34yrs

female

Speaks English

Growing up, my grandmother took care of young women with Down Syndrome in our family home for many years of my adolescence. The reward she described and showed motivated me to explore this line of care. I have worked over a year with special needs men and women in a residential and day rehabilitation setting. To this day, I believe that experience to be more than a job. This was a gift to me, as they truly appreciate what most of society takes for granted. I have experience with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, handicap, meal preparation (feeding/food perpetration), hygiene (including diaper changing/proper skin care) capacity to use a hoyer lift/light lifting, and a keen ability to keep the smiles plastered on! I also have over 2 years' experience working with youth (10-20) in a residential treatment setting, who arrived at the facility from all over the state! These youth were at risk, showing aggressive or acting out behaviors.