer leadership positions this upcoming year and have the opportunity to grow professionally through intern supervision this Fall!