Karla A.

**Due to scheduling, I am no longer taking new clients** Hello, my name is LaToya. I am currently a student at ACC majoring in Diagnostic Medical/Vascular Sonography. I've completed ACC's Certified Nursing Assistant program and am registered by the state of Texas. Through education and work experience, I feel this is the path for me. I like assisting people and helping them be as independent as they are able to. I previously worked in a small-town public library and assisting people or just chatting about their day was very fulfilling. My interests are reading, music, watching classic movies, and dancing.

Compassion and empathy for others are traits that enables me to work well as a caregiver. The study of Gerontology at Edwards university convinced me that Positive Aging or Aging Gracefully is really attainable with the right tools and the right attitude in place. My mother assisted the elderly, I would help her from time to time. I knew it was the right thing to do. When I graduated high school, I went to work in a Nursing home as a Nurses Aide. The thing I enjoy most about caregiving is being able to encourage others to live and enjoy life one day at a time in spite of the circumstances. Securing the 83 hrs of Gerontology at St. Edwards University and the time I learned and worked for the City of Austin for 22 years. I started as a volunteer, Senior nutrition aide, promoted to Site Mgr. , promoted to Site Mgr. Supervisor, Promoted to Project Director, Senior Employment. When I retired I was acting Program manager of Senior Programs. These are two achievement I'm proud of. The greatest achievement was when a Hospice client was motivated, got up from bed and starting fixing her breakfast again.